[Sarge]

I think Igsoc has hit the nail on the head here.

Was Speer a dedicated Nazi - well yes when it suited him.

Did Speer try and save the Reich - undoubtedly, both by his production change around and by his defiance of Hitler.

Was Speer a pragmatist - of course, being practical, he would want Germany to win the War. being loyal to his country, he wouldnt want to see it destroyed for nothing.

Human nature being what it was and if Germany had won the war - Speer would have been one of the select. However I believe that he was a realist and the Nazi ideal suited his ambitions when he wanted it to and when it became obvious that the Nazis were doomed, again the pragmatic Speer did what he thought would be best for him and his country. I cant blame him for being human and can realise his point of view.

Perhaps he should have been executed, but even though he may have said what we wanted to hear, he has given us a first hand insight into the Nazi inner circle, albeit his slanted view.