Army lieutenants Hans Ludin (far left), Richard Scheringer, and Friedrich Wendt were arrested and tried for treason for establishing contacts with the Nazi leadership and for advocating the formation of Nazi cells within the Reichswehr. The trial created a public sensation. Called as a witness for the defense, NSDAP leader Adolf Hitler (center) used the trial as a public relations opportunity to assert that the Nazi party remained within the bounds of legality and that it respected the independent role of the armed forces. He also stated that “heads would roll” when the National Socialists came to power and that those responsible for twelve years of bad government would have to account for their actions.