it is desirable to read in order to supplement the available information. they are particularly interesting, because Hitler conspirators were referring to the desire to help their neighbors. I will refer to our Document No. 271. This you will find on page 196 and further of Vol. 1, Part 1. I quote:
"The conference was attended by gentlemen enumerated in the attached list: In his opening address the Reichminister emphasized the importance of keeping this conference strictly secret, and the, referring to the Fuehrer's instructions which the latter had given yesterday to Konrad Kenlein personally stated that primarily there were two questions of importance for the political guidance of the Sudeten-German Party.
"The Sudetan Germans must know that they are backed up by the German people of 75,000,000.
"2. It is the Sudeten-German Party's responsibility" -
THE PRESIDENT: I don't like to interrupt you, but it is not quite clear on the translation that has come through whether you have deposited the original of this document and have given it an exhibit number.
COL. POKROVSKY: All the documents which the Soviet delegation is submitting are submitted by us to the Tribunal in Russian and the organization of translators is supposed to translate them. This document is called by me by the notation which we have.
THE PRESIDENT: It must be deposited to the Tribunal in its original condition, not in Russian. It is a conference, apparently, and I suppose the original is in German.
The original, document is not in Russian. It must be deposited with the Tribunal in its original condition. I do not know what the document is. It is a conference apparently, and I suppose the original is in German. We want to see the original document in German.
COL. POKROVSKY: The original document in the German language is at the disposal of the court at present. May I continue?
THE PRESIDENT: One moment. It this the original?
COL. POKROVSKY: This is a photostat.
THE PRESIDENT: I am afraid I must insist upon having the original.
COL. POKROVSKY: The original documents are at the disposal of the Soviet Government, and if the Tribunal insists, they can be sent for and presented to the Tribunal.
THE PRESIDENT: I am afrain that is so. we must have the original document. After the original documents have been produced and exhibit numbers given to them, they will remain in the hands of the Tribunal. The subject of the translation, of course, is quite a different one, but for the purpose of insuring that we get really genuine evidence, we must have the originals deposited with the general secretary.
COL. POKROVSKY: I will obey the order of the Court and will see that the documents are delivered to the Court, but so far we have followed the practice already established that we can present the documents which have been checked in the proper way; but we could do it somewhat later.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, so long as you undertake to do it. But I do not think you are right in saying that it is the practice that has been already established, because we have been demanding from the French prosecutors the production of the original documents and they have been produced.
COL. POKROVSKY: We will take the necessary measures so that the Tribunal will have those documents somewhat later.
THE PRESIDENT: I imagine that you will be able to produce tomorrow the originals of the documents which you referred to today?
COL. POKROVSKY: I cannot promise that, because not all originals are here. A considerable part of these documents are not in Nurnberg and, therefore, are not kept here. Here are only part of the originals. Here is what I can do: The originals which are at our disposal we will submit to the Tribunal and those which we have not here we will request the Soviet Government to send over.
THE PRESIDENT: I think the Tribunal had better adjourn for the purpose of considering this matter.
(A recess was taken from 1620 to 1655 hours.)
THE PRESIDENT: The Tribunal has considered the matter of the deposition of the original documents, and they wish the following procedure to be adopted; General Secretary of the Tribunal wherever possible. Secondly, where it is impossible for original documents to be deposited, or hightly inconvenient, they will accept photostat copies of the original documents, provided that a certificate accompanies the photostat document to the effect that it is a true copy of an original document, and that the original is an authentic document, giving the origin of the original document and the place of its present custody. Thirdly, they will accept photostat copies for the present, on the undertaking of Counsel that certificates such as I have indicated will be furnished as soon as possible.
Is that clear, Colonel Pokrovsky?
COL. POKROVSKY: I would ask the Tribunal to explain to me one point. Do I understand that the Tribunal confirms its former decision and practice, which was established in connection with the presentation of the document in evidence by my American colleagues, or is it something new that the Tribunal asks for? photostat in the same session of the Court, under No. 2788-PS. So, is it a new decision or a reiteration of an old one?
THE PRESIDENT: I think what you have stated is true, that this particular document does not appear to have any certificate that it is a true copy. But the Tribunal expects that the United States will produce such a certificate that it is a true copy of an authentic document and will state the origin and the custody of the original document.
COLONEL POKROVSKY: I wish to ask the following question, which interests all Counsel: Do I understand the decision of the Court that we have to present a supplementary document or whether it refers only to the documents which will be presented in the future?
