26 Nov. 45
General Feldmarschall Von Blomberg;
the four motorized divisions which had been laid down for the West
would be more or less incapable of Movement.
"With regard to our offensive in a southeasterly direction,
Feldmarschall Von Blomberg drew special attention to the strength of
the Czechoslovakian fortifications, the building of which had assumed
the character of a Maginot Line and which would present extreme
difficulties to our attack.
"Generaloberst Von Fritsch mentioned that it was the purpose
of a study which he had laid on for this winter to investigate the
possibilities of carrying out operations against Czechoslovakia, with
special consideration of the conquest of the Czechoslovakian system
of fortifications; the Generaloberst also stated that, owing to the
prevailing conditions, he would have to relinquish his leave abroad,
which was to begin on 10 November. This intention was countermanded
by the Führer, who gave as a reason that the possibility of the
conflict was not to be regarded as being so imminent. In reply to
statements by General Feldmarschall Von Blomberg and Generaloberst
Von Fritsch regarding England and France's attitude, the Führer
repeated his previous statements and said that he was convinced of
Britain's non-participation and that consequently he did not believe
in military action by France against Germany. Should the
Mediterranean conflict, already mentioned, lead to a general
mobilization in Europe, then we should have to commence operations
against Czechoslovakia immediately. If, however, the powers who are
not participating in the war should declare their disinterestedness,
then Germany would, for the time being, have to side with this
attitude.
"In view of the information given by the Führer,
Generaloberst Göring considered it imperative to think of a
reduction of our military undertaking in Spain. The Führer
agreed to this, insofar as he believed this decision should be
postponed for a suitable date.
"The second part of the discussion concerned material
armament questions. (Signed) Hossbach."--There are other
notations.
In this connection I invite the Court's attention
to the allegation in Paragraph 3 (a) of Section IV (F) of the
Indictment; Page 7 of the printed English text, relating to a meeting
of an influential group of Nazi conspirators on 5 November 1937. The
document just introduced and read in evidence gives the specific
evidentiary support for that allegation.