I herewith commission you to carry out all preparations with regard to...a total solution of the Jewish question, in those territories of Europe which are under German influence.

Hermann Goering (1893–1946), German Nazi leader, July 31, 1941.
Written order sent to Reinhard Heydrich, deputy chief of the SS.
Quoted in: The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich (W. L. Shirer; 1962).