We are in no position to withstand a prolonged static…

We are in no position to withstand a prolonged static war. Wherever the allies concentrate their forces they will break through. For us there can be no question of military victory or of winning the war. Our only hope is to hold on long enough to allow some development on the political front to save Germany from complete collapse.

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Quoted in “Hitler’s last gamble: the Battle of the Bulge” - Page 61 - by Jacques Nobécourt - History - 1967

Other Gerd von Rundstedt Quotes

The morale of the troops taking part was astonishingly high at the start of the offensive. They really believed victory was possible - unlike the higher commanders, who knew the facts. - View Quote Details on The morale of the troops taking part was astonishingly high…
Moreover, Gerd von Rundstedt was a gentleman to the core. His natural dignity and good manners inspired the respect even of those who differed widely from him in views. - View Quote Details on Moreover, Gerd von Rundstedt was a gentleman to the core…
The vast-ness of Russia devours us. - View Quote Details on The vast-ness of Russia devours us.
Three factors defeated us in the West where I was in command. First, the unheard-of superiority of your air force, which made all movement in daytime impossible. Second, the lack of motor fuel - oil and gas - so that the Panzers and even the Luftwaffe were unable to move. Third, the systematic destruction of all railway communications so that it was impossible to bring one single railroad train across the Rhine. - View Quote Details on Three factors defeated us in the West where I was…
It was now just a question of time - and lives. - View Quote Details on It was now just a question of time - and…
We should have known better after the first war. - View Quote Details on We should have known better after the first war.
I strongly object to the fact that this stupid operation in the Ardennes is sometimes called the ‘Rundstedt Offensive’. This is a complete misnomer. I had nothing to do with it. It came to me as an order complete to the last detail. Hitler had even written on the plan in his own handwriting “not to be altered.” - View Quote Details on I strongly object to the fact that this stupid operation…
This war with Russia is an absurd idea that will have a disastrous outcome for sure. But if for political reasons the conflict is unavoidable, then we must be convinced that we will not gain victory in one simple summary campaign. Thoughts on the distances to cover. We cannot absolutely defeat the enemy and occupy entire western Russia, from the Baltic Sea to the Black, in mere months. We would have to prepare ourselves for one long war and to proceed with shrewdness. First of all, a strong army group towards the North would have to conquer Leningrad and its surrounding territories. This would allow us to join the Finnish, in order to eliminate the red fleet from the Baltic Sea and to increase our infuence on Scandinavia. For the moment the armys of the center-south would have to only be left over until a line that connects Odessa-Kiev-Orsa-Lago Ilmen. Then, if sufficient time remains, the Armed North group could be left over for south-east from Leningrad towards Moscow, while the army group Center moves to the east. All the upcoming operations would have to be held back until 1942, when we would have to elaborate new plans based on the situation which will arise from that moment. - View Quote Details on This war with Russia is an absurd idea that will…
It is a pity that this faithful youth is sacrificed in a hopeless situation. - View Quote Details on It is a pity that this faithful youth is sacrificed…
Nothing would have been changed for the German people, but my name would have gone down in history as that of the greatest traitor. - View Quote Details on Nothing would have been changed for the German people, but…