Details of the credibility of Nazi confessions

(sign this, don't read it, sign it. Or your children will be taken to Russia)


Ernst Friedrich Christoph "Fritz" Sauckel (born 1894 – executed 1946)
photographed sitting in the dock at the main Nuremberg trial.


He stated at the trial of his so-called™ confession:

This document was presented to me in its finished form. I asked to be allowed to read and study this document in my cell in Oberursel and decide whether I could sign it. That was denied me. During the conversation an officer was consulted who, I was told, belonged to the Polish or Russian army; and it was made clear to me that if I hesitated too long in signing this document I would be handed over to the Russian authorities. Then this Polish or Russian officer entered and asked, "Where is Sauckel's family? We know Sauckel, of course we will take him with us; but his family will have to be taken into Russian territory as well" I am the father of 10 children. I did not stop to consider; and thinking of my family, I signed this document.


Nuremberg Trial Proceedings Vol. 15


ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SECOND DAY
Thursday, 30 May 1946

Morning Session