21 Feb. 1946 A. As I have recounted to you, I generally met Hitler about three times a year and these meetings were upon occasions when world conditions had taken a different turn and he spoke to me in this regard. Q. On the occasion of this meeting, at which you were requested to bring a map, what world conditions had taken a turn that made it necessary for such a meeting? A. I shall tell you of this later, but I recall that sometime around the beginning of June 1941, Hitler spoke to me of what he felt was the inevitability of war with Russia. I do not believe that it was at this meeting that I took the Singapore map to him, and I have no clear recollection of what we spoke about on that occasion, particularly as I did not consider it to be of much importance, and also because I never even dreamed that I would ever be required to dig back into my memory regarding it. Q. I cannot help but observe that in your meetings with men like Ribbentrop and Hitler your memory is exceedingly poor, while in your meetings with men like Hack and others that took place way back in the days when you were working on the Anti-Comintern Pact, your memory is exceedingly good. It is very strange to me that your memory should be so very good with respect to matters of lesser importance than your meeting with the head of one of the most powerful nations of the world at that time. A. Your question is quite natural. However, it happens that the early meetings with Hack and others I told you about were matters directly concerning me as the negotiator, whereas these meetings of which we now speak were not initiated by me and consisted mostly of my listening to what they had to say. As such, I naturally recall some important statements they made, such as the one I have just recounted in regard to Russia, but it is very difficult for me to remember when, where, and what was discussed at any specific meeting. Once again, immediately prior to the outbreak of hostilities with the United States, I was one of the principal negotiators and I can recall these meetings vividly. I had intended to speak to you about them shortly. Q. General, this comment astounds me. You have indicated that you had probably three meetings a year with Hitler, and I only asked you to tell me what world events necessitated one of those three in 1941. You did not answer that one. You told me of another meeting with Hitler that came about because Hitler contemplated attacking Russia. You have not yet told me what world event made it advisable for Hitler to meet with you on the occasion that he asked you for this map of Singapore. A. I definitely do not recall when the meeting was or what was the prime subject of discussion. I believe it was before the Russo-German war started, but over and beyond that I do not remember. Q. General, you have already told us that when you held a meeting with Hitler, it was because there was some turn in world events that made it advisable for such a meeting. Now, you have told us that you had about three meetings a year with Hitler. It seems to me that looking back but these few years that it ought not to be difficult for you to know what was going on in the early months of 1941, in world affairs that would necessitate this meeting. I am afraid you are holding back on us, and what we expect from you is a full disclosure. It is to your advantage to make a full disclosure. A. It did not necessarily follow that the so-called change in world events had to be grave for Hitler to speak to me and hence, I can truthfully answer that I do not recall what was the occasion for the meeting. You may look into all the records you wish, but I am sure you will not find that we discussed plans for an attack upon Singapore or anything of this sort. 124