The Katyn massacre was the execution of Polish by Nazi Germany.
In Goebbels' diaries dated May 1943, he mentions that German munitions were found lodged in the bodies uncovered, but he seemed unaware of German involvement.[1] In September 1943, however, he recognized German involvement.[2]
- ↑ “Unfortunately German munitions were found in the graves of Katyn. The question of how they got there needs clarification. It is either a case of munitions sold by us during the period of our friendly arrangement with the Soviet Russians, or of the Soviets themselves throwing these munitions into the graves. In any case it is essential that this incident be kept top secret. If it were to come to the knowledge of the enemy the whole Katyn affair would have to be dropped.”
Joseph Goebbels (1970). The Goebbels diaries, 1942-1943 (p. 354). Praeger. [LG] - ↑ “Unfortunately we have had to give up Katyn. The Bolsheviks undoubtedly will soon "find" that we shot the 12,000 Polish officers. That episode is one that is going to cause us quite a little trouble in the future. The Soviets are undoubtedly going to make it their business to discover as many mass graves as possible and then blame them on us.”
Joseph Goebbels (1970). The Goebbels diaries, 1942-1943 (p. 487). Praeger. [LG]