"(stamped) Top Secret (stamped) Draft 1360 43 Top Secret (handwritten) (initials illeg.)
Mar Diary Military Commander Greece Ia 16.
12.43 Military Commander Southeast Ia Priority! Belgrade Reference:
Telephone call first lieutenant Bode of 16.12.43. On 19.11 in the area around Kalawrita the 5/Jaeger Regiment 749 was attacked by bands and most of them taken prisoner. In an operation of our own for the purpose of liberating them we found 78 men murdered and partly mutiliated on 7.12. By reprisal measures of the Jaeger Regiment 749, -- 653 Creek men were shot to death and a number of bandit villages were burnt down. The operation is concluded.
(signed) Military Commander Greece Ia Ref:
No. 3449/43 Top Secret (initial illeg.)
Captain".
On page 38 of the original, stamped "secret":
"Distribution:
For information: Corps Headquarters LXVIII Infantry Corps." That is Felmy:
"On the Premises:
Ic Qu.Ia / War Diary La / Draft Military Commander Greece Section Ia
1.) Military Commander Southeast Ia Belgrade
2.) High Command Army Group E, Saloniki (for information) Daily Report of 15.12.43.
..................
c) During reconnaissance operations on 12 December. In Evangelistria (8 kilometers Southwest Aliartos)detachments of the III./SS Police Mountain Jaeger Regiment 18 received enemy fire. The village was searched and burned down, foreign ammunition was found.
5 Greeks arrested. (illegible initials) (signed) Military Commander Greece Ia No. 13 365/ 43 Secret (illeg.
init.)
(illeg. signature) " We are now on page 53 of your Document Book, Your Honors, and page 56 of the defendants' counsels books.
On page 39 of this original document there is another stamp, secret.
"Military Commander, Greece Ic 10.
12 1.) Military Commander Southeast/Ic, Belgrade,
2.) High Command Army Group E /Ic Saloniki, (for information) Ic - Evening Report 10.
12.1943.
Administrative Sub Area Headquarters 538 reports: on 10. 12.43 as reprisal measures for the murder of Frau Magers (see Ic-Morning Report of 8.12.43) the shooting to death of 10 hostages was carried out . . . . . . .
(signed) Military Commander Greece Ic Reg:
No. 18952/43 secret (illegible signature) signed, Captain."
We now turn to the next document, Your Honors, on page 54 of your Document Book and page 57 of the German defense counsels' books. This is NOKW 654 and is being submitted as Prosecution's Exhibit 438.
This is a series of daily reports, again from the Military Commander Southeast, and it deals with Serbia and Greece in all of those areas under the command of the Military Commander Southeast. This particular document includes the period 29th April to 29th August, 1944, and it pertains again to the execution of communists and hostages in Greece including execution of 200 hostages in retaliation for the killing of General Krech.
I am sorry, Your Honors, no, that is right, that was General Krech. That is NOKW 647, which we will introduce right after this. Both documents as far as this murder is concerned, tie in together.
This is a report marked, "Secret", dated 2 April, 1944, "initials illegible". This is the 6th enclosure, to Army Group F, by courier:
"For information: OKH/Gen Qu. (Dept. Administration) OKW/WFSt (Gen.
Qu.)
2nd Panzer Army /General German/Plenipotentiary in Croatia German General in Albania Commander Syrmien (Serbia only) Fliegerfuehrer Croatia, Zagreb Daily Report of 2.4.1944 Serbia:
Losses: During period of 21.3 to 31.3:
Communists: 622 dead, 55 wounded, 61 prisoners, 30 shot to death as reprisal measure, 129 arrested in Belgrade.
Military Commander Southeast Ia No. 1981/44 secret.
signed von Geitner."
On the next page, your Honors, we have the same report of the Military Commander Southeast, dated the 4th of April, 1944, with the same distribution for information and we have there:
"Military Commander Greece:
"In Trikkala, 4 Communists shot to death as reprisal measure".
"Certified a true copy:
(illegible signature) Military Commander Southeast 2nd Lieutenant". Ia No. 2022/44 secret" signed, "von Geitner".On page 56, your Honors, the same document continues.
