Archive/File: imt/nca/nca-03/nca-03-003-ps
Last-Modified: 1997/10/28

          Nazi Conspiracy & Aggression, Volume III
               Translation of Document 003-PS

A Short Report of the Activity of the Foreign Policy Office (APA)

The mission of the Foreign Policy Office (APA) of the
National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) could not
from its founding be considered a replica of the development
of the Foreign Office, but is restricted in a very definite
manner. From the entire foreign policy complex the following
concrete problems have been selected:

                                                   [Page 11]

The German-English Relationship, the North Eastern Region,
the South Eastern Region (Danube Region) along with boundary
peoples holding interests in these regions, and Soviet
Russia.

With the realization that the entire present day foreign
policy is tied together in the closest manner with the
question of foreign trade, a definite division was
established to deal with this subject. Thus the following
divisions were set up in the APA.:

England, the North, the South-East Region, the Near East,
Foreign Trade, and the Press.

1. England: The attempts to find persons in England who had
the desire to understand the German movement date back to
1929. Our English agent R. in Berlin made possible my first
trip to London in 1931. There a number of connections were
made which worked out well in a practical fashion to bring
about a German-English understanding. Above all was Group
Leader W., member of the Air General Staff, who was firmly
of the belief that Germany and England must stand together
in the defense against the Bolshevist danger. These
different voicings of opinions had the result that the
circle in the English Air General Staff enlarged and the
Flying Club became a center of German-English understanding.
In 1934 Group Leader W. came to Germany where he was
received by the Fuehrer (Hitler). The utterances of the
Fuehrer had the
result to further strengthen these already favorably
inclined policies, and since this time this cordiality has
not been broken. The Air General Staff always inquired of us
what they could state to refute the anti-German elements in
London in a manner favorable to us. The German arguments
were then applied in a corresponding manner. In contrast to
certain English persons who would speak out very fervently
for Germany, only to speak the contrary some months later,
this staunch group, namely, the Air General Staff which was
run by the younger officers, had proven itself to be a solid
and conscious support in all changing situations. Not least
in this influence was the great speech of Baldwin of the
previous year in which he promised Germany the right to air
protection. The English periodical "The Airplane" which is
printed under the guidance of the Air General Staff, began
to express against Bolshevism in an always increasing
sharper tone, and always declared, when there was agitation
against German militarism, that one could today feel well
pleased if Germany had a strong air force to combat the
Asiatic barbarism. The English ministers who did not wish to
adopt this point of view were sharply criticized. In the
change of foreign ministers the pro-French candidate for
foreign office was not selected, but rather

                                                   [Page 12]

the ex-Minister of Air, Samuel Hoare. who till this day
still keeps up his personal contacts with the Air Ministry.
Upon his request a memorandum on the spiritual foundation of
national socialism, inspired by us, was translated to him;
it being his desire to understand our movement more fully.

During the reign of MacDonald this feeling of cordiality was
supported through the private secretary of MacDonald, Mr.
Badlow whom I also met in 1933 and with whom I had extensive
discussions. Since this time he has constantly been informed
through us, and has had more than one heated difference of
opinion with MacDonald over this subject.

A resulting activity of this connection with the British Air
General Staff was the establishment of a liaison between our
Air Ministry and the British fliers. However, before it was
possible for us to reveal our armament, W. revealed to me on
official stationery of the British Air Ministry, a
representative of the airplane motor factory which was
engaged in producing motors for the British Air Force, and
which said representative I later met here in Berlin. Since
the German industry itself had attained production capacity
by now, this almost official British offer for German air
arming could not be fully accepted. However, the Chief of
our England Division (Kapitaenleutnant Obermueller, reserve)
took two representatives of the German Air Ministry to
London and himself undertook several trips to London. He was
the first German to receive an invitation from the vice-Air
Marshal to view the British Air Force and British air
strength. The APA had placed an automobile at the disposal
of this same Air Marshal in which to tour Germany when he
was in Germany last year. A firmer bond has also been
accomplished between our English Division and Henry
Deterding and his associates. Misunderstandings in matter of
taxes pertaining to the German possessions of Deterding
could be removed, thus preventing a change of management in
respect to Deterding and the Shell Works whereby Germany
would have lost some large contracts.

