I was not only deeply influenced by Hitler but was also sworn to total, uncritical obedience to him. I could only reason with myself: my position does not allow my personal doubts to affect my composure. And that was how I left it to the bitter end. I could not under any circumstances permit my actions to deviate from any decision made by Hitler, a man to whom I was specially bound as his subordinate, having sworn an oath to sacrifice my life for him at any time and under any conditions should the occasion require me so to do.
