17 Dec. 45
people." The evidence relating to these events
will be presented at a later stage in connection with the case against
the SA.
On the 3rd of July 1934 the Cabinet issued a decree describing the
murders and the massacre of 30 June 1934, in effect, as legitimate
self-defense by the State. By this law the Reich Cabinet moved to make
themselves accessories after the fact of these murders. The domination
by the Party, however, makes the Cabinet's characterization of these
criminal acts by Hitler and his top Party leaders as state measures
consistent with political reality. I refer now to Document 2057-PS,
which is the English translation of the "Law Relating to the
National Emergency Defense Measures" of 3 July 1934, in the Reichsgesetzblatt
of that year, Part I, Page 529, and I quote the single article of that
law, which reads as follows — this still has reference to the blood
purge:
"The measures taken on 30 June and 1
and 2 July 1934 to counteract attempts at treason and high treason
shall be considered as national emergency defense."
On 12 July 1934 there was enacted a law defining the function of the
Academy for German Law. I refer to Document 1391-PS, which is an English
translation of the statute of the Academy for German Law, 12 July 1934,
1934 Reichsgesetzblatt, Part I, Pages 605 and 606:
"In constant, close connection with
the agencies competent for legislation, it" — the academy —
"shall further the realization of the National Socialist program
in the realm of the law."
On
30 January 1933, Hitler, the Leader of the Nazi Party and Führer of
the Leadership Corps, was appointed Chancellor of the Reich,. When
President Von Hindenburg died in 1934, the Führer amalgamated into
his person the offices of Chancellor and Reich President. I refer to
Document 2003-PS, which establishes that fact, and I do not quote. It is
Reichsgesetzblatt 1934, Part I, Page 747.
By decree of the 20th of December 1934 Party uniforms and institutions
were granted the same protection as those of the State. This law was
entitled, "Law Concerning Treacherous Acts against the State and
Party and for the Protection of Party Uniforms." This law imposed
heavy penalties upon any person making false statements injuring the
welfare or prestige of the Nazi Party or its agencies. It authorized the
imprisonment of persons making or circulating malicious or baiting
statements against leading personalities of the Nazi Party, and it
provided punishment by forced labor for the unauthorized wearing of
Party uniforms or symbols. I again refer to Document 1393-PS, not
quoting, which is the English translation and gives the authority.