At the close of last year we received the message that the
King of England has expressed himself to be very
dissatisfied over the official press agency. The visit of
the Duke of Kent to Munich had made matters still worse
pertaining to the King's views on the press agency.
Consequently we one day received the request from London to
make possible that our English agent take a trip to London
in order to orient the Duke of Kent in every detail
pertaining to national socialism in order to convey this
information to the King. R. went with me to London exactly
as requested and

                                                   [Page 13]
                                                            
there had an over three hour long unobserved conference with
the Duke of Kent, who then conveyed this to the King of
England. One can assume that this instruction has served its
purpose and exerted a definite strengthening pressure for
change of cabinet and head it in a direction of closer
cordiality for Germany.

A number of Englishmen were invited to the Party Day of
1934, of which some at least portrayed a favorable attitude
towards Germany. Above all was Captain McCaw, semi-official
counsel of the English Ministry of War and liaison man
between other ministries. McCaw was previously adjutant to
Lord Kitchener, and as we ascertained, has worked for a
German-British understanding in official quarters. Besides,
there was also the truly enthusiastic adjutant of the Duke
of Connaught (uncle of the English King), Archibald Boyle,
who was called upon all matters of foreign policy by the Air
Transport Ministry, and who worked for the same purpose. To
these important contacts may be added a great number of
other connections with British politicians, officers, and
members of Parliament.

It naturally is to be understood that other personalities of
the Nazi Party (NSDAP) had important connections in England
and have utilized them. In conclusion I believe I can say
that the England Division of the Foreign Policy Office
(APA), in spite of many difficulties and counter-currents
upon which I will not enter any further, has done its duty
in the special purpose of helping to create a German-English
understanding.

2. Northern Division: The winning over of the Scandinavian
countries to the side of Germany appears as a foregone
necessity for future German foreign policy, but the
necessity is also as great to prevent the Scandinavian
countries from making a clean entry into the circle of anti-
German countries. The political possibilities towards these
Marxist governments were extremely difficult. Trade
policies, according to my belief, have suffered most through
sins of omissions, hence the APA restricted itself more to
the cultural political field. For this purpose it expanded
the Nordic (Scandinavian) Society. This formerly small
society has grown to be a decisive bond in the German-
Scandinavian relationship since its support by the APA two
years ago. The society's leader, Lohse is selected by the
APA. The offices in all sections [Gau] are headed by
corresponding section chiefs [Gauleiter]. Trade groups and
other organizations and branches of the party which have
dealings with Scandinavia have come to agreement so that
almost all of the traffic between Germany and Scandinavia
today passes through the hands of the Nordic Society. The
society has

                                                   [Page 14]

to date celebrated in Germany all memorial days of great
Nordic scientists and artists (Hamsun, Holberg, Heidenstam)
and has brought a number of Nordic conductors to Germany, as
well as having furthered Nordic literature. Through its
periodical "The North" [Der Norden] thoughts have been
exchanged. Finally, personal relations were increasingly
favored through conventions. Especially was the Convention
of 1935 a complete success. This convention met under the
sanctity of the Scandinavian ministers in Germany and the
German ministers in Scandinavia, as far as it applied to the
Nordic Music Conclave as the main purpose of the convention.
The committee was composed of the authoritative Nordic Music
Society. Fourteen sold out concerts and over 200
Scandinavian visitors attest to the success of the
convention.

Thereupon the First National Finnish Art Exhibition came to
Germany, followed by the request of the Finnish Government
to the APA to hold a German exposition in Helsinki in March
of 1936. These psychologically valuable affiliations have
undoubtedly loosened the tension in many circles and it
would do well for a clever trade policy to make use of this
loosened tension, as for example, the trade treaties between
England and Finland expire in 1936. The Chief of the
Northern Division is my private secretary, Thilo von Trotha.

