DR. SIEMERS: Do you know when Churchill made that statement, approximately?
SCHULTE-MÖNTING: I believe it was between 7 and 9 April.
DR. SIEMERS: 1940?
SCHULTE-MÖNTING: Yes, 1940.
DR. SIEMERS: What was your estimate at the Naval Operations Staff of the risks of losses?
SCHULTE-MÖNTING: Raeder had told Hitler that he would have to reckon on the possible complete loss of the fleet, and that if the operations were carried out successfully he would have to be prepared for the loss of about 30 percent of the forces used.
DR. SIEMERS: And how much was lost?
SCHULTE-MÖNTING: About 30 percent.
DR. SIEMERS: In view of the risk of losing the entire fleet, was Raeder at first in favor of that operation?
SCHULTE-MÖNTING: No. He considered a neutral attitude on the part of Norway as much better than having to take this risk.