 |
did not have enough
tetraethyl-lead to wage war, for which reason the German Reich pursued a
stockpiling policy. "* * * Finally, it was decided to procure the
tetraethyl-lead on a loan basis. All the gentlemen were very bewildered as
Goering demanded a report by noon the next day. It was commonly known that
tetraethyl-lead was needed as the German production in tetraethyl-lead while
sufficient for peacetime purposes, was not sufficient to wage war, and we had
to obtain it immediately for aviation gasoline.” |
In November 1938, Vermittlungsstelle W sent circular letters to
various plants of Farben notifying them of the requirements of the Reich
Economic Ministry that insofar as possible 3-weeks' stocks are to be stored in
addition to the normal stocks "so that in the event of mobilization production
can be continued as a result of accumulation of stocks." [NI-documents:
8367, 8365,
8366,
7211,
7209,
8364, Pros. Ex. 737-742
inclusive.]
It is clear from the evidence in the record that, in
cooperation with the Reich agencies, Farben carried out through the years
preceding the war an extensive program of stockpiling of strategic and critical
war materials in anticipation of the requirements if war should come. Farben
utilized its international connections in carrying out such stockpiling often
concealing the true objectives of the transactions.
f. Use of
International Agreements to Weaken Germany’s Potential Enemies. In the
conduct of its world-wide enterprises, Farben had numerous contacts and
arrangements with business concerns of other countries. Through cartel
agreements, plans for sharing of patent rights, association of interests and
many other reciprocal arrangements with business enterprises throughout the
world, Farben was in a strategic position to serve the expanding purposes of
the Nazi government.
Among these international agreements was a
contract between Farben and the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey under which
Standard Oil Company acknowledged Farben’s supremacy or priority all over
the world in the chemical field and. Farben deferred to Standard Oil's
leadership in oil everywhere except in Germany. [NI-10550, Pros. Ex. 942;
NI-10430, Pros. Ex. 943.]
In a letter dated 9 November 1929, Mr.
Teagle, President of Standard Oil, referring to the agreement of that date, set
out an understanding of the intentions of each party “to hold itself
willing to take care of any future eventualities in a spirit of mutual
helpfulness” and more particularly he said: |
| |
“In the event the
performance of these agreements or of any material provisions thereof by either
party should be hereafter restrained or prevented by operation of any existing
or future law, or the beneficial interest of either party be alienated to a
substantial degree by operation of law or governmental authority, the parties
|
1273 |
. 
