“The elimination of the demarcation line is now out of the question, and if the revival of the economic life of France is thereby paralyzed, that is quite immaterial to us. The French have lost the war and must pay for the damages. Upon my objection that France would then soon become a center of unrest, I was answered that either shots would settle that or the occupation of the still free zone.
“For all concessions we make, the French must pay dearly in deliveries from the unoccupied zone or the colonies. We must strive to stop non-coordination in the economic field in France.”
Finally, another document captured by the U. S. Army which I submit as Exhibit Number RF-206 (Document Number EC-325), signed by Dr. Gramsch, gives us the following information:
“In the course of the negotiations regarding relaxation of the restrictions of the demarcation line, it has been suggested that the French Government seize the gold and foreign currency in the whole of France.”
Further in this document:
“The foreign currency reserves of occupied France would strengthen our war potential. This measure could, moreover, be used in negotiations with the French Government as a means of pressure in order to make it show a more conciliatory attitude in other respects.”
A study of these documents shows the German intent, in disregard of all legal principles, to get all the wealth and economy of France under their control.
Through force the Germans succeeded, after one year of occupation, in putting all or nearly all the French economy under their domination. This is evident from an article, published by Dr. Michel, director of the Economic Office, attached to the Military Government in France which appeared in the Berliner Börsen Zeitung, of 10 April 1942. I submit it as Document Number RF-207, and shall read one passage from it:
“The task of the competent offices of the German military administration should be regarded as directing ‘Economic Direction,’ that is issuing directives and at the same time seeing that these directives are really followed.”