[246] In a unanimous decision on the same day as this speech, the Reichstag granted Hitler power to take action “without being bound by existing legal regulations” and “regardless of so-called well established right.” The Reichstag decision is reproduced on page 204 as a part of Document NG-715, Prosecution Exhibit 112.
[247] Excerpts from parts of this correspondence not reproduced in this exhibit are quoted in the extracts from Schlegelberger’s testimony reproduced at the end of this section.
[248] Pertinent parts of Hitler’s speech are contained in Document NG-752, Prosecution Exhibit 24, reproduced immediately above.
[249] See section V C 1 b, “New devices to change final court decisions—extraordinary objection and nullity plea,” for further information concerning this subject.
[250] Not reproduced herein. This letter transmitted Schlegelberger’s letter to Hitler and the decree on right of confirmation, both reproduced immediately above.
[251] The decision of the Greater German Reichstag, 26 April 1942, promulgating Hitler’s authority to act “without being bound by existing law,” is reproduced as part of Document NG-715, Prosecution Exhibit 112, on page 204.
[252] On 26 April 1942, Hitler made a speech to the Reichstag, which discussed, among other things, the role of persons concerned with the administration of justice. Extracts from this speech (NG-752, Pros. Ex. 24) are reproduced earlier in this section. Concerning Hitler’s speech, see also the letter of 7 July 1942 from the President of the Court of Appeal in Hamm to the defendant Schlegelberger (NG-395, Pros. Ex. 74) reproduced later in this section.
[253] Concerning the treatment of so-called “asocial elements,” see Thierack’s memorandum on decisions made in conference with Himmler on 18 September 1942 (654-PS, Pros. Ex. 39), reproduced in section V C 3 a, and Crohne’s notes on a conference of 9 October 1942 (662-PS, Pros. Ex. 263), reproduced in section V D 2.
[254] Numerous persons have stated that Hitler died in the air-raid shelters under the garden of the Reich Chancellery just before Germany’s unconditional surrender to the Allies in 1945.
[255] Thierack became Reich Minister of Justice in August 1942. From March 1941 until Thierack’s appointment, the defendant Schlegelberger had been Acting Reich Minister of Justice.