In 1923, Goering became commander of the entire S.A. This is shown in the pamphlet, "The S.A.," which is already in evidence, and the notation concerning Goering's command appears at Page 2 of the translation, which I do not intend to quote but will merely refer to.

Goering's intention to employ the S.A. as a terroristic force to destroy political opponents is shown by a speech made by him on 3rd March, 1933, at a Nazi demonstration in Frankfurt. It is Document 1856-PS, Exhibit

[Page 126]

"Certainly I shall use the power of the State and the police to the utmost, my dear Communists, so draw no false conclusions. It will be a fight to the death, in which my fist will knuckle your neck; I shall lead with those down there the Brown Shirts."

"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 S.A., created, within an extraordinarily short time, that instrument with which I could dare struggle. Highest necessity had forced us to act, but by a wise providence at that time we were denied 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 January. Therefore, at the end of the year of the National Socialist Revolution, I desire to thank you wholeheartedly, my dear Party Comrade Goering, for the great services you have rendered to the National Socialist Revolution and consequently to the German people.

"In cordial friendship and grateful appreciation,

Yours,
Adolf Hitler."

Now, finally, the evidence considered in the foregoing section of this brief, demonstrates the participation of the S.A. as an Organisation in the conspiracy alleged in Count One. Thus, the S.A. was first employed by the conspirators to destroy, by force and brutality, all opponents of National Socialism and to gain possession of the streets. Thereafter, upon the seizure of control by the N.S.D.A.P., the S.A. was used to consolidate and to strengthen Nazi power, and to persecute cruelly and destroy all so-called "enemies" of the State, including Jewry and the Church. During the period 1934 to 1939, the S.A. was employed for the actual preparation and training of the German people for war, and participated in aggressive warfare.

The S.A. was at all times employed by the conspirators to promote and disseminate the ideology of the Nazi Movement throughout Germany, and particularly, to perform the function of disseminating anti-Jewish propaganda and creating and fostering a militaristic and warlike spirit among the people of Germany

Conspiracy through its various phases ; and the conclusion, we think, is irresistible, that the S.A. was an Organisation devoted exclusively to the task.of assisting the defendants and their co-conspirators in carrying out the objectives of the Conspiracy.

Thus, in this sense, the S.A., as well as its members, were in fact co-conspirators and participants in a conspiracy which contemplated and involved Crimes Against Peace and Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes.

That concludes the presentation of the S.A., your Honour, and the next is the S.S., by Major Farr.

Do your Honours want to go ahead with that now ?

THE PRESIDENT: Perhaps we had better adjourn then, until 2 o'clock.

(A recess was taken until 1400 hours.)

[ Previous | Index | Next ]

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