This time an entry under the 5 April 1944:
"secret", (handwritten) illegible initials".
For information, same distribution we had previously. "Daily report of 5 April, 1944, Serbia".
"10 Communists shot to death in Krusevac as reprisal measure for reported attacks on the Air Field of Krusevac".
Then on page 9 of the original:
"German General - Plenipotentiary in Albania.
5 communists shot in Valona.
Military Commander Greece.
Operation W Lovadia - 5 enemy casualties, small amount of arms captured, 10 communists shot to death as reprisal measure.
Certified a true copy. Military Commander Southeast (illegible signature) la No. 2054/44 secret.
"1st Lieutenant signed v. Geitner".
MR. RAPP: On page 57, Your Honors. That is page 58 and page 59 respectively, of the German Document Book, we have again a report from the Military Commander Southeast, Felber, to Army Group F bycourier, secret:
For information: OKH/Gen. Qu. (Dept. Administration) OKW/WFST (Gen.
Qu.)
2nd Panzer Army German General - Plenipotentiary in Croatia German General - Plenipotentiary in Albania Commander Syrmien (Serbia only) Fliegerfuehrer Croatia, Zagreb.
Daily Report of 8.4.1944 S e r b i a The 5th communist Division about which only few reports are available is still located with stronger detachments between upper Studenica and upper Moravica.
It has brought forward lesser detachments toward the west in the direction of Stitkovo and north of it.
Intentions: Preparing formation for attack against the 2nd Division from a northwest and southeast direction. The attack will be executed only after the arrival of the 4th Brandenburg Regiment. Details will be reported separately.
Military Commander Greece reports:
In Athens: 50 Communists shot to death for attack on German soldiers (3 dead).
Certified a true copy. Military Commander Southeast (Illegible signature) Ia. No. 2137/44 secret.
1st Lieutenant. Signed von Geitner.
If Your Honors turn to page 58 - this document continues on Pages 59 and 60 of the German Document Book. To Army Group F (by courier); it's an entry in the War Diary under the 9th of April 1944, marked "Secret" and "illegible", with the same informational distribution, and then:
Military Commander Greece:
Subsequent to shooting attack on the Volunteer Police Battalion I while mustering for inspection (4 dead, 11 wounded) in Verria (60 southwest of Saloniki), 150 people suspected of being members of bands were shot to death as reprisal measure.
4 bandits shot to death by the SS Mountain Police Regiment 18, 12 South southeast of Delphi.
Certified a true copy Military Commander Southeast (signature illegible) Ia No. 2165/44 secret.
1st Lieutenant signed von Geitner.
If Your Honors turn to the next page, there is another entry in the War Diary under the 24th of April 1944, the same informational distribution, Enclosure 102, Page 14 of the original: "Independent Administration Sub-Area HQs 1040 Montenegro reports:
5 hostages executed. Military Commander Southeast, Ia. No. 2528/ 44 secret, signed von Geitner; certified a true copy; (signature illegible), 1st Lieutenant."
On the next page, Your Honors, another entry under the 23rd of April Enclosure 107, secret, illegible initial, 23.4.44, to Army Group F (by courier). At that time the defendant von Weichs still headed the Army Group F. And then the usual distribution for formation, and then Daily Report of 25 April 1944, handwritten, and underneath it says, "without wounded", and two exclamation points, and then it says:
S e r b i a :
Enemy losses from 16.3 to 15.4: DM Cetniks - 182 dead, 127 captured. Communists - 1586 dead, 94 captured, 40 shot to death as reprisal measure. 202 Communists arrested in Belgrade.
(handwritten) 309 1820 - 2120 Tito issued orders to the 16th and 17th Divisions to take Banja Basta and Ljuvovija (see Qu.) No further attempts to desert on the part of Red units have been reported.
Below: Military Commander Greece reports:
During a raid in Athens 180 were arrested among them some leading communists.
2 Communists shot to death.
Certified a true copy Military Commander Southeast (signature illegible) Ia No. 2545/44 secret 1st Lieutenant signed von Geitner If Your Honors turn to the next page, we find again a report from the Military Commander Southeast.
