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.
"Danzig enthusiastically extends to you, my Fuehrer, the feeling of endless gratitude and eternal devotion.
"Heil to my Fuehrer Albert FORSTER, Gauleiter."
of the fascist conspirators with regard to Poland, have been submitted to the Tribunal, it seems to me opportune to refer be it only summarily, to excerpts from the plan "Weiss" as well as from the speeches, and pronouncements by Hitler and Ribbentrop typical of their ideas, after which I will offer in evidence a new document, which is Exhibit USSR 172. This document represents the secret notes by Bormann concerning a conversation on Poland, which took place in Hitler's apartment on 2 October 1940. made a speech. It concerned a number of problems, including the relations with Poland.
There is no need to quote it in detail. At present, only two or three sentences can be of interest to us. I quote excerpts from Exhibit TC - 70;
"....It seems to me, that one must show by a concrete example that disagreements, however indisputable, need not prevent the finding of a 'Modus vivendi' which would serve usefully both the cause of peace and the welfare of both nations." sentences:
THE PRESIDENT: Colonel Pokrovsky, it is pointed out to me, and I intervene for the purpose of getting the record correct, that the document is not the 30th of January, 1943 or 1933, but is the 30th of January, 1934. Is that what you agree with?
COLONEL POKROVSKY: In my report I see the date 30th of January 1934.
THE PRESIDENT: That is right, yes.
COLONEL POKROVSKY: I will continue my quotation.
"The German Government is resolved and prepared to develop its political and economic relations with Poland in accordance with the present agreement, in such a way as to ensure that a period of useful cooperation may follow one of fruitless reticence.
"The Chancellor has expressed here his particular satisfaction with the clarification of relationsbetween Danzig and Poland." of his usual speeches. I consider it necessary to quote a short excerpt from this speech (TC-29):
"The German-Polish relations presented that complicated problem which I had to encounter. There was a danger that the idea of mutual implacable hostility would completely dominate the imagination of our own as well as of the Polish people. I wanted to avert it." therefore omit a few sentences.
"Precisely a year later it was possible to come to an agreement which, in the first place, definitely eliminated the danger of a conflict for a period of ten years.
"We are all convinced, that the agreement will lead to a lasting peace, We realize, that the matter concerns two peoples, which have to exist side by side, and of which neither can eliminate the other.
"A state with a thirty-three million population will always strive for an exit to the sea.
"Because of that, a way to a mutual understanding had to be found. Now it is found, and will be more and more consolidated." deceitful speech of Hitler's, the defendant Ribbentrop, speaking in Warsaw on 25 January 1939, stated: (This quotation is Number 2530-PS) "It is an essential part of German Foreign Policy that the friendly relations between Germany and Poland, on the basis of the existing treaty, be progressively strengthened and deepened in accordance with the firm will of the Fuehrer."
in Court, and submitted to the Tribunal, as the documentary evidence No. 2530-PS, I wish to repeat only one sentence of it:
"Thus Poland and Germany can look forward to the future with complete reliance upon the solid basis of their mutual relations."
Need I remind the Tribunal, that in the already presented document L-79, which is a record of the conference on the 23 May 1939, at Hitler's new Reichs Chancery, among the many other openly aggressive declarations and statements of policy by Hitler, this man uttered the following sentence:
"Thus, there isno question of sparing Poland, and the decision remains to attack Poland at the first opportunity.
It is impossible to expect a repetition of the operation against Czechoslovakia.
This time it will mean war."
Poland only. The Fascist conspirators had for a long time carefully prepared for it. I now turn to Document C-120, a considerable part of which has already been read into the record. I would like to submit several excerpts from this document concerning the conspiracy of Hitlerites directed against Poland, excerpts which have not yet been read into the record. I would like to draw your attention to certain sentences, which naturally did not attract the attention of the counsel who offered this document in evidence. These sentences are neither decisive nor of primary importance, but they are highly characteristic and necessary for a correct evaluation of the material I am about to present.
In the document stamped No. 120-C, for Commanding Officers only, top secret. Matter concerning Chief of Staff. Through an officer only. General Headquarters of the Armed Forces WFA 37/39 Chefsache (L-a), just preceding the text of the document, its subject is indicated, as follows:
"Subject: Instructions for the Armed Forces for the years 1939 1940."
Directive concerning the uniform preparation of the Armed Forces for the years 1939-1940 is hereby restated."
before 3 April 1939, there existed directives on this very question.
In paragraph 3 of the cited document the following is said:
"Any suggestion by the three branches of the Armed Forces as well on 1 May 1939."
tailed plan for an aggression against Poland. And Hitler while playing the part of one wronged by Poland, waited oily for an opportune moment to de-clare that he had no choice but to destroy the Polish State.
as #120-C, but was not read into the record - there is one feature of great importance. The document is signed by Hitler and bears the date 11 April 1939. It was prepared in five originals. I offer in evidence a copy of the second original.
"Directive concerning the uniform preparation of the Armed Forces ready to accomplish the following tasks:
(1) Securing the boundaries of the German Reich and pro (2) Operation "Weiss" (3) Occupation of Danzig.
