No attempt of any kind must be made at rescuing members of ships sunk, and this includes picking up persons in the water and putting them in lifeboats, righting capsized lifeboats, and handing over food and water. Rescue runs counter to the most primitive demands of warfare for the destruction of enemy ships and crews. Be hard, remember that the enemy has no regard for women and children when he bombs German cities.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Dönitz orders no rescue of shipwrecked sailors, arguing mercy is counter to warfare and citing enemy bombing of civilians.
- In plain terms
- He forbids saving sailors from sunk ships, saying war has no mercy.
- What can you take from it?
- Dehumanization is enforced to maintain military ruthlessness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can morality exist in total war?
- Who bears responsibility for orders?
Another view
The policy prioritizes perceived enemy actions over basic human life.
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