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A. No, I must deny that with all emphasis. According to the reports
in the German press, according to speeches made by Hitler and other
governmental functionaries, where again and again the love for peace on the
part of Germany was emphasized, I had to assume that an aggressive war on the
part of Germany was not intended. I did not know of any special plans of Hitler
at the time. I remember particularly that on 6 September 1938 the German-French
peace agreement was considered by me with great joy as a further guarantee of
peace. When I heard about the fleet agreement with England, I interpreted it
was a sign of future peace, and I did not think of any aggressive intentions. I
always thought of Germany as representing the defensive point of view. I was
very impressed by the speech of the Swiss President, Motta, who, in 1934, said,
in a speech, that Switzerland had to remain armed, and then he said:
“Those nations who do not safeguard or widen their military defense
measures will be the sad prey of invasion.” On the occasion of the Swiss
festival on 1 August 1934, I quoted that speech, in my capacity as Swiss
Consul, to my countrymen and I added the following commentary (I quote from my
speech) : “These are profoundly courageous and statesmanlike Swiss words.
They do not criticize at all those events which happened and are still
happening in other countries. They merely demand in an impressive manner that
we want to be independent and free masters of our own destiny. For that
purpose, an appropriate defense force which shall secure freedom and peace
shall be established.” On the other hand, this speech also stated that any
other country should have the same inalienable rights, and I continued that
these words shall be engraved in our minds and serve as the guiding principle
for all our actions. I could quote many other passages from my speeches which
show my faith in the maintenance of peace; in the interest of time, however, I
shall limit myself to that one quotation. I want to show with that that I,
without at all being a militarist, considered the right of defense as a natural
right of all free people aspiring towards peace and freedom. That is why I
never saw in the rearmament of Germany a preparation for aggressive war.
Q. Thank you very much, Mr. Haefliger. This will conclude my
examination with respect to count one of the indictment. |
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| CROSS-EXAMINATION |
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| MR. SPRECHER: Now, Defendant Haefliger, Austria was occupied by
German troops at daybreak, beginning on 12 March 1938. Before 12 March 1938,
did you inform Mayer-Kuester in Paris to |
1583 |
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