. NMT03-T1172
Volume III · Page 1172
"Both this promotion and the honoring of this decoration with the skull and crossbone ring I will take not only as a token of the Reich Leader's most distinct proof of trust in me, but also as an incentive for further active proof of my loyalty and for strictest adherence to my duties in my career as an SS man." |
| On 11 February 1944 he wrote SS Gruppenfuehrer and Lieutenant General of the Waffen SS, Professor Dr. Karl Gebhardt, a letter containing the following paragraph: |
"One more personal remark — You kindly promoted me SS Oberfuehrer. It is not that far yet. At least, I did not get to know it until now. I merely tell you this because I do not want to claim anything for me which does not correspond to facts." |
| By letter dated 16 June 1944 he was notified
that the Reich Leader SS had promoted him to the rank of Oberfuehrer, effective
21 June 1944. The defendant stated that he was assigned to the legal staff of the 48th Standarte and later to the legal staff of the SS Main Office. He stated that he had no actual duties. However, part of his service credentials, dated 14 March 1939, under the heading of qualifications, signed by Dalski, SS Obersturmbannfuehrer, the following is stated: |
"SS Untersturmfuehrer Altstoetter is frank, honest, and helpful. His ideology is firmly established on a National Socialist basis. A. was a leader of the staff of the 48th Standarte and there at all times performed his duties in a satisfactory manner." |
| In a report from Leipzig, dated 10 June
1939, it is stated that he was awarded the "badge of honor for legal service,
in silver", effective 19 April 1938, signed Sachse, SS Untersturmfuehrer and
Adjutant. The defendant was evidently highly regarded by Himmler who, on 18 September 1942, at a meeting with Thierack and Rothenberger, referred to him as a reliable SS Obersturmfuehrer. It also appears that his appointment to the Ministry of Justice was at the suggestion of Himmler and that the defendant's relationship with Himmler was one which Thierack fostered for purposes of his own. At the instance of Thierack, he visited Himmler at his headquarters and was present at a speech given by Himmler at Kochem, where he attended a dinner for twelve people, including SS Standartenfuehrer Rudolf Brandt and SS Obergruppenfuehrer Pohl. He visited Berger, a high SS official, at Berger's request. He carried on considerable correspondence with high officials in the |
