FUNK: The problem of living (Lebensproblem) is no slogan; and the problem of living was really a problem for the German people at that time. By “Lebensproblem”...
DR. SAUTER: You mean “Lebensraum”?
FUNK: ...or “Lebensraum”—I did not mean the conquest of foreign countries at that time; the thought of war was just as strange to me as it was probably to most other Germans. By “Lebensraum” I meant the opening up of the world for the vital interests of Germany, that is, the participation of the German people in the profitable utilization of the world’s goods of which there was a superabundance.
Whether that was to be done by colonies, or concessions, or international trade agreements, I did not trouble to find out at that time.
The expansion of Germany in the world economy before the first World War was the decisive factor which determined me to become an economic journalist. The participation of Germany in the Rumanian petroleum industry, the concession of the Bagdad Railway, the growing German influence in South America, in China, generally in the Far East—all this inspired me very much. At that time already I became acquainted with such men as Franz Günther of the Discount Bank, Arthur Von Gwinner of the Deutsche Bank, Karl Helferich, the big Hamburg importer, Witthöft, and many other German economic pioneers, and started on my profession with all the enthusiasm of the young journalist.
“Lebensraum” was thus for me at that time the fulfilling of these economic claims, that is, Germany’s participation in the world’s goods and the abolition of the restraints which hemmed us in on all sides. It was sheer nonsense that Germany on her part should have to pay reparations and debts while the creditor nations on their part refused to accept payment in the only form possible, that is, payment in goods and products.
That period marked the beginning of a great wave of protective tariffs in the world. I recall the American economic policy at that time; I recall the Ottawa agreements, and this mistaken economic policy led to a world economic crisis in 1929 and 1930 by which Germany also was badly hit.
DR. SAUTER: Dr. Funk, have you finished? [The defendant nodded assent.]
Dr. Funk, the Prosecution in their trial brief have contended that you participated in the formulation of the Nazi program. What can you tell us about that?
FUNK: I do not know what the Prosecution understands by Nazi program.