THE PRESIDENT: I think it applies to all documents. It applies equally to all Chief Prosecutors and to all documents. In cases -
COLONEL POKROVSKY: Which have already been accepted by the Court?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, certainly. If a document has been accepted in photostat form and there has been no certificate that it was a true copy of an authentic document, then a certificate must be given. And we desire that the certificate should always show that the document was authentic and the place of its present custody. And that applies equally to all the Chief Prosecutors.
COLONEL POKROVSKY: Now, I think I understand that the Tribunal is inclined to continue its practice, which means that we will be in a position to present the photostats with the certification and, as far as possible, to present originals. I hope I understood it correctly.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, we desire originals, if possible. If it is impossible, or if it is highly inconvenient, then we will accept photostats. And in the meantime, for your convenience -- because this practice has not been perhaps adequately stated before -- we will accept photostat copies without certificate, on your undertaking that you will have the certificate later on.
Is that clear?
COLONEL POKROVSKY: Absolutely; that the practice adopted before is continued to be in operation. If the Tribunal will permit myself to draw your attention to the same lines when interrupted in my report; I have in mind the three last lines of page 193 of the document which is before you.
German Party, and the Czechoslovakian Government is to avoid entering the government by widening the scope of their demands, and by formulating them with ever increasing precision. In the course of negotiations it must be pointed out very clearly that the sole partner in these negotiations with the Czechoslovakia Government is the Sudeten-German Party, and not the Reich Government, Now I can omit a few lines and go to page 197.
For purposes of further collaboration, Conrad Henlein was advised to maintain the closest contact with the Reich Minister, and with the leader of the "Volksdeutsche Mittelstelle," as well as with the German Ambassador in Prague who was re presenting the Reichs minister there. German Party's demands in an unofficial manner, and mainly in private discussions with the Czechoslovakian statesmen, by referring to them as reasonable, but without exerting any direct influence on the scope of the party's demands.
Finally the question of the advisability of the Sudeten German Party's collaboration with other national minorities in Czechoslovakia, especially the Slovaks, was discussed. The Reichsminister decided that the Party should be given a free hand to contact other National groups with activities of a similar type which might be considered to be of use. you will find on page 197, volume 1, part 1, and marked with a lead pencil: Reichsminister von Ribbentrop, State Secretary von Mackensen, Ministerialdirektor Weizsaecker, Minister Eisenlor, Prague, Minister Schilbe, Legationsrat von Tvardovsky, Legationsrat Altenburg, Legationsrat Kordt (Ministery of Foreign Affairs). Other of the group were SS Obergruppenfuehrer Lorenz. Professor Haushofer (Volksdeutsche Mittelstelle), Conrad Henlein, Karl Hermann Frank, Dr. Kuenzel, Dr. Kreisel (Sudeten German Party). of the Fascist conspirators with respect to Czechoslovakia if we only take into consideration the fact that among those attending the conference were such people as the defendant Ribbentrop, two ministers, two representatives of the so-called "Volksdeutsche Mittelstelle," including one Obergruppenfuehrer of the SS, the prospective Reichsecretary of the Czech-Moravian Protekterat, Karl Hermann Frank, and the leader of the so-called Sudeten German Party, Conrad Henlein, a paid factotum and agent provocateur of Hitler.
party branches abroad. With this purpose in view the loader of AO Gauleiter, Ernest William Bohle, was made Reichs Secretary in the Ministry for Foreign affairs. SS, and one of the participants of the conference to which I have just called the attention of the Tribunal. I will read both of them. The first one referring to the interview with Ward Price indicates that Henlein was under direct control of the SS, and it was to them that he was responsible far all his activities.
This document also contains the direct threat to resort to a "decisive operation" in order to bring about the solution of the so-called Sudeten German problem.
I will read this short document under No. USSR 270:
"In connection with the interview with Ward price which appeared explanation from Henlein, who made the following, statement:
of Eger. He asked Henlein's collaborator, Sebekovsky, to arrange a meeting with Henlein for him.
Henlein knew of the circumstances of the interview given by the Fuehrer to Ward Price.
He had a talk with Ward Price over a cup of tea.
He did not give him a real interview.
The conversation about the Sudeten German and the Czech take radical steps and operate.
Later on, when Ward price published an account of this conversation, Henlein decided to expose him.
But with Ward Price amiably, as the latter had Hitler's confidence, and on the members of the Sudeten German Party.
