E. Special Responsibility of Goering for the SA Program.
Hermann Goering participated in the conspiracy in his
capacity as an SA member and leader. In 1923, Goering became
Commander of the entire SA. A few months later Goering
participated in the so-called Munich Putsch. SA troops
participated with him in this action.
Goering's intention to employ the SA as a terroristic force
to destroy political opponents is shown by a speech made by
him on 3 March 1933, at a Nazi demonstration in Frankfurt Am
Main (1856-PS). Goering spoke as follows:
"Certainly, I shall use the power of the State and the
police to the utmost, my dear Communists ! So you won't
draw any false conclusions by the struggle to the death
in which my fist will grasp your necks, I shall lead
with those down there. Those are the Brown Shirts."
The importance of the SA under Goering in the early stages
of the Nazi movement is shown by a letter written to Goering
by Hitler (3259-PS):
"My dear Goering:
"When in November 1923 the Party tried for the first
time to conquer the power of the State, you as
Commander of the SA created within an extraordinarily
short time that instrument with which could bear that
struggle. Highest necessity had forced us to act, but a
wise providence at that time denied the success. After
receiving a grave wound you again entered the ranks as
soon as circumstances permitted as my most loyal
comrade in the battle for power. You contributed
essentially to creating the basis for the 30th of
January. Therefore, at the end of a year of the
National Socialist Revolution. I desire to thank you
wholeheartedly,
[Page 168]
my dear Party Comrade Goering, for the great values
which you have for the National Socialist Revolution
and consequently for the German people.
"In cordial friendship and grateful appreciation.
Yours,
"(s) Adolf Hitler!" (3259-PS)
Although Goering did not retain command of the SA, he at all
times maintained a close affiliation with the organization.
This is shown by the photographs of Goering participating in
SA activities which have been mentioned previously. In 1937,
Goering became Commander of the Feldherrnhalle Regiment of
the SA This was the Regiment which was employed in the
occupation of the Sudetenland. (3214-PS)
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