. NMT06-T0577
Volume VI · Page 577
| Q. Now, Witness, were you
familiar with the transactions that are frequently referred to as the Julius
Petschek and the Ignaz Petschek matters? A. Yes, I was acquainted with these matters to a certain extent, that is as far as the activity of the staff was necessary or the cooperation with Goering. Q. Did Flick ever talk to you about the Julius Petschek matter? A. In the Julius Petschek matter, Flick came to see me and also Steinbrinck at a time when the transaction was already going on. As far as I remember, Flick had a discussion with Goering in which Flick told him about the plan of the purchasing the Petschek group and asked for his support in these things. Q. Did Flick talk to you before this conversation with Goering? A. That I cannot state exactly. I assume, and I think that I can remember, that Flick, without my knowledge, and at the beginning of January 1938, if not earlier, had a discussion with Goering about the plan of acquisition of the Julius Petschek property. Q. Did Flick ever in talking to you — did he indicate whether or not he was anxious to acquire the Julius Petschek properties? A. Yes. Flick talked with me about these matters, and he told me it was his intention. He also informed me that he had already started negotiations with the competent authorities in the Economic Ministry and also those in the Four Year Plan, which is the office of Koerner. Q. He had already talked to Koerner; is that correct? A. That I assume, yes, and I am almost certain it must have been so, for Koerner was responsible for these matters and was the competent authority. Q. And just what did you mean, Witness, when you said that Goering wanted the support — rather, Flick wanted the support of Goering and Koerner? A. Such transactions had to come to the knowledge of State Offices. Anyhow, it wasn't a purchase in which you just offered and paid, but after all, it was an action which concerned the economy, and there were other possible buyers who were interested in the same matter, and it wasn't only Flick. Such an action could not be carried out without the cooperation of State authorities. This already follows from the matter of foreign currency. It would have been impossible to carry this out without the support of the State. PRESIDING JUDGE SEARS: Did the defendant Flick tell you why he wanted to acquire these properties or some of them? WITNESS GRITZBACH: Of course, Flick gave the reasons for his application to Goering, and in discussion with me — |
