I don't buy that "clarification". However, as a point of history, in the early part of the war the German command was made up of professional soldiers who pre-dated the rise of the NAZI party. Rommel and Guderian spring to mind. Some joined the party just to smooth things out in their jobs, but Rommel for one did not. Though some did (Donitz most notably - I don't know how to do an oomlaut). Donitz actually signed the German surrender in 1945 after Hitler shot himself.

So, strictly speaking, there were commanders who were not NAZIs, or only joined the Party under coercion. I don't believe for one minute that the convict knew that. And even if he did, I wouldn't believe his clarification. He fancies himself a king (or emperor or fuhrer or "dear leader"). I fancy him in prison orange with a number on his chest.