3. Southeast (Danube-Region): Since the Fuehrer (Hitler) has
reserved Austria for his own, the APA has relayed on to the
responsible places any reports from Austria, and has not
dealt in Austrian politics. Relations with Hungary were
immediately established. The APA invited Premier Gombos to
Berlin in 1933 for a private visit where he was presented to
the Fuehrer. The Fuehrer took him along to Erfurt to observe
a review of the SA. Specific discussions were undertaken
with Hungary to convince her of the futility of her demands
for 100% revision of boundaries. Finally in August of 1935 I
spoke with his excellence von Angian and made clear to him
that although we well understood her own interests, the
necessity that Hungary must decline its revision demands
upon Yugoslavia and Rumania and address its demands to
Czechoslovakia. One can assume that the Hungarians are now
ready to realize the necessity of the boundary revisions as
proposed.

Exceptionally long and drawn out discussions were in process
with Rumania because definite measures were necessary, not
because we did not wish to be intervening in Rumanian
affairs without being called, but because we had to await
the attitude of the Party as a result of the King of Rumania
sending a friend to Ber-

                                                   [Page 15]
                                                            
lin. Here on Rumanian soil a bitter battle was going on
between the pro-French Titulesco and Jewish elements on one
side against the anti-Jewish elements on the other side. The
King is well aware of the fact that in the end his support
of Bolshevism may cost him his throne. However, he is so
intimidated by the threats of France, so as not to call for
an election, and hopes only that the powers of the people,
which are mounting against Titulesco, are so strong that he
can support himself upon the will of the people. In order to
create unity of expression the APA suggested formation of a
large German-Rumanian Chamber of Commerce in Berlin. The
profits of this business were not to benefit any private
associates, but were to go to those groups that worked for a
German-Rumanian understanding. Because of a false report of
Herr von Neurath to the Fuehrer (Hitler) in which it was
stated as though the action were taken in the name of the
Fuehrer, the work was delayed and hindered and finally
stopped, even though all of the ministers concerned had
agreed to the plan. Through this many costly months were
lost and the APA was forced to try other means. Since it was
not possible to work with money, many conferences were
arranged between the coming Premier Goga. Finally, an
agreement which had been considered impossible, was
concluded between Goga and the anti-Semitic leader Cuza.
Cuza, upon my wish, deleted several points from his program,
after which he informed us that it was necessary in the
interest of his fatherland (Rumania) and a German-Rumanian
understanding that he comply with my wish, as he had
recognized in me an unyielding anti-Semite. I have informed
the Fuehrer of the complicated later relationships in
numerous reports. Germany is fighting France and Bolshevism
in Rumania, and when affairs have progressed so as to
warrant further discussion, the King of Rumania will invite
me to a visit to discuss the matter further.

Feelers have been sent out to Belgrade through Rumania. Here
also exists the possibility of splitting the "lesser
entente," but as far as I can ascertain, Yugoslavia is not
considering withdrawal from this alliance singly under
certain guarantees, but will withdraw together with Rumania.
The work in Rumania has to a part been undertaken by Herr
Duckwitz, but especially by Party-Member Schickedanz.

