Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker faces imminent execution after torture, asserting loyalty to Germany while denying treason and asking a survivor to inform his wife.
In plain terms
I am dying after torture, but I was loyal to Germany, not a traitor. Please tell my wife if you live.
What can you take from it?
Maintain dignity and loyalty even in the face of death.

Where it applies

  • military interrogation
  • final moments
  • historical testimony

Putting it to work

  • communicating with loved ones
  • denying false charges

Questions to consider

  • What does loyalty mean under duress?
  • How do you face death with honor?

Another view

The claim of non-treason may be contested by captors.

More from Wilhelm Canaris

  1. You know, my dear Lahousen, the students of history will not need to trouble their heads after this war, as they did after the last, to determine who was guilt…

    Permalink to quote #6
  2. A day will come when the world will find the Wehrmacht responsible for these methods, inasmuch as the things happen with our tacit consent.

    Permalink to quote #8
  3. General Franco made it clear that Spain could enter the war only when England was about ready to collapse.

    Permalink to quote #5

Related quotes

  1. I went out to Charing Cross, to see Major-general Harrison hanged, drawn and quartered; which was done there, he looking as cheerful as any man could do in tha…

    Samuel PepysSamuel Pepys quote #3
  2. Stand us against a wall and shoot us, well and good, you are victors. But why should I be brought before a Tribunal like a c-c-c-... I can't even get the word …

    Robert LeyRobert Ley quote #1
  3. I felt this war coming. I tried unsuccessfully to assassinate Hitler in 1945. I am not concerned with jurisdiction of the court as Hess or others are. History …

    Albert SpeerAlbert Speer quote #1