. NMT05-T0802
Volume V · Page 802
| "Obedience is the foundation of
the Wehrmacht, trust is the foundation of obedience." (Duties of the German
soldier, Point 4). "In the school of the army, the youth is to learn not only obedience but, by doing so, is to acquire the prerequisite qualities to take command later on. He must learn to keep silence, not only when justly reprimanded, but must also learn, if necessary, to bear injustice in silence." (Hitler, Mein Kampf, p.459). Virile discipline and obedience as foundation of the NSDAP. Mute, with clenched teeth, SS men on propaganda marches pass through hooting mobs of Reds. In meetings silently listening to the raging of the Reds. Obedience without asking for the reason why. Faith in leaders must be so strong that every man is convinced that the leadership is the right one. Impossibility in most cases of explaining motive for an order in advance. Opponent might otherwise recognize plan in advance. In 1932 it was incomprehensible to many National Socialists why the Fuehrer did not participate in Papen-Schleicher government. The Fuehrer was right in the end. Bear in mind today, do not ask, why the Fuehrer spares this or that enemy, why necessary steps are not taken here or there. The Fuehrer has his weighty reasons. Therefore blind and trusting obedience, so long as nothing obviously illegal or immoral is demanded. Not slavish obedience, but the compliance of a free man based on his own free resolution. The obedience of the Nordic man is established on mutual faith. Therefore, allegiance to unknown superiors does not exist for us (Freemasons!) For the German there is no other obedience surpassing that of his allegiance to the Fuehrer of his people. 28 March 1935 (Manual 2) [On back of document] Correctness of photocopy certified. Nuernberg, 9 August 1947 |
| [Signed] DR. HAENSEL,
Attorney at Law |
| EXTRACT FROM TESTIMONY OF
DEFENDANT POHL* |
| EXAMINATION |
| DR. FRITSCH (counsel for the defendant Baier) : Now, Witness, on direct examination you stated that you very strictly observed |
* Complete testimony is recorded in mimeographed transcript, 16, 19-23, 27-29 May, 2, 3 June, 25 August, 1947.
