But one thing should be known in this regard: We will protect the German priest who is the servant of God; we will destroy the priest who is the political enemy of the German Reich.
We believe that this will most likely prevent a development which – as the example of Spain has shown us – would otherwise lead all too easily to a conflict of unforeseeable magnitude one day.
I would like to add this fundamental explanation: In certain circles abroad, there seems to be the opinion that an especially loud proclamation of sympathy for elements that have run afoul of the law in Germany might lead to an amelioration of their situation. Perhaps there is the hope that certain publicity methods can be used to terrorize the leadership of the German state.
That belief is based on a fatal error. When foreign countries support certain activities directed against the state, we see the final proof of their treasonous character!
After all, simple opposition to a regime never elicited sympathy from these democratic foreign countries. Neither did the persecution or punishment of one such political criminal. For when was there a stronger opposition in Germany than the National Socialist one?
Never was an opposition more oppressed by viler means, more persecuted and defamed than the National Socialist party. But to our credit, we can say that we never enjoyed the pity, let alone the support, of these foreign powers on account of this.
This support therefore seems destined only for those who intend to destroy the German Reich. For that reason we shall see in every individual case merely the compelling reason to tighten our measures.
Given the dangers threatening us, I therefore see it as a great good fortune to have found states in and outside of Europe which, much like the German Volk, must engage in the most arduous struggles to defend their existence: Italy and Japan.
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