(2) If there had been a conspiracy to commit war crimes, then the war would have been waged, from the very beginning, with utter ruthlessness and disregard of rules of war. Just the contrary actually happened. In fact, during the first years of the war, international law was on the whole respected. Especially in the beginning every endeavor was made to wage war with decency and chivalry. If any evidence is needed, a glance at the orders of the German High Command of the Armed Forces regulating the behavior of the soldiers in Norway, Belgium, Holland is sufficient proof.
MARSHAL: The Tribunal adjourns until tomorrow.
[The Tribunal adjourned until 5 July 1946 at 1000 hours.]
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SECOND DAY
Friday, 5 July 1946
Morning Session
THE PRESIDENT: Dr. Stahmer.
DR. STAHMER: I continue.
Number 2. If there had been a conspiracy to commit war crimes, then the war would have been waged from the beginning with utter ruthlessness and disregard of rules of war. Just the contrary happened. In fact, during the first years of the war...
THE PRESIDENT: Dr. Stahmer, the Tribunal thinks you got a little bit further with your speech.