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that it was the result of the gasoline contract which Farben
concluded with the Reich Minister of Economics and the Reich Ministry of
Finance. It is stated in this contract that Leuna would have to expand up to
350,000 tons of gasoline. That was the request of the Reich. The request was
quite obviously made because they wanted to save foreign exchange.
The
order was very clear, "We ask you to produce 350,000 tons whereupon in return,
we will give you a guaranteed contract." That's what the Reich Ministry of
Economics said.
Q. That is what I wanted; the
Reichswirtschaftsministerium, the Reich Ministry of Economics. Now, you
testified that this contract was not profitable to Farben because Farben had to
turn 91 million reichsmarks which it made as profits back to the Reich over a
period of ten years. Now, Dr. Buetefisch, isn't it a fact that all of that
money was profit over and above the guaranteed profit which you got under the
original 1933 contract? Every bit of those 91 million reichsmarks —
A. Yes, that was above the guaranteed surplus, and it is quite correct,
Mr. Sprecher, to point that out. I am glad that you drew my attention to it.
From these 91 millions — I don't remember the exact figures — but I
think 6 million were deducted which we had received from the Reich before, so
that the difference was only 85 millions, I think. That is true. But the final
accounting about what we had to pay to the Reich was 91 millions, minus the two
years during which we had received that. That may be true. |
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Q. Now, is it not a fact that prior to this contract of December
1933, Farben losses in the hydrogenation investments exceeded 300 million
reichsmarks?
A. Mr. Sprecher, the experimental expenses are contained
in that sum, expenses for experiments in connection with a big problem, as I
described it yesterday, involving 145 to 150 millions. These expenses are
included and they were not booked on the credit side. That is how we arrive at
those figures. Figures can be compiled in a similar way for any big problem or
experiment. What did we spend for buna or vistra, for example? As to
investments, these figures are always different, and the question is how to
interpret the figures, a juggling with figures.
Q. Now, this loss
amounted to approximately half of the nominal capital stock of Farben, is that
correct? This loss up to 1933?
A. I have already said you can't count
300 millions. If you have a 300 million loss and if somebody else gives you 150
millions for patents and experiences, then the actual loss is only 150
millions. And then if you read the document properly you will find that with
these 150 millions you have to compare a plant which |
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