Document Book WOERMANN III
Document No. 99
Exhibit-No. ..............
Eberhard GODT
(24b) Kronshagen ueber Kiel
Freesenhof Kiel, 16 January 1948
Affidavit
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I, Eberhard GODT, formerly rear admiral of the German Navy, born
on 5 August 1900 at Luebeck, residing at Kronshagen ueber Kiel,
Freesenhof, have had my attention drawn to the fact that I make
myself liable to punishment if I submit a false affidavit. I declare
under oath that my statement is true and was made in order to be submitted
as evidence to the American Military Tribunal at Nuernberg.
During the entire war I was chief of the operational department
of the commander of the submarines. This department worked directly
on the waging of the submarine war in the Atlantic.
According to the reports on losses of that time and according to
data contained in the war diary of the commander of the submarines
as well as according to my recollection the daily average of submarines
operating in the Atlantic and the losses during the period of March to
August 1943 were as follows:
Time: Number of submarines usually operating in the Losses:
Atlantic:
March 1943 116 13
April 1943 111 13
May 1943 118 32
June 1943 86 21
July 1943 84 24
August 1943 59 29.
These months were absolutely and relatively those with the highest amount
of losses in the course of the German submarine war of the Second World
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Document Book WOERMANN III
Document No. 99
Exhibit-No. ..............
(page 1 of original cont'd)
War. The passage through the Golf of Biskaye as well as entering and
leaving the ports at the French Western coast were most dangerous
for the ships.
There was increased danger involved in the trips of submarines to
Eastern Asia up to Penang because of the length of the journey (sailing
around Africa and through the Indian Ocean).
With regard to these circumstances I would consider the risk which
the former ambassador Ernst WOERMANN took during his journey from
France to East Asia in May-June 1943 to be estimated at about 40%.
This means that his chances for a successful journey were only about
60%.
I have carefully drafted and signed the above affidavit consisting
of two pages. I her with declare under oath that the facts stated
by me therein are the full truth according to my best knowledge and belief.
signed Eberhard GODT
The above signature of Herr Eberhard GODT, former rear admiral
of the German Navy at Kronshagen ueber Kiel, Freesenhof, is herewith
certified by me.
Kiel, 16 January 1948
signed Dr. Friedrich LANGE,
Notary.
Document register No. 69/48
stamp:
value: 3,000 RM.
fee articles 26, 39 of the Reich Cost Scale 4.-- RM
turnover tax -.12 "
-----------
4.12 RM
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Document Book WOERMANN III
Document WOERMANN No.99
Exhibit-No. ..............
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CERTIFICATE OF TRANSLATION
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23 June 1948
We, hereby certify that we are duly appointed translators for
the German and English languages and that the above is a true
and correct translation of the original document.
Pages: Index Edith L. STEINER, Civ.No.20140
1 - 10
11 - 21 Alice BLUM Civ.No.25915
22 - 34 Kathleen STOUT Civ.No.20150
35 - 57 Peter V. POHLENZ Civ.No.B-090317
58 - 70 Thea v. SEUFFERT Civ.No.B-397929
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"END"