Serial 51. M.M.S.l. SEEKRIEG.
St. S. Nr. 807
Berlin, 14th Oct 1939
The Reichsaussenminister
According to my information the decision on unrestricted U-boat warfare against England is imminent. This is at least as much a political decision as it is a technicality of war.
A short while ago I submitted my personal view that unrestricted U-boat warfare could bring new enemies upon us at a time when we still lack the necessary U-boats to defeat England. On the other hand the Navy's attitude of insisting on the opening of unrestricted U-boat warfare is backed by every convincing reason.
I therefore think it necessary to ask the High Command of the Armed Forces for a military appreciation [translator's note : free for "fachmaennische Unterlage"] before making the final decision. In my opinion the following questions ought to be asked:
(a) When would the navy like to start unrestricted U-boat warfare ?
(b) Which prohibited zones does it suggest? (Notification
of the neutrals is necessary.) '
(c) What are the figures of sinking per month up to now and
what can one expect them to be in future ? -(d) Does the navy wish to make exceptions in the sinkings as regards passenger ships
as regards certain neutrals (i. e. Russian trade to England, Danish foodships, etc.) . ,
and how does the Navy envisage sparing those ships?
I beg to be given authority, to make inquiries of this nature with the High Command of the Armed Forces at once.
[signed] WEIZSAECKER
FW/HAB
981
Message to Ribbentrop suggesting that the OKW be asked to report on the navy's proposal for "unrestricted U-boat warfare against England," including the timing, the zones involved, and possible exceptions for passenger ships and some neutral ships
Authors
Ernst Weizsaecker, von (State Secretary (Foreign Ministry); ambassador)
Ernst von Weizsaecker
German diplomat in the Nazi regime (1882-1951)
- Born: 1882-01-01 1882-05-25 (Stuttgart)
- Died: 1951-08-04 (Lindau)
- Country of citizenship: Germany
- Occupation: diplomat; politician
- Member of political party: Nazi Party
- Member of: Schutzstaffel
- Military rank: corvette captain
- Military branch: Imperial German Navy
Date: 14 October 1939
Defendant: Erich Raeder
Total Pages: 1
Language of Text: English
Source of Text: Nazi conspiracy and aggression (Office of United States Chief of Counsel for Prosecution of Axis Criminality. Washington, D.C. : U.S. Government Printing Office, 1946.)
Evidence Code: D-857
Citation: IMT (page 9988)
HLSL Item No.: 453051