The troops are therefore empowered and are in duty bound in this war to use without mitigation even against women and children any means that will lead to success.
Wilhelm KeitelIf I had known it I would have told my son, I'd rather shoot you than let you join the SS. But I didn't know.
Wilhelm KeitelHitler gave us orders - and we believed in him. Then he commits suicide and leaves us to bear the guilt. He should have remained alive to bear his share.
Wilhelm KeitelIf this war is not fought with the greatest brutality against the bands both in the East and in the Balkans then in the foreseeable future the strength at our disposal will not be sufficient to be able to master this plague.
Wilhelm KeitelConsideration of any kind are a crime against the German people and the soldier at the front.
Wilhelm KeitelThis war no longer has anything to do with knightly conduct or with the agreements of the Geneva Convention.
Wilhelm KeitelIt isn't right to be obedient only when things go well; it is much harder to be a good, obedient soldier when things go badly and times are hard. Obedience and faith at such time is a virtue.
Wilhelm KeitelHitler had charm, loved children, charmed women. But in political respects he would stop at nothing. In other respects he had soft and touching emotions. Just as he could be terribly brutal in following up political ideas, so he could be humanely sensitive for the feelings of individuals, for the individual human life.
Wilhelm KeitelThis fight has nothing to do with soldierly gallantry or principles of the Geneva Convention. If the fight against the partisans is not waged with the most brutal means, we will shortly reach the point where the available forces are insufficient to control the area. It is therefore not only justified, but it is the duty of the troops to use all means without restriction, even against women and children, so long as it ensures success.
Wilhelm Keitel