“Directive concerning the uniform preparation of the Armed Forces for 1939-1940.
“I will expound, at a later date, the future objectives of the Armed Forces as well as the preparations for war which follow therefrom.
“Until the directive becomes effective, the Armed Forces must be ready to accomplish the following tasks:
“I) Securing the frontiers of the German Reich and protection from sudden air offensives; II) Fall Weiss; III) Occupation of Danzig.
“Signed: Hitler.”
I will now read into the record the first paragraph of Appendix 3, entitled the “Occupation of Danzig.”
“The surprise occupation of the Free City of Danzig may come into question—independently of Fall Weiss—in utilization of a favorable political condition.”
I think that we can dispense with the reading of the remaining text of the document.
If it please the Tribunal, it is worthy of note that, according to German plans the occupation of Danzig was regarded either as an integral part of the aggression against Poland or, in case of a different political situation, as a completely independent operation, but in both cases it was planned well in advance.
The same set of documents, listed as Number C-120, includes a top-secret directive intended exclusively for commanding officers and was to be transmitted through officers only. It is important to note that the subject of this document, which I submit to the Tribunal, is indicated as follows: Instructions concerning the uniform preparation for war of the Armed Forces for the years 1939-1940. Just as the previous ones, this document was not intended for a wide circle of readers. It was typed in seven originals only. The fascist conspirators were not very anxious to popularize their planned preparation for war.