By our policy of declaring on broad lines a doctrine which is sound in principle we consider that it is less harmful to cling to a conception, even if it does not altogether fit actual realities than by trying to improve it, to lay open to discussion some basic law of the Movement, which has hitherto counted as unalterable, since most evil consequences might follow ; in fact, it cannot be done whilst a Movement is fighting for victory. What is essential must be sought not in externals, but in the inner sense ; and in that there is nothing to be changed. We can only hope that in its own interests the Movement will retain the strength needed for its battles by avoiding any action showing evidence of divisions and lack of solidarity.
Much may be learned from the Roman Catholic Church. Though the body of its doctrine clashes with exact science and research on many points—unneces¬ sarily in certain respects—the Church is not prepared to sacrifice a single syllable of its doctrines. It has realized very correctly that its power of resistance depends not on being more or less in harmony with the scientific events of the moment—which are, as a matter of fact, always altering—but rather on clinging firmly to dogmas once laid down, which on the whole do express the character of the faith. As a consequence the Church stands firmer than ever before.
With its programme of twenty-five theses the National Socialist German Workers’ Party accepted a basis, which must be maintained unshakable. Now and in future it is, and will be, the task of the members of our Movement not to criticize and alter those leading principles, but to regard themselves as bound tolinsist upon them. In its youth the young Movement owed its name to them, and the programme of the Party was drawn up in accordance with them.
The basic ideas of the National Socialist movement are nationalist, and in an equal degree nationalist ideas are National Socialist ; if National Socialism is to be victorious it must adhere absolutely and exclusively to