In addition, to this, he wrote a letter to Ward Price, thus settling the matter."
shows that following the orders of the SS and the leaders of the Hitlerite conspirace, Henlein negotiated with the Czech Government about the settlement of the Sudeten German question with the sole purpose of creating a provocation. These negotiations were closely followed by theleaders of the Fascist conspiracy who guided Henlein's further steps.
I will start to quote from this document: "In a conversation with SS Obergruppenfuehrer Lorenz, Henlein put the following question:
"What if Czechoslovakia under the pressure of foreign countries counter demand, its participation in the government?"
It was quite clear that this question was not acute at this moment, and that further lengthy and gainful negotiations were inevitable.
Yet he asked for instructions concerning his possible line of action regarding this problem in case he were not able to communicate with Germany.
He himself suggested the following: If Czechoslovakia accedes to all my requests I will answer "Yes", but will insist upon the chance of its foreign policy. This Czechoslovakia will never accept. "Henlein was promised that this question would be elucidated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lorenz."
THE PRESIDENT: Isn't it time to break off; it is now quarter past five.
(The Tribunal adjourned until 9 February 1946, at 1000 hours).
COLONEL POKROVSKY: May I continue with my statement? very secret and very important State Document, dated September 22, 1938. I propose to start with this document and to quote the first six lines from document USSR exhibit 267. Sudeten-German Freikorps, the existence of which was mentioned in previous sessions I quote the first six lines from the notes taken down after a telephone conversation which one of the leaders of the so-called Volksdeutsch had in Berlin at 1900 hours on the 22nd of September 1938. Allow me to quote these extracts:
"Mr. Schmidt, from the Volksdeutsch Center, phoned at 1900 as follows:
"I, The Command of the Sudetan-deutsch Freikorps just communicated the following:
"1st Lt. Kochling transmittedthe following Fuehrer's order: Freikorps has to carry out the occupation of regions cleared by Czechs. The important actions, however, may be executed only with the Fuehrer's personal approval." I will not read it.
AS far as I can judge the minutes of Hitler's reception of the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chvalkowsky, on 21 January 1939, that is say shortly before the complete occupation of Czechoslovakia, - are of great interest. Hitler's mendacious and pompous statements as to his respect for the independence of small nations, statements recorded in the document I am about to quote, are characteristic of his perfidious tactics. (This document is presented to the Tribunal as USSR exhibit 266): You will find this document, your Honors, on pare 203 of the first part of the document. I quote:
"Chvalkowsky began by thanking the Fuehrer for having done his country the honor of receiving twice within three months, the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs. He had come here to inform the Fuehrer that, although it had cost his great efforts, he had strictly fulfilled the promise he had made to the Fuehrer on the 14th of October...
"The Fuehrer thanked Chvalkovsky for the fulfillment of his promises. The foreign policy of a state, he said, is determined by its home policy. It is quite impossinle to carry out a foreign policy of type "A", and at the same time, a home policy of type "B". It could succeed only for a short while. From the very start the development of events in Czechoslovakia was bound to lead to a catastrophe. And this catastrophe had been avoided thanks to Germany.
"Had Germany not struck to National-Socialist principles, - which forbade annexations, - the fate of Czechoslovakia, would have followed another course, whatever, today, remains of Czechoslovakia, has been saved not by Benesh, but only thanks to National-Socialist principles."
I pass a few sentences and continues:
"For example, the strength of the Dutch and Danish armies rested not in thenselves, but in the fact that the whole world was convinced of the absolute neutrality of these States. when war broke out, it was well known that the problem of neutrality was one of very great importance to these countries. The case of Belgium was somewhat different, as that country had had an agreement with the French General Staff. In this particular case, Germany, was compelled to forestaff possible eventualities. These small countries were defended not by their armies but by respect to their neutrality."
"Chavalkovsky, backed by Mastny, again spoke about the situation in Czechoslovakia, and about the attitude of the majority of the peasants. Before the crisis, he said, the people did not know what they were to expect of Germany, But when they saw that they would not be exterminated, end, that Germany wish to lead the Czech people in her wake, they heaved a sigh of relief, World propaganda, against which the Fuehrer had been struggling for so many years, was not focussed on tine Czechoslovakia. Chvalkovsky begged the Fuehrer to address, from time to time, a few kind words to the Czech people.
