[Turning to the witness.] I should like to repeat my last question. Why, instead of issuing a new order, did they not simply refer commanders to Standing War Order Number 154, which was issued in the winter of 1939-40?
I refer, Mr. President, to Document GB-196, on Page 33 of the Prosecution’s document book.
You remember that order, don’t you. I have shown it to you.
GODT: Yes, I do. That order had already been canceled when the so-called Laconia order was issued. Apart from that, a mere reference to an order already issued would have lacked the character of actuality which orders should have.
FLOTTENRICHTER KRANZBÜHLER: Do you mean by that that your staff, as a matter of principle, did not issue orders by references to earlier orders?
GODT: That was avoided, whenever possible; that is to say, almost always.
FLOTTENRICHTER KRANZBÜHLER: Will you explain to me why that order was issued as “top secret”?
GODT: The order appeared after an operation in which we nearly lost two boats, and contained a severe reprimand for the commanders concerned. It was not customary for us to put such a reprimand in a form accessible to any one except the commanders and all the officers.
THE PRESIDENT: Which is the severe reprimand?
FLOTTENRICHTER KRANZBÜHLER: Will you please explain of what this severe reprimand for the commander consisted?