Felber, signed by the defendant Geitner, and addressed by courier, to the defendant von Weichs. And for information, again the OKH/Gen. Qu. (Dept. Administration); OKW/WFST (Gen. Qu.); 2nd Panzer Army, at that time still commanded by the Defendant Rendulic; German General - Plenipotentiary in Croatia; German General - Plenipotentiary in Albania; Fliegerfuehrer Croatia, Zagreb; 5th SS Mountain Corps; Commander Syrmien (Serbia only) -Daily Report of 26.4.1944. It went for information to the four mentioned individuals.
DR. LATERNSER: Your Honor, I would like to object to the statements of the Prosecutor, insofar as he stated that this report went to the Defendant von Weichs. The report is directed to Army Group F, and only this can be asserted. And it could, at the moment, he added that at that time Field Marshal von Weichs led this Army Group, but the report didn't actually go directly to him.
MR. RAPP: Very well, Your Honor; we accept the correction from defense counsel, and the information actually went to Army Group F, but it was headed at that time by Defendant Von Weichs.
PRESIDING JUDGE CARTER: All right, you may proceed.
MR. RAPP: "Serbia, III: "A well armed communist band (150), including 14 Englishmen and Americans, coming from New Bulgaria, has joined communist band situation 15 km. south of Leskovac. Page 19 of the original, Military Commander Greece: 12 hostages shot to death in Tripoli. Military Commander Southeast, Ia. No. 2579/44 secret, signed von Geitner, certified a true copy; (signature illegible), 1st Lieutenant." If Your Honors please turn to page 62, and this is also page 62 of the German Document Book, we find another entry in the War Diary of the 30th of April 1944, to Army Group F (by courier), Group F being commanded at that time by Defendant von Weichs:
"For information: OKH/Gen. Qu. (Dept. Administration; OKW/WFST (Gen. Qu.); 2nd Panzer Army", at that time commanded by Defendant Rendulic, "German General - Plenipotentiary in Croatia; German General - Plenipotentiary in Albania; Fliegerfuehrer Croatia, Zagreb; 5th SS Mountain Corps; Commander Syrmien (Serbia only) - Enclosure 144, Daily Report of 30.4.1944." Military Commander Greece reports - that was the Defendant Speidel at that time:
Red munition dump raided in Athens. 3 Communists shot to death. 100 Communists shot to death and a further 200 are to be shot to death on 1.5. as reprisal for attack on motorized vehicle column of the Ordnungs Police for the murder of General Krech and his escort detachment by Greek volunteers.
Certified a true copy Military Commander Southeast (signature illegible) Ia No. 2677/44 secret 1st Lieutenant signed von Geitner.
This Your Honors, concludes Document NOKW-654, which was Prosecution's Exhibit No. 438. The next document, Your Honors, you will find on page 63 of your Document Book; it is No. NOKW-647. It is being offered as Prosecution's Exhibit No. 439. This is a series of reports, Daily Reports - of the Military Commander Greece, to the 68th Corps, at that time commanded by the Defendant Felmy, and the Military Commander Southeast, Felber. "29 April - 29 Aug. 44 Daily reports of Military Commander Greece to LXVIII Corps and Military Commander Southeast re execution of 200 hostages in retaliation for killing of General Krech." We have just seen in the previous document about the murder of this German General Krech. Now, this is page 1 of the original, "No. 217, Secret, Distribution: Corps Headquarters LXVIII Infantry Corps for Information. On the premises:
Quartermaster Ia/K.T.B. (War Diary) (Draft)."
Now, in my document book, Your Honors, the next two paragraphs are marked as not appearing in the German. With Your Honors' permission, I would like to ask defense counsel whether or not this information I have is correct.
The information that was to appear as an entry under the 29th of August 1944; but I'm merely speaking for the record. "Commander Greece Ia, 1) Military Commander Southeast Ia Belgrade; 2) High Command Army Group E, Saloniki for information." Does that appear in the German defense counsel's books? It's on page 63. Dr. Laternser, did you understand the question I was asking defense counsel? Your Honors, we have to read this part from the original document into the record so that German defense counsel can enter that part into their document book. It does, as a matter of fact, not appear in German defense counsel's book - if this is agreeable to Your Honors.