That might produce miracles. The Fuehrer did not know the great weight the Czech people attached to his word. If he would only openly declare that he intended collaborating with the Czech people, - and with the people, not with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, - all foreign propaganda would be utterly defeated The Fuehrer concluded the conversation and expressed his belief in a promising future." These notes are signed by Hegel. been mentioned at this trial. I mean the so-called "Document for superior officers only" dated 30th of May 1938. It hears the No. OKW 42/38 and 338-PS and has already been presented to the Tribunal by my honorable colleagues of the USA Delegation. The Chief Prosecutor of the USSR also referred to this document in his opening statement. Formulating the contents of the facist conspiracy against Czechoslovakia, Hitler stated that his irrevocable decision was to defeat Czechoslovakia in the immediate future by military aggression.
He divides this task into two parts; political and military, and then with his characteristic boundless cynicism, declares -- and this quotation is on page 209 of the first part "The most favorable moment, both Politically and militarily, would be if a lightning blow were to be delivered, under the pretext of some incident, which will provoke Germany in the most abrupt manner."
The document bears Hitler's signature, and was the authentic plan of Hitler and his accomplices concerning Czechoslovakia, drawn up for in advance of the day, when Chvalkovsky requested that criminal "to address from time to time a few kind words to the Czech people," called "kind words", the actual relations were developing altogether along entirely different lines. But even this is not all. We will describe the set up of the provocated incident in all its details.
I would like, as this moment, to present to the Tribunal the "Notes to the Report" on Plan "Gruen" of 24 August 1938, the greater part of which has already been read into the record as document 383-PS. Here are two paragraphs. You will find these extracts on page 214 of Volume I, Part I, "The execution of Plan "Gruen" will start with the creation of an incident in Czechoslovakia which will give Germany a pretext for a military intervention "It is of the greatest importance to fix the exact day and hour for staging the incident.
This incident must be provoked under weather conditions favorable for our superior air force in carrying out the operation, and it should be timed in such a way, that the respective notification should roach us by midday of X - 1 day. This will enable us to follow it up immediately by issuing the order X, on X - 1 day, at 1400 hours."
The document concluded as folios. It is on par-e 215.
"The purpose of these statements is to show how greatly interested are the armed forces in the incident, and that they should know well in advance the intentions of the Fuehrer inasmuch as the organization of the incident will be entrusted in one way or another to the Abwehr."
The document was signed by Jodl. These are not mere words: this is a plan of hideous provocation; a plan which, as we already know, has been carried into effect.
Document No. 388-PC has already been accepted by you, as evidence presented by the delegation of the USA. I would like to stress one point: the murderers and usurpers not only developed plans of their crimes, but were also anxious to put them into effect under practical conditions most advantageous for themselves as far as possible. They need fine weather, and 24 hours of it for the final preparation. Moreover, they need an incident, provoked by themselves, which would justify their dirty crimes in the eyes of at least a part of the world opinion. perfectly aware of the criminality of their actions.
In passing, I wish to draw your attention to one point: OKW bears direct responsibility for the criminal character of these actions. They cannot plead "We knew not what we did." These agents -- provocateurs and aggressors wearing the uniform of the highest ranks of the German Army -- were the first to qualify themselves as provocateurs and aggressors. the Fascist invasion of Czechoslovakia was to liquidate this historically formed Slavic State.
read the following quotation from a statement made by Hitler in the summer of 1932 in the presence of Dare, Rauschning and other high Fascist officials. I will quote this excerpt which is on page 38 of the first volume, first part of your files "Czecho-Moravian Basin will be colonized by German peasants.
We shall transplant the Czechs to Siberia or the Volynian district. They must get out of Central Europe." Rauchning's book "Hitler speaks", pare 46. Czechoslovakian report, which follows immediately the above quotation, page 39 of the first volume, first part, the last paragraph at the end of the page, "This criminal plan was approved by Karl Hermann Frank, Secretary of State to the Reichsprotektor in Prague from March 17th, 1939 and the Minister of State in Prague from 1943, and who was known to the world, as the 'butcher of Lidice'." 29th 1945, Frank declared:
"The plan for the evacuation of the Czech people to the East, as mentioned, above and discussed in Party circles, coincides roughtly with the quoted passage," from March 17th 1938 to September 28th 1941. He did much to destroy CzechsSlovakia as a state. follows. You will find this extract on page 67 of the first volume, first part of your file.
"The Reichsprotektor was the highest of the Reich authorities, agencies and officials in the Protectorate". The defendant Neurath must not escape responsibility for these crimes.
