Manstein Is A Man Of Illusions. ...

War Makes Extremely Heavy Demands On The Soldier's Strength And Nerves. For This Reason, Make Heavy Demands On Your Men In Peacetime Exercises.

In View Of My Services In Africa, I Have The Chance Of Dying By Poison. Two Generals Have Brought It With Them. It Is Fatal In Three Seconds. If I Take The Poison, None Of The Usual Steps Will Be Taken Against My Family; That Is, Against You. They Will Also Leave My Staff Alone.

The Commander Must Be At Constant Pains To Keep His Troops Abreast Of All The Latest Tactical Experience And Developments, And Must Insist On Their Practical Application. He Must See To It That His Subordinates Are Trained In Accordance With The Latest Requirements. The Best Form Of Welfare For The Troops Is First-class Training, For This Saves Unnecessary Casualties.

The Future Battle On The Ground Will Be Preceded By Battle In The Air. This Will Determine Which Of The Contestants Has To Suffer Operational And Tactical Disadvantages And Be Forced Throughout The Battle Into Adoption Compromise Solutions.

Manstein Is A Man Of Illusions. ... He Believes Hitler Will Listen To Facts.