Adolf Hitler speaks about German relations with Poland, an excerpt from a September 1938 speech in the Sportpalast:

“The most difficult problem that confronted me was that of our relations with Poland. There was a danger that Poles and Germans would regard each other as hereditary enemies. I wanted to prevent this. I know well enough that I should not have been successful if Poland had had a democratic constitution. For these democracies which indulge in phrases about peace are often the most bloodthirsty agitators for war.

In Poland, there ruled no democracy, just a man. And with him I succeeded, in precisely 12 months, in coming to an agreement which, for ten years in the first instance, entirely removed the danger of a conflict. We are all convinced that this agreement will bring lasting pacification. We realise that here are two peoples which must live together and neither of which can do away with the other. A people of 33 million will always strive for an outlet to the sea.

A way for understanding, then, had to be found. It has been found and it will be even further extended. Certainly, things were hard in this area. The nationalities and small national groups frequently quarrelled among themselves. But the main fact is that the two governments, and all reasonable and clear-sighted persons among the two peoples and in the two countries, possess the firm will and determination to improve their relations.

It was a real work of peace, of more worth than all the chattering in the League of Nations Palace at Geneva.”