Ein Wort zum Thema Etappe von Reichsminister Dr. Goebbels

[johnschou]

Hi Forum
I have just got this leaflet, do some have more info ?

Ein Wort zum Thema Etappe von Reichsminister Dr. Goebbels

Oberkommando der Wehrmacht
Br. Nr. 5617/40. geh
Berlin, den 4. Juli 1940

Geheim

Regards
John

[Pavel]

Hello,
here is a concise summary of the content. I tried to capture the main and most noteworthy points.

It is a propaganda speech on the subject service on the home front. Goebbels argues that all able men who avoid military duty and seek shelter in the rear (die Etappe) commit thus betrayal of the fatherland and jeopardize the prospect of victory during "the difficult times" (meaning July 1940). The war and war industry take preference over comfortable life at writing desks and the war effort requires rather submachine guns then typewriting machines. There are no longer regulated working hours – one works (or fights) as long as necessary for the victory. This should be especially true in the rear. However, there are still people pleading to various "papers" in order to avoid their proper duty or work harder for the fatherland.

Furthermore, Goebbels claims that those who undertake a higher degree of danger or take more responsibility deserve also more privileges and benefits. And comfort for the rear has to wait until the needs of the front line are fully met: for example, radios are more needed among the combat units instead of being an idle accessory of civilian home. The same applies to the care for the combat troops. A civilian has enough opportunities to enjoy himself in the rear – but not the front line soldiers.

National Socialism is, according to Goebbels, no empty and stupid school subject that one has to follow when commanded to. It is rather the way of thinking which influences the choices and actions: bravery on the front, diligence and hardworking spirit in the rear. Every boss in the rear should always bear in his mind increase of efficiency – so there could be a few more man and officers available for the front line.

Every citizen is part of the war effort. ... The rear should see itself as a mere servant for the front line. Only then, argues Goebbels, deserves the rear respect as well. Otherwise deserves the derogatory touch which is connected with the term "the rear" (here used in the military term - die Etappe). Even in the rear can one fulfill his duty for the fatherland but is necessary to put all the effort to it.

Unfortunately, I am not able to fully translate the confidential amendment (Geheim). It apparently regulates the circumstance under which could be employees of the Reich Ministry of Enlightenment and Propaganda drafted in the army. There seem to be certain exceptions depending on years of births. It appears as if most of the employees did not have to worry about the conscription. That would be quite ironic, given Goebbel's zealous appeal to utmost service as stated above.

[johnschou]

Hi Pavel
Great job, large translation :-). I have been told it is a sort of english propaganda thrown into Germnany to make uncertainty ? But now when I read your translation it does not seem to be that
Regards
John

[HPL2008]

It is an Allied propaganda leaflet indeed.

Goebbels' words on how every man has to give everything for the war, on how much more important and honorable it is to fight at the front than to remain in the safety of the homeland and how shabby it is to dodge frontline service are juxtaposed with the (secret) order regulating that personnel of the Propaganda Ministry born up until and including 1913 are basically safe from call-up (younger ones in certain individual cases, too) due to their essential war work, leaving the readers to draw their own conclusion.

Note that said order was already issued in the first year of the war (June 1940). The leaflet's author sarcastically remarks "And this order is still valid today!". Never mind the total war...

[johnschou]

Thank you for your additional info, so it is correct what I have been toæld that it is a Allied propaganda leaflet.
Regards
John