7 Dec.
45
marked that for identification purposes. I now offer it
in evidence as Exhibit Number USA-35.
On Pages 313 to 315 of this work Thomas discusses the Russo-German
Trade Agreement of 1939 and relates how, since the Soviets were
delivering quickly and well under this agreement and were requesting war
materials in return, there was much pressure in Germany until early in
1940 for increased delivery on the part of the Germans. However, at Page
315 he has the following to say about the change of heart expressed by
the German leaders in August of 1940. 1 read from Page 9 of the English
translation:
"On August 14 the Chief of the
Wirtschaftsrüstungsamt during a conference with Reich Marshal Göring
was informed that the Führer desired punctual delivery to the
Russians only until spring 1941. Later on we were to have no further
interest in completely satisfying the Russian demands. This allusion
moved the Chief of the Wirtschaftsrüstungsamt to give priority to
matters concerning Russian war economy."
I shall refer to this statement again later when I discuss the
preparation for the economic exploitation of Soviet territory expected
to be captured. At that time, too, I shall introduce evidence which will
show that in November of 1940 Göring informed Thomas that a
campaign was planned against the U.S.S.R.
Preparations for so large an undertaking as an invasion of the Soviet
Union necessarily entailed even these many months in advance of the date
of execution, certain activity in the East in the way of construction
projects and strengthening of forces. Such activity could not be
expected to pass unnoticed by the Soviet Intelligence Service.
Counter-intelligence measures were obviously called for.
In an OKW directive signed by the Defendant Jodl and issued to the
counter-intelligence service abroad on 6 September 1940, such measures
were ordered. This directive is our Number 1229-PS and I offer it in
evidence as Exhibit USA-130, a photostat of the captured German
document. This directive pointed out that the activity in the East must
not be permitted to create the impression in the Soviet Union that an
offensive was being prepared, and outlined the line for the
counter-intelligence people to take to disguise this fact. The text of
the directive indicates by implication the extent of the preparations
already under way, and I should like to read it to the Tribunal:
"The Eastern territory will be manned
stronger in the weeks to come. By the end of October the status shown
on the enclosed map is supposed to be reached.
"These, regroupings must not create the impression in Russia
that we are preparing an offensive in the East. On the other