The History Channel: From Hitler to Freemasons

[Adrian II]

Man this stuff is so frustrating, I never know what to think when it comes to the net.

I know. In revisionist circles 'five years of study' could mean anything. I have always known that Rauschning's book was more impressionistic than literally accurate, but I didn't know it had been unmasked as a deliberate fake. I don't have the Hänel book obviously, but I happen to have the original Hitler m'a dit in my library. At first I thought it was rather fishy when Hänel wrote that Rauschning claimed to have had 'over a hundred conversations' with Hitler, because nowhere in the book does Rauschning claim that number. But apparently this is what he said to his Paris editor Reves, who confirmed this to Hänel personally.

What is even more puzzling, in hindsight, is the little Goethe quote that precedes the Foreword:

Ist es schatten, ist es wirklichkeit?
Wie wird mein pudel lang und breit!

Is it shadow, is it reality?
How my poodle is growing tall and strong!

If the conversations in the book are not reality, they certainly are reality's shadow. Rauschning seems to have had an uncanning ability to gauge Hitler, his motifs, his plans and schemes. Take page 155, where he mimicks Hitler's attitude toward Russia: I may, as a last resort, decide to ally with Russia, but it should be a surprise, like a good poker hand. And even if I do, nothing will stop me from attacking Russia regardless, as soon as it suits me.

I've looked into the more serious sources, such as Der Spiegel and Stern. Mind you, Stern has a dented reputation as well - remember the fake Hitler diaries? So I wouldn't easily accept their judgement either. But both weeklies are very firm in their conviction that Hänel did a good job. And several academic history sites as well as acclaimed historians like Ian Kershaw appear to be convinced by Hänel 's research.

I once saw a documentary that exposed clear links between masons Rauschning, Hitler, Hänel, Hänsel and Gretel.

It was very compelling.

Must have been on the History Channel. Kurando and his millions of freemason friends are all in on this thing as well.

Now Louis, about that handshake of yours..