The Near East: Next it was necessary that the position of
the national socialistic movement be secured not only within
the confines of the Party but also in public life. This was
the more so necessary since the old Rapallo Treaty was
constantly being discussed in the universities in numerous
lectures. In relation with

                                                   [Page 16]

this was the Near East Ideology of Moeller van dem Brock
which exerted its influence deep within the Party. The APA
proceeded in the most tenacious fashion to prevent the
proponents of the Rapallo school from coming to the
universities, although this was not always possible. he APA
prevented that instructional lectures of the School of
Rapallo and Moeller van dem Brock were held within the Party
and other societies. Through the Reich Ministry for the
Furtherance of German Literature were issued many sharp
criticisms over the eastern ideology of Moeller van dem
Brock to all government and party offices. Furthermore, Dr.
Leibrandt, the Chief of the Near East Division delivered
several speeches on this matter to Party Conventions,
student societies, and so forth. It was this activity which
caused the APA to make enemies with many governmental
offices until the Fuehrer in his speech of May 21 set forth
the authenticity of this work and forced a withdrawal of
those who opposed this activity of the APA. From there on
the Near East Division has pursued the entire current
Russian political activity, collected and examined current
Russian reports, made an exact study of the minority
feelings in Russia and contacted anti-Soviet circles,
although only for purposes of study. The Near East Division
has supplied other divisions, namely the English Division
with necessary material about Russia, as well as making
available to the Press Division material for "Dem
Voelkischen Beobachter" [official Nazi Party newspaper].

Foreign Trade: In all these political connections the
question of foreign trade played an important part.
Reluctantly one must say that it was just in this field,
according to my view, that much opportunity has been lost.
First of all, the Manchuko Incident, which came to the
attention of the Fuehrer, was without question sabotaged in
the worst fashion by the Foreign Offices in Berlin and
Tokio. Still, it is of significance that the form of the
reciprocal trade treaties which were written up by the
Foreign Trade Division serve as models for many other
governmental treaties. In many instances the division was
able to establish order when things had been greatly
neglected, as the German-Finnish Discussions (for which the
chief of the Foreign Trade Division received the Finnish
decoration), the German-Norwegian Wal Agreement, and a great
number of other questions. Problems dealing with the foreign
trade of Germany and the middle east (Turkey and Iran) were
also attacked. One may say today that a very cheerful
cooperation has been established in this field between the
representative of the Foreign Office and our Foreign

                                                   [Page 17]

Trade Division. The German-Rumanian question was tackled by
our Foreign Trade Division during all this time, but
unfortunately did not produce the desired results. The
Foreign Trade Division produced a stimulus for German
industry on the question of German-Russian credit. As things
stood, greedy circles in heavy industry threatened the
interests of the medium and small industries whom they were
willing to sacrifice for the tempting Soviet business.
Seventy million marks would have been lost in this deal
because Russia would not accept the decisions of the Board
of Arbitration, while heavy industry was willing to forego
this sum. Through the intervention of the APA the situation
was changed. Shortly thereafter the Board of Arbitration
again met and acknowledged the claims of little and medium
business, and divided among the several categories, thus
saving the German Reich 70 million marks.

The Foreign Trade Division worked under the theory, that the
question of foreign trade would be a rapid development, and
therefore formulated exact recommendations in the
discussions. The recommended foreign trade drafts, as were
recommended in these discussions, were not refuted by
Wagemann nor Josias Stamp in London. Opposition, however,
has arisen in the Reich Ministry of Commerce, which
apparently, ho ever, has not given the matter a very exact
examination. Thus the matter rests German foreign trade has
not progressed, and the forced taxation by means of export
duties of over 700 million marks for German industry in 1935
can only be considered an emergency measure and not a
fundamental policy. Here again the APA recommends to the
Fuehrer to give these proposals a trial.

Party Member Daitz has worked with initiative on questions
of foreign trade. Party Member Malletke, who has proven
himself to be a far-seeing associate, has conducted the
daily administration and the examination of all problems.

