DIGNIFIED ENDING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26285, 17 October 1946, Page 7

DIGNIFIED ENDING

DOOM FACED CALMLY NO SIGNS OF REPENTANCE LAST WISHES FOR COUNTRY (Rec. 1 a.m.) NUREMBERG, Oct 16. The Nazis died with dignity, and their last words on the scaffold were unrepentant, states Basil Gingell, representing the combined British press. Ribbentrop marched from the cell through the great prison hall to the nearby gymnasium, where the scaffolds stood prepared on a pitch marked out for baseball. Ten fierce electric lights blazed down on the scene. A chaplain walked beside Ribbentrop as he moved between the security guards towards the door of the gymnasium. Ribbentrop blinked at the sudden light inside the gymnasium, but held his head high. The handcuffs were removed and his hands were tied behind his back. Firm Carriage Maintained Ribbentrop, preceded by a colonel of the execution party, and supported on either side by American soldiers, walked firmly to the scaffold. At the foot of the 13 steps on the top of which hung a noosed rope, an officer said, “State your name.” Ribbentrop, in a firm voice, answered, “ Joachim von Ribbentrop.” An American officer mounted the steps and Ribbentrop followed slowly. He looked neither to right nor left. As Ribbentrop’s feet were being bound the officer asked, “ Have you any last words to say?” In a ringing voice echoing through the building, Ribbentrop said, “ God protect Germany.” The American hangman placed the black cap on Ribbentrop’s head, the noose was adjusted, and the trapdoor sprang open. A doctor 20 minutes later pronounced Ribbentrop dead. The correspondent says that a strange quietness descended on the hall as the rope hung tautly through the open trapdoor. The hangman and his assistant then moved to the second scaffold —two scaffolds being in use. with a third in reserve. Keitel then entered the gymnasium dressed as though to go on parade. His suit was pressed, and his jackboots gleamed. Keitel marched to the second scaffold and mounted boldly and steadily. Then, speaking clearly but not loudly, he said: “ I call on the Almighty to have mercy" on the German people. More than 2,000,000 went to their deaths before me. I now follow my sons.” The trap opened, and a doctor later certified him dead. Germany Served Willingly In a lull after the execution, of Keitel, those present were given permission to smoke, but the cigarettes were ordered to be put out at 1.30 as the gathering waited for Kaltenbrunner. He entered stumbling and blinking. He had apparently dressed hurriedly, because he did not wear a tie. A Catholic chaplain, wearing the habit of the Franciscan Order, accompanied Kaltenbrunner, whose last words were, “I served my German people and my Fatherland with a willing heart. I have done my duty in accordance with the laws of my Fatherland. I regret the crimes committed, wherein I had no part. Good luck, Germany! ” Frank Essays a Smile Two padres followed Rosenberg, who was the fourth to die, but he declined the ministrations of the Protestant chaplain who followed him up the steps. Rosenberg answered, “ No,” when asked whether he had any last words. Frank entered the gymnasium actually smiling. He trod the steps to the scaffold deliberately, but his voice was weak and quavering as he uttered his last words: “ I pray God to take my soul. May the Lord receive me mercifully.” Frank then said he was grateful for his good handling while in prison. Frick, wearing a check suit, peered at everyone in the gymnasium as he entered.. He scowled fiercely as the guards directed him up the steps. Frick spat out with intensity his last words: “ Long live the eternal Germany.” Frick looked arrogantly round before the black cap covered his face. The door fairly burst open as Streicher entered, wide-eyed. He had to be forced across the floor. Streicher roared: “ I pay my respects to American soldiers and officers, but not to American Jews. Heil, Hitler.” Then, as he neared the scaffold steps, he roared again: “Now I go to God, too.” On the scaffold, to which he was followed by a Catholic priest, Streicher shouted: “ Now to God. The Bolshevists will get you too some day. I’m going to my father.” As the black cap was placed Streicher’s deep voice was still heard ringing out: “Adele, my loving wife.” Sauckel came next, and glared at those assembled, his thin lips pressed in a firm line. He mounted the scaffold, Saucket wheled smartly round under the scaffold crossbeam and answered crossly, when asked for a last statement: “ I die innocent. The verdict was wrong. God protect Germany and make Germany great again. God protect my family.” Another lull followed. While people smoked, the bodies of those executed were removed to a curtained section of the gymnasium. Jodi entered next, drawing himself up to make the most of his sft 9in. Jodi bore himself with dignity. His only words were: “I salute you, my Germany.” Seyss-Inquart, who was afflicted with a limp, ascended the steps painfully, stopping at each step while he dragged his left leg up to the right. Seyss-Inquart paid no attention as the executioner removed his glasses, but kept his eyes riveted on the rafters above. He then said in an unemotional tone: “ I hope this execution is the last act of the tragedy of the Second World War, and the lessons of this world war will make for peace and understanding among the peoples. I believe in Germany.”