The President of the Reichsbank (in retirement) Dr. Hjalmar Schacht
Guhlen Post Lindow (Mark), 29th August 1932.
Dear Herr Hitler,
May I hope, that you will allow me to use this form of addressing you, since the only purpose of my letter is to assure you of my unchanging sympathy in these times of great trials. I realize, that you are not in need of consolation. The rise to a total of 14 million votes cast for you, the perfidious counterblow by the other—theoretically stronger—side, and the loss of the votes of political profiteers, all these are things which could not seriously surprise you. But what you could perhaps do with in these days, is a word of most sincere sympathy. Your movement is carried internally by so strong a truth and necessity, that victory in one form or another cannot elude you for long. During the time of the rise of your movement you did not let yourself be led astray by false gods. I am firmly convinced, that now, when you are forced into a position of defence for a short time, you will likewise resist the temptation of an alliance with false idols. If you remain the man that you. are, then success cannot elude you.
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EC-457
You know, that I do not intend to give you any tactical advice, since I admit absolutely to your superiority in this subject. But perhaps as an economist I may say this; if possible, do not put forward any detailed economic program. There is no such program on which 14 millions could agree. Economic policy, is not a factor for building up a party, but at best collects interest. Moreover, economic measures vary with time and circumstances. It merely depends on the spirit out of which they are born. Let this spirit be the deciding factor.
Wherever my work may take me to in the near future even if you should see me one day within the fortress—you can always count on me as your reliable assistant. .
I felt the need of writing the above to you, as in our time so few understand, that everything depends on the inner strength.
With a vigorous "Heil",
(signed) Hjalmar Schacht.
CL / ACF.