Having been informed of events by Vice-Chancellor von Papen, President Hindenburg summoned General Goering, in his capacity of Chief of Police, and myself to Neudeck. Our instructions are to consult with you on the measures to be taken to ensure internal peace. If a complete relaxation of tension does not immediately take place (and to this end we must avoid any ministerial crisis), martial law will be proclaimed.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- President Hindenburg convened officials, including the speaker, to discuss internal peace measures, threatening martial law if tensions didn't ease.
- In plain terms
- They planned to keep peace, or else impose martial law.
- What can you take from it?
- Authority may resort to force to maintain order.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is martial law justified?
- What alternatives exist to forceful measures?
Another view
The excerpt lacks detail on the underlying causes of tension.
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