COL. AMEN: What was the substance of the order?
LAHOUSEN: The essential part of this order was to eliminate Giraud, in a fashion similar to Weygand.
COL. AMEN: When you say “eliminate” what do you mean?
LAHOUSEN: I mean the same as in the case of Marshal Weygand, that is, it was intended and ordered that he was to be killed.
COL. AMEN: Do you recall the approximate date when this order was given by Keitel to Canaris?
LAHOUSEN: This order was given to Canaris several times. I cannot say for certain when it was given for the first time as I was not present in person. It was probably after the flight of Giraud from Königstein and prior to the attempt on the life of Heydrich, in Prague. According to my notes, this subject was discussed with me by Keitel in July of the same year, in the presence of Canaris.
COL. AMEN: Well now, what did Keitel first say to you personally about this affair?
LAHOUSEN: I cannot repeat his exact words, but the meaning was that he proclaimed the intention of having Giraud killed, and asked me, as in the case of Weygand, how the matter was progressing or had progressed so far.
COL. AMEN: And what did you say to him on that occasion?
LAHOUSEN: I cannot remember the exact words. I probably gave some evasive answer, or one that would permit gaining time.