 |
with Farben representatives Krauch, Schneider, and Buetefisch
regarding measures to be taken in the fuels field in the event of war
[NI-3975, Pros. Ex. 517]. To expand the basis of production Farben
became a co-founder of the BRABAG and issued licenses to that company under its
hydrogenation patents [NI-7669, Pros. Ex. 518]. Farben developed
high-grade aviation gasoline for the Luftwaffe. Further Reich subsidies were
obtained. The military significance of the synthetic oil program was stressed
by Goering at the meeting of 26 May 1936, attended by the defendant Schmitz,
already referred to above.
The Military Economic Staff of OKW in a
report of January 1939 [NI- 7471, Pros. Ex. 538] observed that “* *
* mineral oil is just as important for modern warfare as airplanes, armored
vehicles, ships, weapons and munitions * * *” An official report prepared
by the Enemy Oil Committee for the Fuels and Lubricants Division Office of The
Quartermaster General of the United States Army in March 1945 on Petroleum
Facilities of Germany [NI-10507, Pros. Ex. 544] correctly summarizes
Farben’s contribution in the field of synthetic gasoline and lubricating
oils as follows: |
| |
“The outstanding feature of
German oil economy during the past 10 years has been the spectacular
development of her synthetic oil plants for the production of oil from coal.
This attempt at complete oil autarchy, made without regard to cost or orthodox
financial considerations, has no parallel elsewhere and is a striking example
of the character of the German master plan for world domination which called
for the production, within her own boundaries, of all the resources essential
to modern warfare.” |
| Synthetic Rubber. Equally
effective in the equipping of the Nazi military machine was Farben’s
activity in the field of synthetic rubber production from coal. Following
development of the experimental process, numerous conferences were held between
Farben representatives and such Reich agencies as the Army Ordnance Office and
the Reich Ministry of Economics during 1933 to 1935 [See NI-8326, Pros. Ex.
95; NI-6930, Pros.
Ex. 545; NI-7472, Pros. Ex. 562]. As a result of these negotiations
an intensive program to produce synthetic rubber in large quantities was
developed [NI -7241, Pros. Ex. 547] and was subsequently expanded during
1936 and 1937 with the aid of various Reich subsidies as the possible military
needs became more numerous and urgent [NI-7625, Pros. Ex. 549]. The
volume of planned production in this field was far beyond the needs of
peace-time economy. The huge costs involved were consistent only with military
considerations in which the need for self-sufficiency without regard to the
cost was decisive. Military and political considerations were controlling in
the development of this program. The truth of |
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