WAR TRIALS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25339, 22 October 1945, Page 5

WAR TRIALS

GERMAN LEADERS

PAPERS SERVED

NAZIS' AVID STUDY TWO BUB ST INTO TEABS (Reed, fi.3o p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 20 A British officer late yesterday handed to 19 major German war criminals in custody at Nuremberg copies of the 24,000-word indictment against them, together with instructions and a list of lawyers from whom they may choose their defending counsel. Four other major criminals also received the bulky packages containing the indictment—two in the Russian zone and two in the United States zone. There was one exception, that of Martin Bormann, Hitler's former deputy, who is still a fugitive .His indictment has been served through the German newspapers and over the German radio, j All the newspapers in Berlin received an extra ration of newsprint so that, they might publish the full text of the indictment. Accused Eise Early The Germans rose early this morning and the manner in which they began earnestly studying the indictment was reminiscent of a crowd of students "cramming" for an examination, says the Associated Press correspondent at Nuremberg. "They were the most serious study group I ever saw," said one of the guards. "They read even during breaklast. There is no electric light in their cells and as the indictments were served late yesterday afternoon this morning afforded the prisoners the first chance of reading the documents. "Only Goering seemed to maintain a completely detached attitude. Frank and von Papon read with Bibles open beside them. Ribbentrop looked very grave as he studied his document. Keitel as usual showed little emotion."

Streicher's Comment When Goering received his indictment he asked immediately about a defending lawyer. Streicher, the "Jew baiter," read through the names of the defending counsel and noted that many of them were of Jewish origin. "I could not ask a Jew to defend me," be said. Hess received his indictment in complete silence, _ staring blankly ahead ot him and taking no interest in the proceedings. Hitler's economic adviser. Funk, broke down and cried like a baby. -"I would like some officer appointed by the Court to discuss my defence," he said. General Jodl asked if he should choose a criminal lawyer or an international lawyer. He was told that any lawyer was acceptable. Doenitz All Prepared Admiral Doenitz was apparently prepared for the indictment, because had ready a slip*of paper with the names of two lawyers he wanted to defend him. Ribbentrop said he wanted to think the' matter over before saying anything. The former ruler of occupied Poland, Frank, when told he had a chance to see counsel, burst into tears as he shouted: "I am trying to preserve my health. T have the greatest interest in the conclusion of this trial." The Daily Express correspondent in Berlin says Admiral Raeder, former Commander-in-Chief of the German Navy, and Dr Fritsche, former chief editor of the German news agency, are in Russian hands. The Russians have undertaken to serve them with papers and deliver the men before the trials begin.