(The Court English-German interpreter reading into the record)
MR. RAPP: Thank you. That's all. I believe the rest of it is in the German Document Book. I continue now:
Daily report Ic/Ia dated 30.8.1944.
a) . . . . .
b) 1.) 28.8 Troops from the Evzon Regiment 1, 11th Air Force Field Division, Motorized Gendarmerie Detachment 40 and SD execute search in Kallithea (Athens).
(4,000 persons checked. 20 Communist functionaries shot to death by the SD. Captured material: 6 pistols, ammunition, some pieces of equipment. No losses on our side.
2.) 28.8. Troops of Motorized Gendarmerie Detachment 40 and SD raid a minor ammunition dump in the city quarter of Platana (Athens). Short skirmish, Enemy losses: 2 dead, 2 prisoners (transferred to SD). Captured material: 1 machine pistol, 15 rifles, 3 pistols, ammunition and hand grenades.
No losses on our side.
3.) . . . . .
Commander Greece Ia 13274/44 secret signed Kleinert Lieutenant Colonel Certified a true copy (signature illegible) Captain On page 64 your Honors we find:
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NO. NOKW-647 EXCERPTS CONT'D.(page 2 of original) No. 214 Distribution:
Corps Headquarters LXVIII Infantry Corps for information On the premises:
Qu Ia/K.T.B. (War Diary) (Draft) At that time the LXVIII Infantry Corps was commanded by the defendant Felmy Commander Greece Ia
1.) Military Commander Southeast Ia Belgrade
2.) High Command Army Group E Saloniki for information Daily report Ic/Ia dated 28.
8.1944
a) . . . . . . . . . . . .
b) 1.) . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. 26.8. Further 18 communists in Kalithea (Athens) shot by the SD in reprisal for German sub-leader shot to death in a cowardly fashion from ambush; the Motorized Gendarmerie Detachment 40 was employed for support. See daily report of 26.8. b) paragraph 3).
. . . . . . . . .
Commander Greece Ia signed Kleinert Lieutenant Colonel and then Certified a true copy:
(signature illegible)
Captain On page 65 Your Honors, again a distribution for information for the LXVIII Infantry Corps, that is, defendant Felmy.
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NO. NOKW-647 CONT'D. EXCERPTS (page 3 or original) No. 212 Distribution:
Corps Headquarters LXVIII Infantry Corps for information On the premises:
Qu Ia/K.T.B. (War Diary) (Draft) Commander Greece Ia 25.
8.44 1.) Military Commander Southeast Ia Belgrade
2.) High Command Army Group E Saloniki for information Daily report Ic/Ia of 26.
8.1944 . . . . . . . .
b) 1.) 25.8. Empty hospital train "Elbe" bombed by low flying aircraft on the road Saloniki - Athens between Angie and Nezeros (15 km northwest of Lianokladi). Anti-aircraft car damaged. 2 members of the Wehrmacht wounded.
. . . . . . . . . .
3.) In reprisal for the German sub-leader shot in a cowardly fashion from ambush on the 24.8. and in reprisal for badly wounded officer who had been attacked the same way on 17.8. 20 hostages were shot in Kallithea (Athens).
. . . . . . . . .
(page 4 of original)
. . . . . . . . Commander Greece Ia signed Kleinert Lieutenant Colonel Your Honors, turn to page 66, also in German Document Book Page 66:
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NO. NOKW-647 CONT'D. EXCERPTS (page 5 of original) SECRET No. 201 Distribution:
Corps Headquarters LXVIII Infantry Corps for information On the premises:
Qu Ia/KTB (War Diary) (Draft) Commander Greece Ia 14.
8.44 1.) Military Commander Southeast Ia Belgrade
2.) High Command Army Group E Saloniki for information Daily report Ia/Ic of 15.
8.44
a) Churchill's meeting with Tito on Italian territory favors rumors regarding preparations for an invasion of Dalmatia.
b) 1.) 12.8. Tracks blasted on railroad Lianokladi-Larissa between Nezeros and Angie (18 northwest of Lianokladi) demolition chamber, 2 explosive charges removed. No damage to personnel or property. 5 hostages shot in reprisal.
