Defendant Keitel, have you familiarized yourself with the document?
KEITEL: Yes. The text in the German language says that “in the countries affected human life frequently has no value...”
GEN. RUDENKO: And further?
KEITEL: Yes, “...and a deterrent effect can be obtained only by extreme harshness. To atone for the life of a German soldier...”
GEN. RUDENKO: Quite clear. And in this same order, in this same Subparagraph “b,” it is stated that:
“To atone for the life of one German soldier, 50 to 100 Communists must, as a rule, be sentenced to death. The method of execution should strengthen the measure of determent.”
Is that correct?
KEITEL: The German text is slightly different. It says: “In such cases in general, the death penalty for 50 to 100 Communists may be considered adequate.”
That is the German wording.
GEN. RUDENKO: For one German soldier?