With regard to the introduction of German law in the Eastern territories we must first of all consider that they were essentially divided into the following three groups, namely: 1. Territories which were part of the Union of Soviet Republics after September 1939; 2. The so-called Congress Poland [Kongresspolen], the principal part of the Polish Republic, which was administered under the designation of Government General, and finally; 3. The western parts of Poland, which before 1918 were made up mainly of the German provinces of Poznan, Upper Silesia, and other small parts of provinces. German jurisdiction was introduced only in areas mentioned under 3, and they were designated as “Incorporated Eastern Territories.” The former Russian territories mentioned under 1 were subordinate to the military and civilian governors, and the Government General mentioned under 2 to Governor General Dr. Frank. Both these groups were completely outside the administrative competency, or even the sphere of influence, of the Reich Ministry of Justice. If, therefore, we have to concern ourselves with the question of the introduction of German jurisprudence only in the so-called Incorporated Eastern Territories, then we shall call attention to a point of view widespread in science and actual application, whereby a declaration of war renders treaties [staatsrechtliche Vertraege] meaningless between the parties at war. Not only was this point of view especially advocated in a detailed justification by the Reichsgericht, as the German Supreme Court, already after 1918, but it was also championed in French works on international law, as for instance in Foignet’s Droit International Public [International Public Law]. It will be shown that other states have in fact also accepted this point of view. The recognition that this viewpoint concerning international relations was actually followed in practice will be shown by an agreement concluded between Germany and the Soviet Union, which pertains to judicial procedure in civilian matters in Polish territories incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940. The answer to the question--which has already come up many times during the examination of witnesses by the Court--namely the question, whether it was permissible to apply the criminal ordinance for Poles [Polenstrafrechtsverordnung] also to those Poles who did not come to Germany of their own volition, will depend on whether we consider the introduction of German jurisdiction in the above-mentioned extent admissible. I don’t believe that the evidence presented by the prosecution covers a case which proves that a Pole who did not come to Germany voluntarily, was sentenced. Generally speaking however, we will have to take into consideration the fact that the Pole who came to Germany was subject to that law which then applied in his former place of residence.