The Nuremberg Interviews by Leon Goldensohn Read Free Book Online Page A

the enemies of Germany. You can imagine how strong an influence Hitler must have had, if even a man like myself failed to be influenced by the wisdom of Spengler but was influenced only by Hitler.
    “One cannot underestimate the influence of the hypnotic personality of Hitler. That, too, I do not offer as an excuse, but just as an example. After the deed is done, one always becomes clever and philosophical.
    “There was a great difference between the fate and personalities of Napoleon and Hitler. In a way, their two fates coincide. I can show you in ten minutes. It is something I’ve already indicated to Goering. It is surprising how one can make analogies between historical personalities. It is good to be in a cell to be able to think things — it is sensational.
    “I met my wife in 1924. The relationship was one of a chance happening and was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I certainly don’t wantto say anything against the character of my wife, but she is too old — five years older than I am — and I am of the opinion that it’s just too bad. Secondly, her character is the opposite of mine. I was engaged to a nice person who would have suited me perfectly. I believe that if I had stuck to my first sweetheart, I think my life would have taken a new turn. During that time I dictated my doctoral thesis to a typist — and the typist was the woman who became my wife. Although she was five years older than I, I suddenly was seized with a mental desire for this woman.
    “The whole thing was difficult because, for one thing, my wife came from a poor family. I think I was in an intoxicated condition, not literally but figuratively. I broke off my engagement to my first sweetheart, who came from a well-to-do, influential family and was a young girl. I married the typist, who is my present wife. In 1926 our first child was born and I had to earn something. That was one of the reasons for my accepting Hitler’s offer. I don’t want to place the blame on my wife, but there was economic necessity.
    “The most outspoken critic of my wife is my mother. Even now when my mother is quite alone, she declines to receive my wife. There is absolutely no bond of friendship between my mother and my wife.
    “For many years I had no relationship as a husband with my wife. In 1942 I wanted a divorce, and in fact divorce proceedings were going on. Then Hitler stepped in and prohibited this action. My wife had written Hitler and Hitler said that I could not be divorced because it was not his wish. This is an example to show how far Hitler’s influence went in Germany. A week after filing suit for divorce, I was informed by the minister of justice that Hitler disapproved of the proceedings. In the summer of 1943 I accidentally met Hitler, who said that under no conditions would I be allowed to become divorced. Now in captivity, I merely write to her, especially for the children’s sake, and because of the short life I am going to have anyway.
    “I met the girl I was supposed to marry again in the last few years. She, too, was unhappy. We went together and practically lived together like man and wife. Our not getting married originally was due in part to personal stupidity, but mainly I think it was a trick of fate. The biggest mistake is that I act and speak under emotional influences and do not take an objective view of circumstances.
    “My marriage was such that I was always lonely. I could not speak with my wife about things that depressed me. I was virtually a marriedbachelor. I don’t want you to misunderstand me — this has nothing to do with the character of my wife. She would have fit admirably with another kind of man, probably.” I asked Frank what kind of a man his wife would have suited, in his opinion. “A practical man, an industrious businessman who likes money, gives parties, and that sort of life.”
    I asked him how he explained emotionally his originally having fallen in love with his wife. He replied,