Wilhelm Canaris Quotes

Wilhelm Franz Canaris was a German admiral and chief of the Abwehr, the German military intelligence service, from 1935 to 1944. Initially a supporter of Adolf Hitler, by 1939 he had turned against the regime. During World War II he was among the military officers involved in the clandestine opposition to Nazi Germany leadership. He was executed in Flossenbürg concentration camp for high treason as the Nazi regime was collapsing. Wikipedia  

✵ 1. January 1887 – 9. April 1945
Wilhelm Canaris photo
Wilhelm Canaris: 7   quotes 0   likes

Famous Wilhelm Canaris Quotes

“As the officer before the World War was naturally a monarchist…so it is naturally understandable today…to be a National Socialist…The Wehrmacht has become the tool of the National Socialist will for development.”

1938. Quoted in "Hitler's Spies: German Military Intelligence in World War II" - Page 234 by David Kahn - True Crime - 2000

“I die for my fatherland. I have a clear conscience. I only did my duty to my country when I tried to oppose the criminal folly of Hitler.”

Quoted in "Admiral Canaris - Chief of Intelligence" - Page 210 - by Ian Colvin - 2007

“You can talk to the man. He is reasonable, and sees your point of view, if you point it out properly.”

About speaking to Hitler. Quoted in "Hitler's Spies: German Military Intelligence in World War II" - Page 234 - by David Kahn - True Crime - 2000

“Please don't worry about me, Captain Patzig. I'm an incurable optimist. And as far as those fellows are concerned, I think I know how to get along with them.”

To Captain Konrad Patzig. Quoted in "The Game of the Foxes" - Page 5 - by Ladislas Farago - 1972

“One day the world will hold the Wehrmacht responsible for these methods since these things are taking place under its nose.”

Alternate version: A day will come when the world will find the Wehrmacht responsible for these methods, inasmuch as the things happen with our tacit consent.
September 1939. Quoted in "Bodyguard of Lies: The Extraordinary True Story Behind D-Day‎" - Page 178 - by Anthony Cave Brown - 2007

“Badly mishandled. Nose broken at last interrogation. My time is up. Was not a traitor. Did my duty as a German. If you survive, please tell my wife…”

Final message to Colonel Landing, in the cell next to his. Quoted in "Canaris‎" - by Heinz Höhne - 1979

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