“In the period 1933-1939, progress was made in all fields.
Our military situation improved enormously.
“Our situation with regard to the rest of the world has remained the same.
“Germany had dropped from the circle of Great Powers. The balance of power had been effected without the participation of Germany.
“This equilibrium is disturbed when Germany’s demands for the necessities of life make themselves felt, and Germany re-emerges as a Great Power. All demands are regarded as ‘Encroachments’. The English are more afraid of dangers in the economic sphere than of the simple threat of force.
“A mass of 80 million people has solved the ideological problems. So, too, must the economic problems be solved. No German can evade the creation of the necessary economic conditions for this. The solution of the problems demands courage. The principle, by which one evades solving the problem by adapting oneself to circumstances, is inadmissible. Circumstances must rather be adapted to aims. This is impossible without invasion of foreign states or attacks upon foreign property.
“Living space, in proportion to the magnitude of the state, is the basis of all power. One may refuse for a time to face the problem, but finally it is solved one way or the other. The choice is between advancement or decline. In 15 or 20 years’ time we shall be compelled to find a solution. No German statesman can evade the question longer than that.
“We are at present in a state of patriotic fervour, which is shared by two other nations: Italy and Japan.
“The period which lies behind us has indeed been put to good use. All measures have been taken in the correct sequence and in harmony with our aims.
“After 6 years, the situation is today as follows: