"Hitler's Table Talk" Study Hour: Episode 46

Feb. 12, 2015

Adolf Hitler with Gerdy Troost, widow of National Socialist Party architect Paul Troost, view works of art at the House of German Art in Munich. which was designed by Troost. Enlarge

Ray Goodwin and Carolyn Yeager read and comment on the July 24-August 2, 1942 lunch and dinner table monologues by the German Leader, as taken down in shorthand by aide Henry Picker. 1h30m. Included in this episode:

• Hitler has faith that the Dutch can "improve" but the Italians without the Duce are hopelessly under the thumb of the Church and nobility;
• The need for oil from the Caucasus and the value of gas-driven over petrol-driven vehicles;
• Hitler discusses why government or military corruption must not be allowed to get a hold in Germany and tells of his experience with "swindlers";
• On Russians wanting to emigrate into the Crimea;
• The lack of superior weaponry in the first World War - developing and building such are of equal importance to soldiering;
• Praise for the annual exhibition and sale in the House of German Art in Munich;
• The credulity of the American and British public - German and American standard of living compared - the power of the Church to surpress scientific progress;

The edition of Hitler's Table Talk being used was translated by Norman Cameron and R.H. Stevens, published by Enigma Books, New York, and can be found as a pdf here.