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of Farben, everything was listed that we had received from Standard
Oil. It's possible that our private report was a little exaggerated in view of
its purpose. I cannot judge this matter exactly, not being a technical expert.
I should merely like to remark that this private report was not finished. I
believe that can be seen from the letters with which the prosecution introduced
it. The information was not completed, for actually no such attack was made
against Farben, probably because of the somewhat confused situation in Germany
in the year 1944.
Q. Was this matter really so serious for Farben?
A. We considered it extremely serious, and I believe everyone will
agree with us who realizes what the situation was. That was the time of the
terrible air raids on German cities. The German population was living under the
most terrible conditions. Now this speech of Haslam's, which had become known
in Germany, said the American air raids on German cities were possible only
because of the technical experience which Standard Oil had received from
Farben. It also said the explosives which the American planes dropped on German
cities could be traced back to certain inventions of Farben which Standard Oil
received, that is, in the field of toluol. Finally, it said that Russia had won
her campaign only because of technical achievements which Russia had received
from America and which came originally from Farben. Now, just imagine our
situation if this state of facts became the basis of an accusation by the
People's Court.
Q. Did Farben foresee such results of its collaboration
with Standard Oil?
A. No, of course not; but that is an unavoidable
consequence of any international collaboration in a technical field. What one
country gives another country in peacetime by way of technical achievements
will be turned, in the event of war, against the country where it originated.
And when that happens, then reproaches come and probably against both partners.
Everyone is reproached by his own country. It was similar with Standard Oil, as
we heard. Reproaches were made against Standard Oil too. But you must realize
the difference. These reproaches against Standard Oil were raised in a
civilized form of a hearing before a Senate Committee. But now imagine the
situation of a German firm in 1944 before the People's Court. I don't believe I
need say any more about that. |
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