SAUCKEL: It is only an ultimatum insofar as I could not wait any longer. I had to leave, because I had orders to leave. I was trying to get a decision, a “yes” or “no,” nothing else.
M. HERZOG: And to demand an answer “yes” or “no”—you do not consider that an ultimatum, Defendant Sauckel?
SAUCKEL: I had to leave, and I wanted a decision as to whether the French Premier would sign it or not.
M. HERZOG: Thank you. The Tribunal will, I am sure, note your answer.
Do you know how many French workers were deported to Germany as the result of your various actions?
SAUCKEL: As far as I can remember—I cannot say exactly offhand—there were 700,000 to 800,000 French workers employed in Germany. However, I cannot tell you exactly without documents.
M. HERZOG: Is it correct that in Belgium and in Northern France the deportation of workers for forced labor was regulated through laws of the army of occupation?
SAUCKEL: I do not know about it being through the laws of the army of occupation but through labor administration.
M. HERZOG: Is it correct that it was the decree of 6 October 1942 which instituted forced labor in Belgium and in Northern France?
SAUCKEL: We called it “compulsory labor service” in German law. That is correct.