“I have often discussed the personality of the Reich Marshal with his legal adviser, a very experienced, quiet, and conscientious lawyer, as well as with the Judge Advocate General, who was distinguished by the same qualities, and was often with him. We were of one opinion about the Reich Marshal.”
In the course of this Trial, the Prosecution has repeatedly referred to the so-called Green File, which was submitted under Document Number 1743-PS. This is not, as the Prosecution maintains, a regulation for the spoliation and annihilation of the population. Its object was rather the economic mobilization and the uninterrupted operation of industry, the procurement and regular utilization of supplies, and of transport facilities in the territories to be occupied by military operations, with special consideration of the fact that Russia had no private enterprise, but only a strict centrally regulated state economy. In addition to that, vast destruction had to be anticipated in view of the Russian attitude. Nowhere does it contain an order or directive to exploit certain groups of the population beyond the necessities caused by the war.
From that Green File I have cited a whole series of passages which are to prove my statements. I cannot refer to them in detail; I should like to draw your attention only to one very characteristic passage which is on Page 94 of this Green File, second paragraph:
“Among the native population, that is, in this case, workmen and clerical employees, the best possible relationship is to be established.”
Somewhat below, on the same page:
“Endeavors must be made for good relations with the population, in particular also with the workers in agriculture.”
I am now coming to the next paragraph:
The German Armed Forces entered the war fully respecting the international conventions.
THE PRESIDENT: Where is this part?
DR. STAHMER: Page 23, Mr. President.