Address by Joachim von Ribbentrop to diplomatic and press
representatives in Berlin on April 10, 1940, explaining the
German invasion of Norway Gentlemen of the Diplomatic Missions,
and Gentlemen of the Foreign and Domestic Press: I have invited
you here today in order to acquaint you directly with the
contents of a series of political documents, which, in the
opinion of the German Government, are of the utmost importance
to the people of all countries and particularly to the
Governments of neutral states. In the name of the German
Government, I have the following remarks to make concerning
these documents: On September 3, the rulers of Britain and
France declared war on the German Reich. There were no rational
grounds of any kind for their action. The German people and
their Fuehrer have since January, 1933, constantly reaffirmed
their intention and desire to live in peace and friendship with
the British and French peoples. The German people, however, have
accepted with solemn determination the war that has