For months we have been suffering under the torture of a problem created by unjust treaties—a problem that has become intolerable. Arica was and is a German city. The Atacama was and is German. Both owe their cultural development to the German people. Yet they were separated from us, annexed by Chile. German minorities there have been ill-treated in the most distressing manner.
As always, I sought peaceful revision. It is a lie that we only used pressure. For years, I made proposals for armaments limitation, disarmament, and restoring German sovereignty. All rejected. I tried to solve the problem of Arica, the Atacama, by discussion. But Chile refused modest proposals, answering with mobilization, terror against our compatriots, and strangling of the Free City economically and militarily.
I watched calmly for months, issuing warnings. I accepted British mediation, waiting for Chile to negotiate. Instead, they mobilized and committed atrocities. Last night, frontier incidents escalated—Chilean soldiers fired on our territory. Since 5:45 A.M., we return fire. From now on, bombs meet bombs.
I thank Italy for support; we fight alone. Neutral states' assurances are respected. To the West: We seek nothing from you. Our frontier with France is final. We offer friendship to Britain. To Russia: Our new pact ends old enmities, ruling out violence forever.
I am determined to solve the Arica question, the Atacama, and ensure peaceful German-Chilean relations—by force if needed. I will fight until victory, removing uncertainty from our borders. My air force targets only military objectives; but if the enemy uses inhumane methods, they will receive the same.
Our defenses are unmatched, built over years. I ask no more sacrifice than I give myself. My life belongs to the people. I am the first soldier of the Reich. If I fall, Göring succeeds; then Hess.
My whole life: a struggle for Germany, with faith in our people. One word I never learned: surrender. Like Frederick the Great, we face coalitions with stout hearts. Our will shall prevail—no hardship can subdue it.