Summary—"War Economy" trip to Godesberg undertaken by General Staff between 25 May and 2 June. (W.W. 23-1).
Welcome to General Staff's "War Economy Trip" to Godesberg in 1937. Contrary to the first trip last year which was limited to very few men, the following individuals will participate this year; members of war economy organization, representatives of the three branches of the Armed Forces, a considerable number of men representing the Plenipotentiary General and several men who join us in these measures for rearmament. Particularly welcome is President Schacht who promised to be present during the final conference on Saturday.
Previous trips of this nature were concerned mainly with visiting industrial organizations and making the acquaintance of their leading men. Last year's trip already went one step further as mobilization of organizations was discussed, as well as, in one instance, the solution of the difficult worker problem.
During fall of the past year a first experiment was made in starting on a small scale a war game in war economy. We gained considerable experience which was applied this year. This year's trip has two main aims; first, examination of cooperation within war economy organizations, coordination of the war economy staff with the branches of the Armed Forces, and the cooperation between the war economy staff and the G. B. under presumed conditions of war; second, inner organizational mobilization.
I talked with many soldiers and industrialists regarding the nature and execution of these trips, but most of them did not understand them.
We, too, do not know much about this kind of war game in war economy. We also consider it a dangerous experiment, but hope to be able to utilize, on a large scale, what we learn from it.
The circle participating in this war game is considerably larger and therefore prevented us from basing it on a situation exposing the actual German plan of operations. We had to construct a situation which provided a reasonable and practical foundation for one game on one hand but which, on the other hand, is constructed in a manner that the purpose of the game is completely fulfilled in regard to business. Please do not examine the game too critically regarding tactical and strategic moves, but remember that the main purpose of this trip is a possible solution of war economic problems.
I want to point out, however, that all material and all information received has to be kept in strict secrecy.
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A second point. The first round of a war game cannot solve all problems, it can only bring it closer to their 'solution. Therefore, I shall not discuss basic problems and situations, but I shall take note of originating differences in order to have them clarified in Berlin' later on. We based the situation—especially regarding Red—regarding organization on several assumptions which do correspond with the real German situation and which need further examination before they can be suggested for acceptance by the Armed Forces. I, therefore, ask you not to discuss these questions as, I repeat, we all want to gain experience from this kind of war game and want to become acquainted with the advantages and disadvantages of one or the other organization. It is possible to get acquainted only if one plays with them with the help of a practical example. The main purpose of the war game consists in pointing out to those present here how the actions of the soldiers in total war is influenced by economy and how on the other hand, economy is completely dependent on military operations. During war time there is no polarity: Armed Forces here, Economy there! It is important that they cooperate and we are attempting to find a successful method to effect this.
As the time provided for this war game is very limited we can only indicate arising questions and discuss in detail only very few subjects. Therefore, please limit your discussions. I shall only direct parts of the game; Lt. Col. Huenerman and Major Beutler will take over the lead of the remaining part of the game. I am doing this in order to keep at a certain distance from these things. I have to do this in order to gain and retain the full perspective and method of the game and to make future conclusions from gained experience.
Hopes to become better acquainted with everybody.
Part I of Speech welcoming Dr. Schacht.
Before I start with the discussion of the war game in war economy, I have to express how grateful we all are that you, President Dr. Schacht, have gone to the trouble to personally participate in our final discussion today despite all your other activities. This proves to us your deep interest in war economy tasks shown at all times and your presence here is renewed proof that you are willing to facilitate for us soldiers the difficult war-economic preparations and to strengthen the harmonious cooperation with your offices.
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