DR. NELTE: Yes.
DR. HANS LATERNSER (Counsel for General Staff and High Command of the German Armed Forces): Admiral, you are the senior member of the group of the General Staff of the OKW, and you belonged to this so-called group for the longest time?
RAEDER: Yes.
DR. LATERNSER: In what manner did you become a member of this so-called group?
RAEDER: I was appointed Chief of the Naval Command Staff by Reich President Field Marshal Von Hindenburg. I did not join that group by doing so; rather I became Chief of the Navy. One was not aware of any group.
DR. LATERNSER: Joining and remaining in this group the Prosecution maintains was voluntary. Was there any possibility at all for military leaders to apply for any vacant posts?
RAEDER: No, there was nothing of the sort.
DR. LATERNSER: In other words, military accomplishments were the decisive factor?
RAEDER: It was a military order. There was no question, of it being voluntary.
DR. LATERNSER: Did you know the various members of the group at the time when you belonged to it?