Alexander Schmorell – reason for the leaflets

In Scholl, I recognized a man who had unreservedly subscribed to my idea. Therefore the two of us sought to point out to the German people by means of the publication and distribution of our flyers that it was possible to shorten the war.

When we called for sabotage in our leaflets, our aim was to force German soldiers to retreat. We saw this as the best possible solution for both sides (for Germany and for Russia). We did not think at all about the possibility that we were aiding and abetting the enemy in war, or that the military might of the Reich would suffer any particular detriment.

Notwithstanding, we clearly knew that the publication of treasonous flyers represented an action against the National Socialist regime, which would lead to the harshest possible punishment should we be discovered. I was not unaware of what I did, but rather I counted on losing my life should I be discovered. I simply disregarded all of that, because my inner duty to act against the National Socialist regime took precedence.

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Source: RGWA, February 26, 1943 interrogation of Alexander Schmorell.