Tribunal the upheaval in the life of the hard-working Czech people from the moment that the Fascist aggressors began to carry out in practice their plan for the destruction of Czechoslovakia as a state. we find there many features common to the conspirators' crimes committed against Czechoslovakia.
THE PRESIDENTS: I think it is only a mistake in the translation into English, but it is stated in our copy that the defendant Neurath was Reichsprotektor for Czechoslovakia and Moravia from the 17th of March 1938. No doubt you said 1939. Did you?
COLONEL POKROVSKY: I am afraid that what I said was not quite right. I said from the 17th of March 1938 to September 28, 1941.
THE PRESIDENT: It should have been 1939, should it not?
COLONEL POKROVSKY: Yes, if I am not mistaken, that's right.
against Poland, we find there many features common to the conspirators' crimes committed against Czechoslovakia. I have in mind the systematic violation of treaties and solemn declarations, false assurances, the creation of a paid fifth column organized on a military footing, and the suddenness of the treacherous lightning blow. the treaties violated by the conspirators. Inasmuch as we are concerned with facts of common knowledge Which were already commented upon in the opening statements of the Chief Prosecutors, I beg the Tribunal to take judicial notice of this part of the Polish report, namely of the two first articles of the Count: "Crimes against Peace". 219 of your document book. This concerns the Polish-German declarations of the 26th January 1934.
"Both governments are Convinced that the relations between their peoples of Europe as well."
the defendant Goering, during his visit to Warsaw, on the 16th February 1937, which we find on page It of the Polish report. This declaration was made to the representatives of the Polish government.
"On the German side, there is no desire whatever to deprive Poland of any part of her territory.
Germany is completely reconciled to her present territorial status.
Germany would not attack Poland and has no intention of seizing the Polish corridor.
We do not want the corridor.
I say that sincerely find categorically, we do not need the corridor.
Just as Germany trusts and believes that Poland has no in of any of her rights and possessions," I think that paragraph 6 of the Polish official report also deserves to be read in full, which will be found on page 220 of your Document Book.
Point 6: "On November 5th, 1937, the Polish and German Government The declaration concludes with the following passage:
The above complete loyalty to the state to which they belong.
They have been good-neighborly relations between Poland and Germany."
Poznan a German aircraft. A secret order issued by the Wehrmacht was found on the pilots. It contained, among others, the following sentence: This quotation is on page 240, volume 1, part 2 of the document book of the Trial - "The reservists of German race will attempt to avoid being mobilized in the Polish army and will join the German army." "Who assist the German Army" would be recognized." The order states that they will be supplied - I quote one paragraph as it is noted in the report on page 24: "2:- with automatic weapons, type 14 and 34, and also, in certain cases grenades of the Czech model," It is quite obvious that the latter was done for the purpose of provocation. The order bore the signature of Major Reiss. Inasmuch as this fact is ascertained in the manner provided for, by Article 21 of the Charter, I request you to accept the facts stated by me as evidence. respectively USSR 93. The part quoted is on page 223, and dropping down to the red pencil mark you will find that quotation on page 223, 1st volume, part 2 of the records of the Trial:
"Evidence gathered by the Polish Army in the course of the campaign of September 1939 indicates the following:
A) As regards the divertionist activities in southwestern Poland, out by agents dropped by parachutes.
German espionnage was organized spies and diversionists.
Every year a number of young Germans would leave every German colony to proceed to the Reich.
There they cruelties and expressed their joy at having returned to their 'Dear homeland.
' But the same Germans remained in contact with their agents
B) Besides the agents who were recruited among the young people, and before the outbreak of hostilities."
Polish Government has ascertained that the main diversionist groups consisted of bodies of Hitler Youth known as the "Hitler Jugend." The defendant Schirach was, as we knew, the leader of this fascist organization.
In paragraph 21 of our document submitted as USSR Exhibit No. 93, we find information on this subject, which deserves to be read into the record.
THE PRESIDENT: What page are you referring to?
COLONEL PEKROVSKY: Page 223, Your Honor. Here are the details relating to the organization Of the system of diversionist activities:
A) "The agents were recruited mainly from among the groups of young people known as "Hitler Jugend," and also among men and women, mainly of German nationality, who were recruited in Poland."
B) "Special courses, lasting from a fortnight to three months were organized for these agents on Reich territory."
C) "The members of these courses were split up into two categories:
be carried out in the rear of the Polish Army. The second category fleeing from the war and air-raids."
D) "Shortly before the war, the students went through an additional 'districts for divertionist activity.
