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would, under German conditions, be acceptable. Step by step he has
gradually advanced the compensation offer to RM 190,000.
The French
who, of course, are not in the least interested in the settlement of this
matter, are continually making new excuses and new claims. For some months they
have taken refuge in negotiations with the French Government, which is to take
over that part of the financial loss not covered by the German compensation.
Presumably this problem will become more and more difficult, as the difference
between the official and unofficial prices in France is increasing from day to
day.
We, on our part, are extremely interested in acquiring the machine
finally at the estimated value of RM 190,000. But we decline direct
negotiations and dealings with ALSTHOM, as we are of the opinion that the
machine was confiscated by the German Armament Inspectorate and thus it
devolves upon the German authorities to arrange the settlement with the
French; after that we shall settle with the German authorities.
The
above statements serve only to inform you of the rough outlines of the facts of
the case. Before you enter into any negotiations in this matter, please
obtain more detailed information when making a visit to
Rheinhausen. It would, however, be advisable for you to contact personally the
gentlemen concerned right away and make inquiry about the present state of
affairs.
The present chief of the Intendantur with the military
commander is Oberstabsintendant [civilian with equivalent rank of major] Dr.
Hollwich, who, on his part, would probably be willing to help us. The actual
man in charge is Oberzahlmeister [civilian with equivalent rank of first
lieutenant] Schar, our impression of whom is unfavorable and, more recently,
Oberzahlmeister Schindler, who is unknown to us.
We request you to hand
them the attached letter at your convenience. |
| |
[Stamp] Fried. Krupp-Stahlbau
[Signed] THIESS
|
| |
| 1 Enclosure |
| |
| |
| 2. EXTRACTS FROM THE TESTIMONY OF PROSECUTION WITNESS ROBERT KOCH*
|
| |
DIRECT EXAMINATION MR. MANDELLAUB: You are Mr. Robert Koch?
WITNESS KOCH: Yes.
Q. What was your position or is your
position with the ALSTHOM? |
__________
* Complete testimony is
recorded in mimeographed transcript, 22 January 1948. pp. 2110-2148
644 |
. 
