Then the war came, and with it special duties for civil servants, officers, and every individual German. Should, and if so when and how could these people who still felt themselves to be the servants of the nation, leave their posts under these circumstances? Would they, above all, by taking such a step be useful to their country and to humanity? Would they have frightened Hitler or even warned him?
DR. HORN: Did you make peace suggestions of a foreign political nature to Von Ribbentrop after the French campaign?
VON STEENGRACHT: Yes. I had at that time, to be sure, no official position. But I nevertheless felt the need, and I believe it was a heartfelt wish of many, if not all, Germans, to see peaceful conditions again in the world as soon as possible. On the day of the capitulation of the King of the Belgians, I suggested:
Firstly, the creation of a United States of Europe on a democratic basis. This would have meant independence of Holland, Belgium, Poland, and so on.
Secondly, if this could not be brought about with Hitler, at any rate to have as few encroachments on the autonomy of the countries as possible.
DR. HORN: Did Von Ribbentrop speak to Hitler on this matter?
VON STEENGRACHT: So far as I know, yes. But at that time Hitler considered such plans as premature.
DR. HORN: Did you speak to Von Ribbentrop again in the winter of 1942-43 on the same subject?
VON STEENGRACHT: Yes. Ribbentrop at that time also worked out very concrete proposals. They provided for the sovereignty and independence of all conquered countries, including Poland, and in addition, a far-reaching economic collaboration.
DR. HORN: How did Hitler react then to these proposals?