'" the falsehood and the hypocrisy of other declarations made by Hitlerite conspirators on international questions concerning Poland. With this purpose in mind, I shall quote paragraphs 7, 8 & 9 of the section, entitled "Crimes against Peace", our number USSR 93 (the last paragraph on page 4 and the top of page 5 of the Russian text): In your document book these quotations are marked on page 20 or 21 -- pages 20 and 21 - 1937.
7. On 5 November 1937 the Polish Ambassador was received by Hitler in the presence of the defendant Von Neurath. On this occasion, Hitler declared: "There will be no changes in the legal and political status of Danzig. The rights of the Polish population in Danzig shall be respected. The rights of Poland in Danzig shall not be violated." Twice on this occasion, Hitler repeated with pathos: Danzig ist mit Polen verbunden (Danzig is joined to Poland)."
8. The first hints of the desired changes in the status of Danzig were made by the defendant Ribbentrop on 25 October 1938. He suggested that Poland should agree to the reunion of Danzig with the Reich, in exchange for an extension of the German-Polish pact for 25 more years, and a guarantee of the German-Polish boundaries. Poland was to keep the Danzig railroads and to retain privileges in return for her assent to the building of an exterritorial highway and a railroad through Pommerania, This proposal was rejected.
On page 20 - 21, second paragraph of first volume:
9. Later on, during has visit to Warsaw, the defendant Ribbentrop assured the Polish Government that there will be no "faits accomplis" on the territory of the Free City (25-27 January 1939) concentrations of German mobilized, forces were carried out, and border clashes had taken place. I think that when paragraph 17 of Document 388-PS, which is signed by Jodl, is read by me into the record, the cause of these clashes will become quite clear, Franklin Delane Roosevelt, made an appeal to the world and to the leaders of Germany and Poland with the view to preventing further political complications in Europe.
government of Hitler-Germany, a practical solution for the problem of the free city of Danzig, appeal for peace. a second appeal to the leaders of the Reich and Poland, Ambassador in Warsaw, had a conference with Ribbentrop on 31 August. 93, page 6 of the Russian original, marked with red pencil: "18. The German note stating the conditions for the settlement of the conflict with Poland was broadcast over German radio on 31 August 1939,' at 9 p.m. However, this note was not handed to the Polish Ambassador until the evening of I September 1939. This was a few hours after German Armed Forces, both from the air and the land, had made an attack on Polish territory, which was launched in the early hours of I September 1939.
19. In this way, Germany attacked Poland in violation of her international assurance, without a previous declaration of war and at a moment when all her actions convinced the Polish Government that further negotiations between the two countries were pending, with the view to a peaceful settlement of this dispute." Danzig question, found by the Red Army in the archives of the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs. I present it to the Tribunal under U.S.S.R. Exhibit 185. According to the desires of the Tribunal, with the photostatic copies, we have included an original copy of this highly important historical document which we have just submitted to the Tribunal.
On the first page you will see a telegram form, which proves that on 1 September 1939, at 5 a.m. a telegram was handed in at the telegraph office at Danzig; this telegram registered as #0166, consisted of 202 words and was addressed to the Fuehrer and Reich-Chancellor in Berlin.
words, which bears the seal of the Gauleiter of the Nazi Party in Danzig. the history of the Fascist conspirators' Crimes against Peace:
"Telegram to Fuehrer:
"Mein Fuehrer "I have just Signed, and by this act have put into force the following organic law providing for the reunion of Danzig with the German Reich.
"The organic law of the Free City of Danzig of the 1 September 1939, for the reunion of Danzig with the German Reich.
"For the purpose of relieving the dire needs of the people and the state of the Free City of Danzig, I promulgate the following organic law:
"Article I "The Constitution of the Free City of Danzig is hereby abrogated forthwith.
"Article II.
"Legislative and executive power will, in the future, be exercised exclusivley by the Chief of State.
"Article III.
"The Free City of Danzig, together with its territory and population, immediately becomes an integral part of the German Reich.
"Article IV.
"Until the definite decision to introduce German state law is made by the Fuehrer, all the laws, the Constitution excepted, in force at the oment of the promulgation of the present organic law, remain in force.
"Danzig, 1 September 1939 "Signed:
Albert FORSTER, Gauleiter "I beg you, my Fuehrer, on behalf of Danzig and of its population, t approve the present 'Organic Law" and to confirm by Reich Statute the reunion with the German Reich.