Speaking to his senior military commanders on 22 August, Hitler had had no compunction in advising them that they were to wage a racial war. His main points are preserved in graphic diary notes: ‘In the foreground the destruction of Poland. Aim is not reaching a particular line, but getting rid of the living reserves . . . Close the heart against sympathy. Brutal action. 80 million [German] people must have their rights. Their existence must be secured. The stronger has the right. Greatest harshness.
