 |
[them...] selves that they always
and in all situations obeyed the categorical imperative, and there is
presumably not one of us survivors who is entirely free of guilt.”
|
Is this not a key for many testimonials by inmates?
I
have no hatred against those who testified here against the Farben plant,
Auschwitz, and the spirit that prevailed there. I well understood, and only too
well, that they were embittered by a hard destiny, which, however, was not
within the responsibility of IG. I feel only too clearly, and it is the case
today, more than at any other time, that the world will not achieve its aim of
peace unless men learn to forgive one another. |
| |
| 13. DEFENDANT GATTINEAU |
| |
PRESIDING JUDE SHAKE: Dr. Gattineau.
DEFENDANT GATTINEAU: May
it please Your Honors, the facts that refute the charges of the prosecution
have been presented by my counsel. I merely wish to add a few words that may
possibly show my personal attitude. I have retained the humanitarian ideals of
the young student throughout my professional life. I had aimed at opposing
radicalism in politics as well as in my personal sphere. I continued in this
effort even after the Weimar epoch had broken down and the idea of collecting
the young conservative powers and their constructive energy in the Conservative
People’s Party had failed.
This attitude nearly cost me my life.
Therefore, feeling the responsibility toward my family, from 30 June 1934 on I
withdrew from all political activity and devoted myself exclusively to my
profession. Therein I was guided by the principles that had been taught me by
men like Bosch and Duisberg. Wherever I was given the task of leading
followers, I have tried to solve this problem by combining the economic effect
with the social rise of my staff. Today, at the end of the trial, I am
convinced, as I was at its beginning, that none of my actions constitute a
crime according to any law that I know of.
Therefore, I cannot but join
in the motion of my defense counsel. |
| |
| 14. DEFENDANT VON DER HEYDE |
| |
PRESIDING JUDGE SHAKE: Dr. von der Heyde.
DEFENDANT VON DER
HEYDE: May it please Your Honors, to begin with, in the course of this trial I
was thrice faced with the question, “Am I guilty or not guilty” in
the sense of the indictment. On the 14th day of August 1947, you, Mr.
President, addressed this question to me in this same courtroom. At that time
the question primarily was one of juridical significance. Not knowing the
evidence in detail that the prosecution was going to introduce, but supported
by my own conscience, I gave you the answer, “Not Guilty.”
|
1079 |
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