ROSENBERG: The Minister for the Occupied Eastern Territories was responsible for the administration and legislation in the Eastern Territories, and the Reich Commissioner, for the territorial governments.
THE PRESIDENT: General Rudenko, the Tribunal have already heard all about the administration—the former administration—and personnel of the administration.
GEN. RUDENKO: Mr. President, I have only two or three more questions in this particular sphere.
[Turning to the defendant.] Did the Reich Commissioner have the authority to issue orders for the arrest and execution of hostages?
ROSENBERG: At this moment I cannot recall whether he had such authority by law, or whether that came under direct police jurisdiction. I cannot answer this question with assurance, for at the moment I do not recall a decree to that effect, but it is not entirely impossible; I do not know.
GEN. RUDENKO: It was possible? Very well.
I would like to remind you that you foresaw in your directive this authority of the commissioners to shoot hostages. We will pass right on.
A lot has been said here about German policy in occupied territories. I will, therefore, put only a few questions to you.
First of all, as regards the Ukraine, you have here described the situation in such a light as to show that Koch was the sole person responsible, whereas you have always assented that, on the contrary, you were the benefactor of the Ukrainian people.
ROSENBERG: No, that is not correct; I never said that I was a benefactor.