 |
make special reference because of the light they shed upon the
question of the common plan and aggressive war. These meeting took place on 5
November 1937, 23 May 1939, 22 August 1939, and 23 November 1939."
The
same captured documents were introduced by the prosecution in the present case
(386-PS, Pros. Ex. 1033, section B 2, L-79,
Pros. Ex. 1083; 798-PS, Pros. Ex. 1101; and
789-PS, Pros. Ex. 1153, in sections D 1 and 2).
The defendant Schniewind participated in the meeting on 23 May 1939
(Tr p. 4826), and testified on the agenda of this meeting (see section D
1). The minutes of this meeting further list the defendant Warlimont as having
attended (L-79, Pros. Ex. 1083). However, in his testimony, he
disclaimed having been present (See Warlimont testimony in section D 3). Five
of the defendants testified that they were participants in the meeting of 22
August 1939 (Warlimont, Tr. p. 6367; Schniewind, Tr. p. 4843; von Leeb, Tr.
p. 1874; von Kuechler, Tr. p. 2301; von Salmuth, Tr. p. 3920). The meeting
of 23 November 1939, was attended by four defendants (Schniewind, Tr. p.
4884; von Leeb, Tr. p. 2450; von Ruechler, Tr. p. 2945; and Hoth, Tr. p.
3069). Von Salmuth testified regarding his presence at this conference as
follows: ‘ * * * I don't know whether I was there myself. One thing I know
for certain, I am fully informed about what went on during that conference."
(See testimony of von Salmuth in section D 2 b.)
In the course of the
trial, two other meetings were subsequently referred to by prosecution and
defense: the meetings of 30 March and 14 June 1941. On 30 March , Hitler
informed the generals of his intentions concerning Soviet Russia (NOKW-3140,
Pros. Ex. 1359 and testimony of General Halder, included in section D 3b).
On this occasion, the defendants Warlimont (Tr. p. 2950), and Hoth
(Tr. p. 3077), were present. On 14 June 1941, the final briefing for
military operations against Soviet Russia took place and the generals gave
their reports to Hitler before the attack. This meeting was attended by
Warlimont and von Kuechler (C-78 Pros. Ex. 1245, section D 3b); von Leeb
(Tr. p. 2333), and Hoth (Tr. p. 3079). |
| |
B. Development and Activities of the German
Armed Forces, 1919 to February 1938: |
| |
1, CONTEMPORARY DOCUMENTS, 1919 THROUGH
1932 — THE PERIOD OF THE WEIMAR REPUBLIC |
| —————————— |
* Trial of the Major War Criminals, op.
cit. supra, vol. I, p. 188.
415 |
. 
