A. Precisely in Italy, we had a remarkable achievement because as a matter of principle we turned to Italian firms, gave them commissions and they provided the workers. I believe I can say that the Todt Organization was known for taking model care of its workers. For instance, in Norway and Holland, the Dutch or Norwegian Todt worker received higher wages than the German Todt worker who was working right beside him. I could make extensive statements on that if I wanted to, or if I were given the opportunity.
Q. But that is not an answer to my question, whether they were volunteers or forced labor?
A. They were not forced. They were brought by their firms.
Q. Through the Italian firms?
A. Yes, that was the intention from the very beginning, so that the Italian firms could provide their trained and expert personnel to us, and, in this way, they were simply volunteers; they did much better work than if they were forced.
Dr. Bergold: No further questions.
CROSS-EXAMINATION
Mr. King: Witness, you stated that Milch was only present at a few of the early meetings of the Jaegerstab. May I ask you—
A. What I said refers only to those meetings of the Jaegerstab at which I was present and that was perhaps four or five.
Q. Now, you said, in your affidavit, which has been submitted as a prosecution exhibit referred to by Dr. Bergold, that you received an order for the construction of fighter factories at the end of April 1944?