(Laws of War on Land, pp. 6 and 7)
The claims of professors of International Law (in regard to a certain point under discussion) “should be deliberately rejected in principle as being opposed to the rules of war.”
(Ibid page 46)
The claims of certain professors of International Law in this respect are absolutely contrary to the necessities of warfare, “and should be rejected by military men.”
(Ibid pages 44 and 45)
An energetically conducted war cannot be carried on solely against the combatant enemy and his defenses, but extends and should extend to the destruction of his material and moral resources. Humanitarian considerations, such as respect for persons and property, can be taken into consideration only provided that the nature and object of the war adapt themselves to that course.
(Ibid page 3)
The above extracts indicate clearly the spirit of the German military class, namely,
To protect themselves against humanitarian ideas, as against a dangerous infection.
To cast aside international law if found incompatible with convenience.