Chapter XLII: Part 1: , “General Guiding Principle”; Part 2, “Likely Warlike

Eventualities”; Part 3, “Special Preparations”. The substance of the document justifies the supposition that Germany need not consider an attack from any side.

The second paragraph states:

“* * * The intention to unleash a European war is held just as
little by Germany. Nevertheless, the politically fluid world
situation, which does not preclude surprising incidents, demands
a continuous preparedness for war of the German Armed Forces.

“To counter attacks at any time, and to enable the military
exploitation of politically favorable opportunities should they
occur.” (_C-175_)

The preparations which are to be made are then set forth:

“* * * The further working on mobilization without public
announcement in order to put the Armed Forces in a position to
begin a war suddenly and by surprise both as regards strength
and time.”

* * * * * *

“Special preparations are to be made for the following
eventualities: Armed intervention against Austria; warlike
entanglement with Red Spain.” (_C-175_)

Another passage shows clearly how they appreciated at that time that their actions against Austria and Czechoslovakia might well involve them in war.

“* * * England, Poland, Lithuania take part in a war against
us.” (_C-175_)