"Dear Max, we argued about The Song of the Nibelungs. Do you remember'? I said that a bond of loyalty is dissolved when orders turn out to be foolish, when the continuation oi an undertaking is senseless and even criminal. You demanded loyalty until death and equated disloyalty with dishonor. But we agreed that Hagen is a tragic hero. I've changed my mind: Hagen was dumb and no hero at all. My dear son, by the time this letter is in your hands I will be dead. But I am no tragic hero either. German racial ideology is an anachronism, the murder of the Jews a crime, your father guilty. Only total defeat will allow Germany to rise anew. Anew, and perhaps once again decent. For that to happen, the old guard must be swept away. Your father included. My death will look like an accident. You are the only one who knows the truth. Live better than I did, my boy. Your father. Alexander Strauch, Colonel of the SS. Central Economic
and Administrative Office."
— Aren't you afraid I'll tell people?
— I need someone to talk to.
