"Defence or Retribution" is not only Helmut Schmidt's first book, it also explicitly embodies the way in which he approaches difficult problems and proposes solutions. Well-informed, sober, proactive and utterly convinced by his own findings, in this book he addresses one of the most explosive issues of our time: the prevention of nuclear war in Europe.
The idea of military balance
He prefaces his remarks with a quote from the Prussian military reformer Carl von Clausewitz, which could not be more topical: "In no case is it the art of war that can be regarded as the preceptor of politics. [...] The subordination of the political aspect to the military one would be absurd. [...] The only possible solution is to subordinate the military aspect to the political one." In the preliminary remarks, Schmidt explains that he devoted most of his parliamentary work to defence policy: "not always according to my inclinations and mostly without being satisfied. After these experiences, it is no pleasure to be considered a 'defence expert' in parliament".
In around 200 pages, Schmidt explains that lasting peace in Europe is only possible if the two opposing superpowers, the USA and the Soviet Union, are in a state of military equilibrium, both in terms of conventional and nuclear weapons. These fundamental strategic considerations are continued in the books "Strategie des Gleichgewichts: Deutsche Friedenspolitik und die Weltmächte" (1969) and "Eine Strategie für den Westen" (1986). They also form the basis for Schmidt's policy as Federal Chancellor and ally of the USA in the negotiations on the SALT II Treaty (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) of 1979, which was intended to limit the possession of nuclear delivery systems.
"Defence or Retaliation" will remain the only book with a scientific apparatus, compiled by Wolf Loah, a colleague from the Hamburg office. The book is very well received by the public. A special edition is published and distributed free of charge to SPD members and soldiers in the Bundeswehr. the third edition is published in 1965 and the fifth in 1967.
The final chapter contains a sentence that Schmidt underlined in later years in green fibre-tip pen: "The ultimate goal of all efforts by NATO and its members in the military field must be the establishment of a stable equilibrium." A task that Europe is facing again today, albeit under different circumstances.
Popular politician and publicist
Schmidt's popularity grew enormously after the book was published. in 1961, he decided to return to Hamburg. As a member of the Bundestag on the opposition bench since 1953, he had gained his first parliamentary experience, but his great political career had yet to materialise. The 1961 Bundestag election did nothing to change this. Schmidt won a seat, but the SPD remained in opposition.
in 1961, the election to the Hamburg Parliament was also on the agenda, and the SPD could count on a good result and Schmidt on a senatorial post. He becomes police senator and later Hamburg's first interior senator. Freshly back in his Hanseatic homeland, he is confronted with a flood of the century in 1962. As "Lord of the Flood", he will once again be remembered by the people as a capable and hands-on politician. His popularity reached its first peak.
Schmidt and Seewald Verlag, Schmidt's first in-house publishing house, took advantage of this moment. "Defence or Retribution" goes through several reprints. in 1967, the first volume of his own speeches is published under the title "Contributions". Under the motto "Politics as a profession", Schmidt summarises his speeches as an SPD member from 1948 to 1967. The contributions selected by Schmidt deal with important domestic policy issues and present the author as a knowledgeable politician. At the same time, the retrospective also covers the slow start to his career in the Bundestag and suggests a continuous political career.
Both, expertise and a high level of information paired with publicity, become the mainstays for Schmidt as a book author. He presents his assessments and opinions to the reading public in an easy-to-read style that is enriched with conviction and authenticity.
Biographically trenchant history books
Seewald Verlag remained Schmidt's in-house publisher until the 1970s, and also published "Strategie des Gleichgewichts" in 1969. in 1980, Schmidt switched to Siedler Verlag. The titles "Vom deutschen Stolz" and "Eine Strategie für den Westen" were published here in 1985. a comprehensive autobiography is planned for 1987. However, the two volumes presented in 1987 and 1990 under the overall title "Menschen und Mächte" can be characterised more as biographically trenchant history books in which encounters with high-ranking politicians and world-class events are recalled. Schmidt, who obviously enjoys this form of narrative, gives just such people a chance to have their say in 1996 in "Weggefährten". At the centre of the book is a reflection on his political career.
Late works
When Schmidt met the editor Thomas Karlauf at Siedler Verlag, a collaboration began that lasted until Schmidt's death. Karlauf became a reliable partner for the ageing politician. Schmidt entrusted him with the agency for authors founded by Karlauf to arrange and publish his books.
For Helmut Schmidt, his books, which are published in large print runs by renowned publishing houses, are also an important source of income. Schmidt does not want to accumulate wealth, he wants to make provisions so that his own private foundation is secure after his death. This is why he also encourages his wife Loki to publish her own books. However, a portion of the income is donated to other foundations during his lifetime, such as the Loki Schmidt Foundation for the Promotion of Nature Conservation and Landscape Management or the German National Foundation.
In his last book, "Dann wäre ich Hafendirektor geworden", published by Hoffmann and Campe in 2015, Schmidt looks back on his political life and in turn publishes his own speeches and essays. Like the "Contributions" from 1967, the book begins with the "Letter to Hamburg Friends" from 1962, which Schmidt published anonymously in the Hamburg edition of Die Welt. The cycle closes.
Today, Schmidt's book "Verteidigung oder Vergeltung" can certainly be described as a "Rara", a rare book, as it can only occasionally be found in second-hand bookshops. It is not known whether this is due to the fact that readers do not give it up or because it was printed on poor paper in the 1960s. You can find a copy in our exhibition "Schmidt! Living Democracy" exhibition in Hamburg city centre.
