For a brilliant analysis of the Alliance of Cologne, its formation, course and consequences, remorselessly dissecting Papen's attempts at self-justification, see Bracher, 'Auflosung der Weimarer Republik'. Out of the chorus of approving Nationalist Socialist voices let just one remark of Goring's be quoted:
'And it turned out that Herr von Papen, against whom we once had to fight on political grounds, had now recognized the importance of the hour. In sincere affection he concluded the alliance with us -and became the honest broker between the venerable field marshal and the young lance corporal of the World War' (Göring, Germany Reborn).