"By a series of agreements we have eliminated existing tensions and thereby contributed considerably to an improvement in the European atmosphere. I merely recall an agreement with Poland, which has worked out to the advantage of both sides.

"True statesmanship will not overlook realities, but consider them. The Italian nation and the new Italian State are realities. The German nation and the German Reich are equally realities. And to my own fellow-citizens, I would say that the Polish nation and the Polish State have also become a reality.

"The German Reich with its strong Army will protect her own security and her own honor. But, fully convinced that there is for Europe no greater good than peace, the German Reich will always be a responsible and conscious promoter of the European peace idea."