 |
blockade at their disposal. They would interrupt oil supplies to
Germany. Then all German machines would be standing still for lack of
lubricants, then no airplane could take off in Germany, and the German
motorized troops would have to stop somewhere halfway. This most dangerous
effect of blockade would be eliminated if Germany obtained motor fuels and
lubricants of every kind through domestic production.
The press
opinions, which only stressed the point of view of the consumer regardless of
this obvious national emergency, had to be taken seriously in spite of this
one-sidedness during the "system" period of that time [Systemzeit].* In view of
the insecure political situation, it could, after all, happen that such a
short-sighted tendency would gain the upper hand in the government and that
within a short time the duties on motor fuel would be reduced. This was all the
more likely to happen because powerful foreign interests were also working
towards the same goal.
The National Socialist movement, which was
growing tremendously, served to counterbalance such tendencies. This movement
had not yet, however, adopted a definite attitude on the question of motor fuel
duties, and there were indications that the assertion that hydrogenation was
too expensive had also made an impression on the National Socialist side.
In this difficult situation, Director Dr. Buetefisch decided to clarify
the attitude of the National Socialist movement on the question of German motor
fuel at the only really appropriate place, that is, the Fuehrer himself.
Through [the defendant] Dr. Gattineau he asked the personal staff of the
Fuehrer to set a date for a discussion, and this was approved. The day of this
memorable conference has remained indelibly imprinted on Dr. Buetefisch's
memory. He reports on it: |
| |
"It was on a lovely summer's day
in June 1932. The Reichstag had once again been dissolved and the German people
were engaged in an election campaign. We had arrived in Munich by car the
previous evening, and this morning waited, as arranged, to be picked up for the
reception by the Fuehrer. We waited until the afternoon. Then about 3 o'clock
the open car with the Fuehrer's standard appeared and took us through the
Munich streets to the Fuehrer's private apartment on Prinzregentenplatz. We
entered a workroom which was simply and plainly furnished, and there waited for
the Fuehrer's arrival. The previous evening, the Fuehrer had addressed an
election meeting in Munich, had driven all night, and had spoken again at a
great youth rally at noon. We knew that |
__________
* The period of the Weimar
Republic.
538 |
. 
