VOLUME XIV

DR. SIEMERS: So that this sum was not final?
RAEDER: No, it was not final.
16 May 46
DR. SIEMERS: Will you please go on, then, to Point 2. According
to Point 2 of the document, you pointed out to Hitler during this
conference that it might be necessary to assemble six submarines
during the first quarter of 1935.
RAEDER: I said this because I knew that at the beginning of
1935 we were going to aim at the re-establishment of the Armed
Forces; and I thought that this might create a critical situation
in respect to sanctions, which Hitler always expected, too. I assume
that we were talking about this and that is why I suggested that
if the necessity for any special preparations should arise out of
the re-establishment of the Armed Forces then six submarines
should be assembled, at a date previous to their proper date of
assemblage, from those parts which were obtained from abroad.
DR. SIEMERS: Did Hitler actually give the osrder?
RAEDER: No, the order was not given.
THE PRESIDENT: We might break off now.
LA recess was taken.]
DR. SIEMERS: I now come to Document C-159, Exhibit USA-54.
This document may be found in the British Delegation's Document
Book 10a, Page 110. This document is a letter written by
Von Blomberg on 2 March 1936, dealing with the demilitarized
zone. Did you, Witness, make lengthy military preparations for
the action which took place on 7 March 1936?
RAEDER: No, I made no lengthy preparations; I heard of the
plan only through this document of 2 March. I may refer you to
Point 6 which says, "To preserve the peaceful character of the
operation, no military security or advance measures are to be taken
without my express orders." It was made clear, therefore, that
the entire action was to have a peaceful character.
DR. SIEMERS: You knew nothing at all about this entire action
until the beginning of March?
RAEDER: No, I believe that this action was kept especially
secret.
DR. SIEMERS: Then I will turn to Document C-194, Exhibit
USA-55, in the British Delegation's Document Book 10 a, Page 128.
This document is a communication from the High Command of the
Wehrmacht to the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy dating from