TIMM: As I was not an expert on those questions I cannot remember very well, and I do not know whether there were any detailed conferences about them.
DR. SERVATIUS: Now, I should like to pass on to the connection of the authorities with the occupied territories.
With whom were negotiations carried on and to whom did one apply when making demands on the occupied territories?
TIMM: One had to apply to the respective district governments at the time—military commanders, Reich commissioners or something similar.
DR. SERVATIUS: What kind of position did Sauckel’s deputies have?
TIMM: The deputies were organized and intended to be men who were to exert a direct and vigorous influence on the execution of Sauckel’s plans, instructions and orders.
This goal, however, was not reached as they were not able to succeed. I remember that the Plenipotentiary General therefore intended to ask Hitler for more comprehensive instructions and more comprehensive powers.
I seem to recall that the Plenipotentiary General once announced that he had learned from Hitler himself, or from his entourage, that Hitler was not inclined to extend these powers as he could not release the local governments, especially the military commanders, from their comprehensive responsibility and powers; so the Plenipotentiary General had only one recourse, that of putting forward his wishes through the channel of direct negotiations.
DR. SERVATIUS: Why were the deputies not able to succeed?
TIMM: The deputies could only try to consult with the existing regional governments, but the opposition was so strong that they could not carry any weight.