The Press: The Press Division of the APA is comprised of
persons who together master all the languages that are in
use. Daily they examine approximately 300 newspapers and
deliver to the Fuehrer, the deputy Fuehrer, and all other
interested offices the condensations of the important trends
of the entire world press. I know that these press reports
are highly praised by all who constantly follow them. The
Press Division furthermore conducts an exact archives on the
attitudes of the most important papers of the world and an
exact archives on the most important journalists of the
world. Many embarrassments during conferences in Germany
could have been avoided had one consulted these archives
(case of Leumas. Nurnberg. 1934; case

                                                   [Page 18]

of Dorothy Thompson; and others). Further, the Press
Division was able to arrange a host of interviews as well as
conducting a great number of friendly foreign journalists to
the various official representatives of Germany. Hearst then
personally asked me to often write about the position of
German foreign policy in his papers. This year five
continuous articles under my name have appeared in Hearst
papers all over the world. Since these articles, as Hearst
personally informed me, presented well founded arguments, he
begged me to write further articles for his papers.

The Press Division of the APA was able to step into a
position of arbitration in the conflict which arose between
the representatives of the foreign press in Germany and the
Office of Propaganda because of the general attack that the
Minister of Propaganda, Dr. Goebbels had made upon the
combined world press in July of 1934. Thus from the combined
press representatives it was able to select and take care of
those who were of a pro-German opinion, or at least
conducted themselves in a neutral manner. Because of the
willingness to cooperate that the Press Division under the
skillful guidance of Dr. Bomer showed the foreigners, the
Press Division has won a position of honor, and can today
claim to have a truly personal and factual knowledge of
world journalism.

In general the APA has attempted in the last 1 1/2 years to
establish contact between diplomacy and the world press in
Germany. For this purpose the APA held a Beer Party
[Bierabend] each month. On each of these evenings a
prominent representative of the party or government spoke
about the work of his division. The most prominent national
socialists spoke at these gatherings (Goering, Rust, Todt,
Schirach, Hierl, Dr. Gross, Frau Scholtz-Klinck, Frank, Ley,
and others) . These evenings were constantly attended by the
majority of the diplomatic representatives. We could always
count on having at least 350 to 400 visitors. Since we
invited a great number of representatives of the German
ministries and party offices in the last year, a hefty
traffic has developed. Many items which later appeared in
the papers can be accredited to the personal clarification
of a national socialistic party member who attended these
evenings. The APA furthermore conducted a great number of
foreigners to the labor battalions [Arbeitsdienst] or
acquainted them with other establishments. That has been a
bit of work that has constantly been going on so that the
APA here too has experience to answer all questions which
may arise.

The School of Instruction [Das Schulungshaus]: The 2 1/2
year work of all those active in the APA has given them a
very exact

                                                   [Page 19]

picture of the practical workings of foreign policy and
foreign trade. It has also enabled them every bit of
knowledge which can be obtained from a national socialistic
point of view in order to accurately judge the questions of
foreign policy at all. In order to also develop potential
and interested capable powers arising from the people and
develop them as successors in the movement of national
socialism the Foreign Policy School of Instruction
[Aussenpolitisches Schulungshaus] was founded in Dahlem in
1935. Students from all over Germany who displayed an
interest in foreign policy were assembled at this school.
They were here instructed and schooled through lectures and
cooperative work similar to seminars. Into this school were
drawn the Hitler youths, SS, and the plan exists to have
persons who will later travel abroad as representatives of
large German concerns undergo an extensive course of
instruction. Furthermore, the foreign Policy School of
Instruction should also examine those students which the
Academic Student Exchange is sending abroad. Lectures at the
school were given by a number of German economists, as well
as the Japanese and Chinese military attaches. The Chief of
the APA himself lectured there.

The administration of the APA as well as the School of
Instruction rest in the hands of Party Member Knauer, who in
his youth was party to the March on Coburg.

In conclusion I may well say that these 2 1/2 years were
rich in experiences and have tested people in their capacity
to perform work. These 2 1/2 years have led to the
elimination of one or another incompetents, but at least a
dozen people have become so enriched through experience that
they can be a great help to the Fuehrer in the field of
their enterprise.

The lack of necessary and sufficient means naturally
prevents a complete exploitation of the entire activity,
which surely would be desired. But in spite of this one can
say that the most humanly possible was accomplished here
with sacrifice, sense of duty, and energy.

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