The close integration of the Ministerial Council with the ordinary Cabinet is seen by the following excerpt from the minutes of the same date (8 September 1939):
“The Council of Ministers for the Reich Defense ratified the decree for the change of the Labor Service Law which had already been passed as law by the Reich Cabinet. (Reichsgesetzblatt, Part I, page 1744.)”
The minutes of the meeting of 19 September 1939 (2852-PS) show the following Reich Ministers to be present in addition to four members of the Council:
“Also: The Reich Minister for Finance, Count Schwerin von Krosigk.
The Reich Minister for Food and Agriculture, Darré.
The Reich Minister for Enlightenment and Propaganda, Dr. Goebbels.
State Minister * * * Dr. Popitz.” (2852-PS)
Then come the names of eight State Secretaries. Others present included:
“SS Gruppenfuehrer * * * Heydrich; General of the Police (Ordnungpolizei) Daluege.” (2852-PS)
The minutes dated 15 November 1939 show the same co-mixture of Ministers, State Secretaries, and similar functionaries. In addition, the following were also present: