27 Nov. 45
"In the period 1933 to 1939
progress was made in all fields. Our military system improved
enormously."
And then, just above the middle of the second page of the English
translation:
"The period which lies behind us has
indeed been put to good use. All measures have been taken in the
correct sequence and in harmony with our aims."
One of the most significant direct preparations
for aggressive war is found in the secret Reich Defense Law of 21 May
1935, which I offered in evidence yesterday as Exhibit USA-24 and
commented on then. I need not repeat that comment. The law went into
effect upon its passage. It stated at the outset that it was to be
made public instantly, but at the end of it Adolf Hitler signed the
decree ordering that it be kept secret. I commented on that
sufficiently yesterday.
General Thomas, Thomas, as we call him, who was in charge of War
and Armament Economy and for some time a high ranking member of the
German High Council, refers to this law as "the cornerstone of
war preparations." He points out that, although the law was not
made public until the outbreak of war, it was put into immediate
execution as a program of preparation.
I ask the Tribunal to take judicial notice of General Thomas'
work, A History of the German War- and Armament-Economy,
1923-1944, Page 25. We have the volume here, in German, so that
anyone who wishes may examine it. I don't care to offer the entire
volume in evidence unless the Court think I should. We do give it an
exhibit number, Exhibit USA-35, but I simply should like to place it
in the files as a reference work implementing judicial notice, if
that is practicable.
THE PRESIDENT: You want it simply for the purpose of showing that
General Thomas said that that law was the cornerstone of war? That
has already been passed into the record.
MR. ALDERMAN: I want to say to counsel for the defendants that it
is here if they care to consult it at any time.
THE PRESIDENT: Very well.
MR. ALDERMAN: I should have identified it by our number, 2353-PS.
This secret law remained in effect until 4 September 1938, at
which time it was replaced by another secret Defense Law, revising
the system of defense organization and directing more detailed
preparations for the approaching status of mobilization, which I
think was the euphemism for war.