In a historical context, this statement reflects a criticism of overly optimistic or premature declarations about the status of military resistance. It suggests that claims about the collapse of Russian resistance were made repeatedly but later proved to be incorrect.
The deeper meaning of this quote points towards the perils of false optimism and the importance of accurate assessments in times of conflict. Hjalmar Schacht is highlighting a common issue where military or political leaders may prematurely announce victories or setbacks based on incomplete information, which can mislead both public perception and strategic decision-making. This underscores the need for caution when interpreting wartime developments and emphasizes the necessity of thorough analysis before making sweeping statements.
Hjalmar Schacht was a prominent German economist and politician who played significant roles in Germany's economic affairs during the interwar period and early years of World War II. He served as President of the Reichsbank and later had a controversial career, including involvement with the Nazi regime before falling out of favor with Hitler. His statement likely stems from his extensive experience in navigating complex political and economic landscapes during turbulent times.