“The general situation is very serious. Russia wants the war. England rearms speedily. Command therefore: Beginning today ‘höchste Einsatzbereitschaft’ ”—apparently the translator did not see fit to translate those words, which mean the “highest degree of readiness”—“regardless of financial difficulties. Göring takes over full responsibility.”
“Peace until 1941 is desirable. However, we cannot know whether there will be implications before. We are already in a state of war. It is only that no shot is being fired so far.”
THE PRESIDENT: Perhaps that would be a convenient time to break off.
[A recess was taken until 1400 hours.]
Afternoon Session
MR. ALBRECHT: May it please the Tribunal, two important conferences which have already been adverted to by the Prosecution show clearly how the Defendant Göring inspired and directed the preparation of the German economy for aggressive war. On the 8th of July 1938 he addressed a number of the leading German aircraft manufacturers and laid the groundwork for a vast increase in aircraft production. He stated that war with Czechoslovakia was imminent and boasted that the German Air Force was already superior in quality and quantity to the English. He said that:
“. . . if Germany wins the war. Then she will be the greatest power in the world, dominating the world market, and Germany will be a rich nation. For this goal, risks must be taken. . . .”
That quotation, may it please the Court, is taken from Document R-140, Exhibit Number USA-160.