. NMT04-T0223
Volume IV · Page 223
| Ohlendorf on this argument is set forth in
pp. 355 to 358. Justified action against partisans and reprisal measures. Some defendants alleged that as far as the actions of Einsatz units under their respective command were concerned, most of the killings constituted death penalties for illegal partisan activities, or reprisal measures which were justified according to international law. This line of defense was particularly emphasized by those defendants who denied knowledge and execution of the Hitler order. The following selections on this plea appear in pp. 358 to 366; an extract from the radio speech of Marshal Stalin of 3 July 1941, and extracts from the closing statements on behalf of the defendants Sandberger and Ott. The defense of self-defense and necessity was treated in detail by defense counsel for the defendant Ohlendorf in his opening statement. This opening statement appears earlier in this volume, pp. 54 to 82. The prosecution dealt with these various defenses in its closing statement, which is set forth below, pp. 369 to 383. |
| 2. EXTRACTS FROM THE TESTIMONY OF THE DEFENDANTS OHLENDORF, HAENSCH, AND BRAUNE |
| EXTRACTS FROM THE TESTIMONY OF
DEFENDANT OHLENDORF* |
| DIRECT EXAMINATION |
| DR. ASCHENAUER (Counsel for defendant
Ohlendorf) : What is your name? DEFENDANT OHLENDORF: Otto Ohlendorf. Q. When and where were you born? A. On 4 February 1907, in Hoheneggelsen, District of Hannover. Q. What was the profession of your father? A. My father was an owner of a farm. Q. Do you have any brothers or sisters? A. I am the youngest of four. Q. What is the profession of your brothers and sisters? A. My oldest brother is a scientist; my second brother owns a farm; my sister has a business. Q. What was the political opinion in your parents' house? A. My father was an old National Liberal, and later he was at times a liaison official of the German People's Party. Q. What was the religious attitude in your parents' home? |
* Complete testimony is recorded in mimeographed transcript, 8, 9, 14, 15 October 1947, pp. 475-756.
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