Q. Did you ever find out whether any office of the Party or any other organization of the Party was in favor of your appointment as Chief Reich Prosecutor?
A. I never heard anything about that.
Q. When, in effect, did you assume your office as Chief Reich Prosecutor at the People’s Court?
A. Due to illness, I only assumed office on 20 September 1939, in Berlin.
Q. However, you had already been appointed on 1 July?
A. Yes.
Q. Mr. Lautz, may I ask you this? Before 1933, did you belong to a political party?
A. From 1924 to 1930, I was a member of the German People’s Party. That was the party of Minister Etresemann, who became well known through the policy of understanding which he followed toward the victorious countries of 1918, and whose efforts, in particular to reach an understanding with France in order to bring about peace in Europe, I welcomed very warmly and supported.
Q. When did you become a member of the National Socialist Party?
A. On 1 May 1933.