Hitler."
3, entitled, "The Occupation of Danzig."
"In the event of a favorable political situation, the question independently of plan 'Weiss'".which was to be transmitted through officers only.
It is important "Instructions concerning the uniform preparation for war of the Armed Forces for the years 1939-1940."
Just as the previous ones, this document was not intended for a wide circle of readers.
It was typed only in seven originals.
The Fascist conspirators were not And again in the appendix to directive OKW 37/39, which I have already submitted to the Tribunal, and which is entitled, "Special Orders for Operation Weiss," there is a very significant sentence.
"In case of a public announcement of the general mobilization (Mobplan), the mobilization will automatically extend to all civilian life, including war production.
However, a public announcement of 'Plan Weiss'". And finally, I would like to point out that in Keitel's order to the Armed Forces, #37/39, of 3 April 1939, issued in connection with "Operation Weiss," the following directives by Hitler are stated for "I. The operational plans must be worked out with the view that their execution will be possible at any time beginning 1 September 1939."
The Operational Order #1, under #25039, of 21 August, 1939, issued to the command of Naval Group, "Ost," on board the battleship, "Schleswig Holstein," stated as follows.
"1. Situation
a) Political: the Armed Forces must be defeated by means of favorable for the defense of the country.
The Free City of Danzig will be declared a Reich City."
about the "free expression of will by the Danzig population," which allegedly aspired to become part of the Reich.
It must not be the above operational order No. 1, to the very day.
rqther long but exceptionally important document. I have in mind a note by the Defendant Bormann of 2/10/1940, referring to a conversation about Poland.
This conversation was held after a dinner which took place in Hitler's apartment.
"Secret. Berlin, 2/10 - 1940. Note."
2.10.1940. After a dinner, at the Fuehrer's apartment there The conversation began when the Reichsminister, Dr. Frank, could be termed very successful.
The Jews in Warsaw and other cities had been locked up in the ghetto; Cracow would very shortly be cleared of them."
"The Fuehrer further emphasized that the Poles, in direct contrast to our German workmen, are born for hard labour; we must all give all possibilities of advancement to our German workers; as to the Poles - there can be no question of improvement for them.
On the and it must not be permitted to rise."
"The Government General must under no conditions, be an isolated and a uniform economic region; the Government General must not produce subsistence; the Government General should be used by us as a source of unskilled labour (in industries such as brick manufacturing, road construction, etc.
etc.) One cannot change the nature of a Slav, the Fuehrer has emphasized.
Whilst, as a rule, our German workers are by nature assiduous and diligent, 'the Poles are lazy and it is necessary "However, there are no reasons to expect that the Government "The Fuehrer has explained that the Reich needs large estates to provide food for our large cities; these large estates, as well as produce.
The best solution would thus be to import from Poland "Our industrial districts are over-populated, while at the same time there is a lack of manpower in rural economy.
That is where we can make use of the Polish laborers.
For this reason, it would be from there.
It is indispensable to keep in mind that the Polish landlords must cease to exist; however cruel this may sound, wherever "There must of course be no sexual intercourse with Poles.
It and women, came together to the Reich.
Whatever their mutual relation "The Fuehrer stressed once more that there should be one master only for the Poles - the German:
two masters, side by side, cannot and must not exist; therefore, all representatives of the Polish intelligentsia are to be exterminated.
This sounds cruel, but such is "The Government General represents a Polish reserve of man-power a large Polish labor camp.
The Poles will also benefit from this, as we look after their health and see to it that they do not starve, etc.
, become anarchists and communists.
It will therefore be proper, if the Poles remain Catholics; Polish priests will receive food from us and favour.
The priests will be paid by us and will in return preach what we wish them to preach.
If any priest acts differently, we will make short work of him.
The task of the priest is to keep the Poles quiet, stupid and dull-witted.
This is entirely in our interests. Should be that man-power of which we are in need.
In other respects, it will a large farm is not at all necessary; he will have to earn his living in Germany.
It is just this cheap labor we need; every German and every German worker will benefit by this cheap labor.
A strict German the Poles.
These reserves mean for us the maintenance of agriculture, supply of labor."
go on directly to Hitler's final statements.
To sum up the Fuehrer stated once more :
"1. The lowest German workman and the lowest German peasant must always stand economically 10% above any Pole."
I omit the second paragraph and pass to the third. It is of "3. I do not wish" the Fuehrer stressed "that a German workman conditions again; if a Pole, however, works 14 hours, he is still, "4. The ideal picture is this:
a Pole must possess a small provide him and his family with food.
The money required by him for clothes, supplementary foods, etc.
, he must earn in Germany. The unskilled labor, particularly agricultural laborers.
The subsistence be made use of for cheap labor."
This document deals with the question of Hitler's attitude towards I wish only to draw your Honors' attention to three points.
that, in the "new" Fascist order in Europe, the Polish people and Polish I beg your Honors to consider the fact that by "adequate nourish ment," Hitler understands a state of affairs according to which, every By "care" he means, that the standard of living in Poland should wise than in heavy unskilled labor 14 hours a day.
Finally, Hitler to the most pitiable and beggarly level.