Note 26
From General von X by Joachim C. Fest — See further Notes

Bor, Gesprache mit Halder. The conspiratorial ineptitude of the German military leaders was attributable not only to inhibitions caused by their upbringing and thought processes but also to a more general lack of adroitness, savoir-faire and finesse. Attolico, the Italian ambassador, in this connection, suggested that:

'The Germans are not given to conspiracy. A conspirator needs everything they lack — patience, knowledge of human nature, psychology, tact ... To fight conditions like those prevailing here, you ought to be persevering and a good dissembler like Talleyrand and Douche. Where will you find a Talleyrand between Rosenheim and Eydtkuhnen?' (quoted by Paul Seabury, The Wilhelmstrasse).