Dr. Goebbels to his stepson, Harald:

April 28, 1945

In the Fuehrer's bunker.

My dear Harald,

We sit locked in the Fuehrer's shelter in the RC., fighting for lives and honor. How this battle will end God alone knows. But I know that alive or dead, we will not leave this shelter unless we leave it with honor and glory. I hardly believe that we shall ever see each other again; therefore, it is likely that these will be the last lines you will ever receive from me. I expect from you, should you outlive this war, that you do only that which will honor your mother and father. It is not necessary that we be alive to influence the future of our people. It is likely that you will be the only one left to carry on the traditions of our family. Do this always in such a manner that we would never be ashamed of your actions.

Germany will outlive this terrible war, but only if it has examples upon which to guide its reconstruciton. Such an example we want to give here! You can be proud to possess a mother such as yours. Yesterday evening the Fuehrer gave her the gold Party insignia which he wore on his coat for so many years, and she justly deserved it. In the future you must know only one duty: to prove yourself worthy of the great sacrifice which we are prepared and determined to make here. I know you will do that. Do not let yourself be confused by the uproar that will now reign throughout the world. The lies will one day break down under their own weight and the truth will again triumph. The hour will come when we shall stand pure and undefiled as our aims and beliefs have always been.

Farewell, dear Harald. Whether we shall ever see each other again lies in the hands of God. If it is not to be, then always be proud to have belonged to a family that even in the face of disaster remain true to the Fuehrer to the very last and true to his pure and holy cause.

All the best and my heartfelt greetings,

Your Papa.