In the presence of the other witnesses, I countered the unexpected statements of the Führer, and in addition I should like to read from Bormann’s record the following paragraphs which have not been read until now. I quote from the original Document L-221 on Page 4:
“Reich Leader Rosenberg emphasizes that, in accordance with his views, each Kommissariat would require a different treatment of the population. In the Ukraine we would have to initiate a program furthering art and culture. We would have to awaken the historical consciousness of the Ukrainians, and establish a university at Kiev, and the like. The Reich Marshal, on the other hand, points out that we have to think first of guaranteeing our food supply—everything else should be dealt with later.
“(Incidental question: Is there still anything like an educated class in the Ukraine, or are upper-class Ukrainians to be found only as emigrants outside present-day Russia?)”
This is a comment by Bormann. I continue to quote:
“Rosenberg continues that certain independence movements in the Ukraine deserved support as well.”
Then follows on Page 5 a quotation of the intentions of the Führer, where it says—and I quote:
“Likewise the Crimea, including a considerable hinterland (territory north of the Crimea), must become Reich territory; the hinterland must be as large as possible.
“Rosenberg complains about this because of the Ukrainians living there.
“(Incidental question:”—again from Bormann—“It frequently appears that Rosenberg has quite a liking for the Ukrainians; he wants to enlarge the former Ukraine to a considerable extent.)”
Thus there is evidence that I tried to persuade the Führer with all my might to agree to the same points which I made in my speech on 20 June 1941 before the assembled department heads.