Archive/File: imt/nca/nca-02/nca-02-16-responsibility-13-04
Last-Modified: 1997/05/12

   Nazi Conspiracy and Aggression, Volume Two, Chapter XIV

                                                  [Page 785]
                                                            

D. KRUPP GOVERNED THE EXPORTS OF HIS FIRM IN THE LIGHT OF
THE MILITARY REQUIREMENTS OF THE NAZI CONSPIRATORS AND THE
ACCEPTED AND DISCHARGED IMPORTANT ADMINISTRATIVE
RESPONSIBILITIES IN FURTHERANCE OF THE CONSPIRATORS' PROGRAM
OF ECONOMIC MOBILIZATION FOR WAR.

(1) In a "strictly confidential" memorandum dated 25 March
1941, the following was reported:

     "*** The liberation of the Reich from the shackles of
     Versailles enabled Krupp to recommence the export of
     armaments. The German Government had, in fact, pressed
     for the matter. Military-political and Military-
     economic reasons were the cause. Krupp desired to come
     into the closest contact with the armament exports, so
     as to further the development of arms ***"
     
                           *******
     
     "*** By using all the forces at his [Krupp's] disposal
     and regardless of effort, costs and risk, considerable
     export contracts were secured, which served to obtain
     foreign currency or raw materials, and were, at the
     same time, politically desirable. ***" (D-191)

In a memorandum dated 23 June 1937, concerning a Bulgarian
order for armour plating which was discussed with German
Army representatives, Reiff, a Krupp official, wrote:

     "Major Olbrich showed himself aware quite evidently of
     the deeper reasons existing why Germany was anxious
     that this order should be booked. ***" (D-154)

(2) At the request of the Inspector of War Production, Krupp
me a Leader of War Production in 1937, and was charged with
the responsibility of preparing and carrying out the
mobilization of the armament industry and of directing it in
time of war.

(a) In a "strictly confidential" letter dated 21 January
1937, the Inspector of War Production wrote to Krupp:

     "The-Reich Minister for War and the Supreme Commander
     of the Armed Forces has ordered that a Corps of
     Economic
     
                                                  [Page 786]
                                                            
     Leaders of War Production be recruited with immediate
     effect.
     
     "The Economic Leaders of War Production in
     collaboration with the Armed Forces, are to be
     responsible for the preparing and carrying out of the
     mobilization of the armament industry and for directing
     it in time of war."
     
                           *******
     
     "A selected small circle of these persons is to act in
     an advisory capacity to the Armed Forces in all
     important economic questions both during peace and war.
     
     "Subject to your approval, I intend to propose to the
     Reich Minister for War that you should be nominated as
     Economic Leader for War Production." (D-62)

(b) In connection with his acceptance of the position of
Leader of War Production, Krupp submitted a "secret"
document entitled, "Declaration of Political Attitude,"
dated 6 February 1937, in which he stated:

     "I herewith declare that I stand by the National
     Socialist conception of the State without reserve and
     that I have not been active in any way against the
     interests of the people.
     
                           *******
     
     "I am aware that should I say or do anything which
     constitutes an attack against the National Socialist
     conception of the State, I must expect, in addition to
     legal proceedings, my dismissal from the post of
     Economic Leader of War Production." (D-63).

Home ·  Site Map ·  What's New? ·  Search Nizkor