Text: English     International Military Tribunal "Blue Series," Vol. 3, p. 61
		3 Dec. 45 important to furnish this proof. If the assertion is unfounded or only partially founded, the gas attack is to be represented only as the need for carrying out a justified reprisal, in the same way as the Italians did in the Abyssinian war. In this case, however, the justification for such harsh reprisals must also be proved." From Nuremberg on the 10th of September, Hitler issued an order bringing the Reichsarbeitsdienst (the German Labor Service) under the OKW. . . THE PRESIDENT: There is another short passage which seems to be material. MR. ALDERMAN: I was very much tempted to read the whole document. THE PRESIDENT: The justification of number 10. MR. ALDERMAN: Number 10 was, "In course of their duty, German aircraft fly over Polish territory where they are involved in an air battle with Czech aircraft." Under the heading, "Attitude of the International Law Group": "According to Article 1 of the Fifth Hague Convention of 18 October 1907, the territory of neutral powers is not to be violated. A deliberate violation by flying over this territory is a breach of international law if the neutral powers have declared an air barrier for combat aircraft. If German planes fly over Polish territory this constitutes a violation of international law, provided that this action is not expressly permitted. " Now under the heading, "Justification by the Laws of War," is this: "An attempt at denials should first be made; if this is unsuccessful a request for pardon should be made (on the grounds of miscalculation of position) to the Polish Government and compensation for damage guaranteed." I had referred to an order issued by Hitler on 10 September 1933 from Nuremberg, bringing the German Labor Service under the OKW. This top-secret order, of which 25 copies were made, is Item 20 in the Schmundt file, Page 44. I will read that order: "1. The whole RAD organization comes under the command of the Supreme Command of the Army effective 15 September. "2. The Chief of OKW decides on the first commitments of this organization in conjunction with the Reich Labor Leader (Reichsarbeitsführer) and on assignments from time to time to the Supreme Commands of the Navy, Army, and Air Force. Where questions arise with regard to competency he will make a final decision in accordance with my instructions. 61
		Text: English     International Military Tribunal "Blue Series," Vol. 3, p. 61     Last modified: October 10, 1998 Copyright © 1998 The Mazal Library and The Holocaust History Project. All rights reserved. Technical/administrative contact: webmaster@holocaust-history.org Find a typo? Let us know.