GÖRING: No, it did not have to be reported to me. I explained a little earlier that if every order and every instruction which came through in the shape of an order, but which did not require my intervention, would have had to be reported to me, I should have been drowned in a sea of papers; and that is the reason why only the most important matters were brought to me and reported to me.
I cannot swear upon my oath that this document was not reported to me verbally. It is possible. And I formally take responsibility also for my departments.
GEN. RUDENKO: I would like you to be more precise about it. You say that the most important things were usually reported to you; correct?
GÖRING: That is correct.
GEN. RUDENKO: I would like to draw your attention to the document before you, to the third and fourth paragraphs of the order. The third paragraph says:
“Actions of hostile civilians against the German troops or various troop units, as well as against service personnel, must be suppressed on the spot by the most severe measures, even the extermination of the attackers.”
Paragraph 4: “Thus, no time should be lost . . .”
GÖRING: Just a moment.
GEN. RUDENKO: The fourth paragraph . . .
GÖRING: You have sent me three documents, and I am trying to find out which one; I am trying to sort them out.