3
Dec. 45
assigned
to Henlein in an advisory capacity to assist
with the Sudeten German Free Corps. In a
conference with Hitler on the night of September
17, Köchling received far-reaching military
powers.
At this conference, the
purpose of the Free Corps was frankly stated —
the maintenance of disorder and clashes. I read
from Item 25, a handwritten note labelled "most
secret," on Page 49 of the Schmundt file,
Document 388-PS:
"Most
secret. Last night conference took place
between Führer and Lieutenant
Colonel Köchling. Duration of
conference 7 minutes. Lieutenant Colonel
Köchling remains directly
responsible to OKW. He will be assigned
to Konrad Henlein in an advisory
capacity. He received far-reaching
military plenary powers from the Führer.
The Sudeten German Free Corps remains
responsible to Konrad Henlein alone.
Purpose: Protection of the Sudeten
Germans and maintenance of disturbances
and clashes. The Free Corps will be
established in Germany. Armament only
with Austrian weapons. Activities of
Free Corps to begin as soon as possible."
THE
PRESIDENT: Would that be a good place to break
off for 10 minutes?
[A
recess was taken.]
MR. ALDERMAN: May it please the Tribunal,
General Jodl's diary again gives a further
insight into the position of the Henlein Free
Corps. At this time, the Free Corps was engaged
in active skirmishing along the Czech border,
furnishing incidents and provocation in the
desired manner. I quote from the entries in the
Jodl diary, for the 19th and 20th September
1938, at Page 6 of the Document 1780-PS, which
is Exhibit USA-72.
"19
September: Order is given to the Army
High Command to take care of the Sudeten
German Free Corps. "
20
September: England and France have
handed over their demands in Prague, the
contents of which are still unknown. The
activities of the Free Corps start
assuming such an extent that they may
bring about, and already have brought
about, consequences harmful to the plans
of the Army. (Transferring rather strong
units of the Czech Army to the proximity
of the border.) By checking with
Lieutenant Colonel Köchling, I
attempt to lead these activities into
normal channels.
Toward the
evening the Führer also takes a
hand and gives permission to act only
with groups up to 12 men each, after the
approval of the corps headquarters."