“I remember that Captain Godt and Captain Hessler were opposed to this telegram. They said so expressly because, as they said, ‘it might be misunderstood.’ But I said, ‘I must pass it on now to these boats to prevent this 1 percent of losses. I must give them a reason, so that they do not feel themselves obliged to do that.’ ”
Do you remember protesting now, saying “That can be misunderstood”?
GODT: No, I do not recall that.
COL. PHILLIMORE: And a further extract on Page 3 of the English translation, the bottom of Page 2 of the German:
“So I sent a second telegram to prevent further losses. The second telegram was sent at my suggestion. I am completely and personally responsible for it, because both Captain Godt and Captain Hessler expressly stated they thought the telegram ambiguous or liable to misinterpretation.”
Do you remember that now?
GODT: No, I do not recall that.
COL. PHILLIMORE: Would you look at a further statement to the same effect, on Page 5 of the English, first paragraph; Page 4 of the German text, third paragraph. He has been asked the question:
“Why was it necessary to use a phrase like the one that I read to you before: Efforts to rescue members of the crew were counter to the most elementary demands of warfare for the destruction of enemy ships and crews?”
It is the last clause of the first sentence, and he answered: