SAUCKEL: A factory was “blocked” if it was manufacturing articles which were not essential for war, or if it was a question of so-called luxury articles.
M. HERZOG: I do not think you understood my question. What were, for instance, the “S” factories in France—the factories protected by Speer?
SAUCKEL: “Sperrbetriebe” known as “S” factories—is that what you mean?
M. HERZOG: Yes.
SAUCKEL: Sperrbetriebe were factories which worked for Speer in France, which had been agreed to by the French Minister Bichelonne, and they were blocked as far as labor recruitment was concerned.
M. HERZOG: Did you not exert strong pressure on the Defendant Speer to get him to abandon the practice of blocking industries?
SAUCKEL: I asked him and I urged him, but I could not succeed in putting an end to the blocking of these factories.
M. HERZOG: Did you ever bring up the matter with Hitler and insist that Speer should give up his position?
SAUCKEL: Yes, I was very insistent with Hitler about it, but I had no success.
M. HERZOG: In this connection did you not ask the Führer to increase your powers at the expense of the Defendant Speer?