To: Generalmajor Tristan Schnack,
Addressing the Concerns over the Fronts
August 9th, 1944
The Eastern Front
Since our last major offensive in 1943, that temporarily brought relief to the city of Konigsberg, the front has remained static. There have been minor exceptions of localized offensives and counteroffensives; however because of a relative balance of power no major changes have occurred since our retreat from Konigsberg back to Danzig. The Führer insists on launching a sweeping general offensive across the entire front. He has issued a directive stating that all historically Germanic land – notably lands of Austria, East Prussia and parts of Germanic Poland are to be liberated at once without regard for causalities. The Führer’s orders are not followed outside the bunker; I countermanded every order that escapes. Even the most fanatical officers and enlisted soldiers within the Waffen Schutzstaffel have lost their dedication to the man. I recently visited two of the divisions stationed here on the front, there demeanor seems calmer, almost muted. Upon my return I received the explanation of their unfamiliar behavior – the Reichsführer had died.
I am not sure if you are aware of the full situation of on this front – it is precarious. The newsworthy combat that occurs is located to two sectors of the front – the Prussian and Polish areas of operations. The areas of Bohemia-Moravia and Austria remain relatively quiet due to the extensive amount of fortifications and difficult terrain – the Eastern and Central Eastern Alps. This area of operation proves a nightmare for the Soviets, having lost a few divisions to attrition according to captured prisoners. The Soviets are also dealing with the crack 8 Armee that consisting of 25 mountain infantry divisions that we well equipped to handle any situation.
The rest of the eastern front is armed to the teeth with a mountain of the Heer. On the entire front, there are 160 infantry divisions, supported by 20 mechanized / motorized infantry divisions and 15 panzer divisions. Our total number of divisions on the front is 220; which is dwarfed by the Soviets estimated strength of 380. It is a miracle that we are capable of holding back the Bear. Through a combination of our tenacity, fortifications, and favorable interior lines, we have held this long and many continue to hold as long as certain situations are addressed.
These attributes that we favor are no supplement for raw manpower. It is no secret to the Allies that as time progresses the Third Reich grows weaker. We do not have enough real divisions to counter the threat posed in a two front war. Again our division number of the Eastern Front is 220, the Führer constantly informs me of divisions I have never heard about. I estimated the Führer to think we have about 300 divisions in Berlin alone. Speaking of the capital, I recently shared a meal with your son Sebastian. He is a fine young man and officer of the Army, and adept at panzer tactics. I am confident you are proud of what he has become.
Returning to the situation, we cannot hope to maintain this balance of power on the front for long. Yet, I do not estimate we shall witness a Soviet offensive until at the earliest till March 1945. Seven months have passed into 1944 without a murmur of a concentrated gathering of Soviet armies. While our partisan activity has been small, it has not been ineffective. I receive reports of our partisans putting aside their differences with their Polish neighbors and resisting the communist puppet governments that have been setup in the occupied regions. Hitler is not kept aware of the cooperation.
The Western Front
That is my report on the Eastern Front. I know that Rommel and you are more of the experts on the Western Front. However, I would like to express my concerns over the situation and make recommendations. I am deeply worried about this front for a multitude of reasons. The western front has withdrawn and will continue to withdraw vital troops from other theaters of operations – most notably the Eastern Front. By redeploying troops from the Eastern Front, the very delicate balance of power that has been established shifts ever closer to Soviet favoritism. The continual withdrawal of troops from the East to satisfy the Western dilemma cannot continue beyond the end of this year.
Because of the dilemma caused by Franco’s betrayal – I am making these recommendations. France must be abandoned. We do not have the forces necessary to continue to man the Western front effectively. The current situation caused by Franco necessitates an invasion of Spain; which will further extend the already teetering of ruin supply system we have established; thus ruling out subduing Spanish treachery. Which brings me to the point I earlier made; France must be abandoned.
Abandoning France is logical. Firstly, this will shorten our supply line. Secondly, this allows us to concentrate our troops and deal more effective blows to the enemies on both fronts. Thirdly, our enemies in the Western Front will now have to face extended supply lines and faced increased difficulty from fighting closer to the Fatherland. To be fair, I must point out the consequences of withdrawing from France. The likelihood of occupying France again is unlikely. France has provided a good percent of war material that has allowed us to remain in the situation we find ourselves currently facing.
Tristan, these are just my thoughts. I would appreciate if you could find time to return to Berlin for further discussion with Julius Ringel and myself. The future of the Third Reich needs further discussion before a final decision can be made. It is important that we explore all options before agreeing upon what is the best. Until then,
Generalfeldmarschall Heinz Guderian
Oberkommando der Wehrmacht
Berlin, Germany