DR. LATERNSER: Did they influence decisions regarding what ships were to be sunk?
DÖNITZ: No, not at all.
DR. LATERNSER: And did they influence orders regarding the treatment of shipwrecked personnel?
DÖNITZ: No.
DR. LATERNSER: Now the holder of the office Chief of Naval Operations Staff also belongs to this group. What were the tasks of a Chief of Naval Operations Staff?
DÖNITZ: That was a high command, the office which worked out the purely military, tactical, and operational matters of the Navy.
DR. LATERNSER: Did the Chief of Naval Operations Staff have powers to issue orders?
DÖNITZ: No.
DR. LATERNSER: Then his position was similar to that of Chief of General Staff of the Air Force or of the Army?
DÖNITZ: I beg your pardon, I must first get the idea clear.