Antiwar Quote by Wilhelm Keitel
“This fight has nothing to do with soldierly gallantry or principles of the Geneva Convention. If the fight against the partisans is not waged with the most brutal means, we will shortly reach the point where the available forces are insufficient to control the area. It is therefore not only justified, but it is the duty of the troops to use all means without restriction, even against women and children, so long as it ensures success.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Military directive, 1942
Brutal tactics, including against civilians, are justified for military success
In simple terms: Violence against civilians is deemed necessary for victory
Key Takeaway
Question the morality of unrestricted warfare
Themes
war
ethics
military strategy
Mood
grim
critical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- combat operations
- counter‑insurgency
- propaganda
Key Concepts
total war
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- Can any war be truly justified?
- What are the long‑term costs of brutality?
A Different Perspective
Such actions violate international law and humanity
![“René of Anjou [(1409-80)] painted a picture of his mistress's corpse as he found it eaten by worms on having it [her tomb] openedon his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This [is] another instance of the strange mixture of religion and gallantry in those ages.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aba/horace-walpole-3357_age_ren-of-anjou-1409-80-painted-a-picture-o_33917.jpg)
