“First, it had to deal with laws and drafts and decrees of the Reich Ministry of Justice, unless for reasons of their subject they were dealt with by another group, because that group appeared to be competent. Secondly, penal matters based on the law against malicious acts, as far as on the basis of legal provisions the approval of the Chief of the Party Chancellery was required for the prosecution. Thirdly, complaints from Party offices or individuals against decision by the courts. Fourth, complaints from the administration of justice against interference by Party offices into pending trials. Fifth, to observe especially civil and penal cases which concerned the Party. Sixth, matters of legal reform, and seventh, expert opinions in the field of the Party law.”
Among his activities, and in conference with officials from the Ministry of Justice, he made suggestions for strengthening the powers of the police.
At another conference with officials from the Ministry of Justice concerning the political evaluations of persons in connection with legal procedure, he represented the standpoint of the Party that Party evaluations should be accepted by the courts.
During the time that Klemm was Chief of Group III-C, the act providing for the retroactive application of law concerning treason was enacted and applied to the annexed eastern territories. It was claimed by the defendant that this was based upon a decision of Bormann.
At this time legislation depriving the Jews of legal rights was also contemplated; drafts of the proposals made were dealt with, and the letter of 9 September 1942, prepared in Department III, was dispatched.
Also as part of the activities of Group III-C under Klemm, the proposal of the defendant Schlegelberger regarding confirmation of sentences of penal cases by the president of the district court of appeals was disposed of and the defendant claims he influenced Bormann to oppose this recommendation of the Ministry of Justice.
During this period a circular entitled, “The New Organization of Justice,” signed by Bormann, and which the defendant Klemm claims was intended to free the Ministry of Justice from Party criticism, states as follows:
“Hereby is further required that you report to me all complaints which you have to bring in matters of justice, so that I can clear up the situation immediately by confidential negotiations with the Reich Minister of Justice. Should it, after a discussion with the Reich Minister of Justice, seem absolutely necessary that a problem is brought to the Fuehrer, then this will be taken care of by Reich Minister Dr. Lammers and myself.”
During this period Klemm wrote the Minister of Justice as follows:
“Your letter of 5 August 1943 is agreed to. No objections are raised to applying the German Criminal Code for Juveniles to foreign juveniles, unless they are Jewish, Polish, or gypsies. Regarding juvenile gypsies and those of mixed gypsy descent, you are asked to see to it that, simultaneously with the coming into force of the new law concerning Reich juveniles, a special regulation will come into effect which will prevent the German Criminal Code for Juveniles from applying to gypsies and those of gypsy descent merely because a definite regulation is lacking.”