. . . . . . . . .
Ia No. 13114/44 secret signed Kleinert Lieutenant Colonel TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NO.
NOKW-647 (CONT'D.) EXCERPTS No. 200 Commander Greece Ia 13.
8.44 1.) Military Commander Southeast Ia Belgrade
2.) High Command Army Group E Saloniki for information Daily report of 14.
8.44.
a). . . . . .
10 to 12.8.44 Wrasdamites, 15 southeast of Lewadia, destroyed in reprisal for attack on Panzer Jaeger Company/SS-Police Mountain Jaeger Regiment 18. Population arrested and transferred to Secret Field Police Lewadia. (See daily report 11.8.44 b 1.) ).
Commander Greece Ia Certified a true copy:
(illegible signature)
Captain Distribution:
Corps Headquarters, LXVIII Infantry Corps for information Felmy On the premises:
Qu Ia/KTB (War Diary) and Draft signed Kleinert Lieutenant Colonel TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NO.
NOKW-647 CONT'D. EXCERPTS (page 7 of original) ' a No. 195 T e l e t y p e.dated 9.8.1944 From Commander Greece Ic To The Military Commander Southeast Ic, Belgrade (For information:
High Command Army Croup E/Ic, Saloniki).
I c - Evening report 9.8.1944:
. . . . . . . . . . . .
I c - Morning report of 10.8.1944;
2. Administrative sub-area Hqs. 817 reports:
50 communists shot to death at the scene of the incident at Manara in reprisal for band attack on the Road Athens-Thebes on 27.7.44.
The German Wehrmacht had announced it would not take any reprisal measures for this crime if the kidnapped lieutenant and driver should report before 6.8.44 12:00 o'clock noon.
The days of grace have expired.
. . . . . . . . .
Supplement for Military Commander Southeast/Ic, Belgrade only.
. . . . . .
4. Concentration of stronger bandit groups in the Paikon Mountains (northeast of Edessa). Quarter are being constructed. 600 recruits are being trained.
Commander Greece Ic 18803 /44 secret.
Lieutenant Colonel.
Your Honors turn to page 69; we have another teletype message TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NO.
NOKW-647 CONT'D. EXCERPTS Ia (page 8 of original) No. 193 T e l e t y p e From Commander Greece I c dated 8.8.1944 SECRET To The Military Commander Southeast/Ic, Belgrade (For information:
High Command Army Group E/Ic, Saloniki).
. . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
I c - Morning report of 9.8.1044:
1. 5.8.44. Railroad sabotage, means of transport train KorinthTripoli (45 Korinth). 7 cars derailed. No losses of our own. In reprisal 18 hostages who had been taken along were shot to death.
. . . . . . . . . . .
6. 7.8.44. 1 SS Fuehrer with assault Detachment, killed in the communist quarter of Athens/Pangrati. Immediate measures taken:
10 Greeks executed. 600 arrested.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Commander Greece I c 18785 / 44 secret Lieutenant Colonel.
On Page 70, your Honors, page 69 and 70 of the German Book.
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NO. NOKW-647 CONT'D. EXCERPTS (page 9 of original) No. 192 SECRET Commander Greece Ia that is, operations officer, 8.8.44.
1.) Military Commander Southeast Ia Belgrade
2.) High Command Army Group E Saloniki for information Daily report of 9.8.44.
. . . . . .
b) 1.) 7.8.44. A Motorized Gendarmerie Detachment 40 supporting the SD during search operations in Athens, city quarter of Peristeri. Skirmish with well armed band group. Enemy losses - 7 dead, captured materiel - 4 hand grenades. No losses of our own.
. . . . . . .
On 3.8. Volunteer Battalion II encircles band group of about 400 men in the area of Kastania-Kasta, 16 southeast Nigrita, skirmish still under way. Enemy losses up to now: 43 dead. Captured material: 9 rifles. Losses of our own: 1 dead, 1 wounded (Greeks).
Then under
5.) It says: Supplement to daily report 6.8. h) 1.) shooting to death of 15 of the 60 arrested people and the release of the rest of them did not take place by order of Commander Greece but by order of the Commanding Officer of administrative sub-area HQs Athens, Generalmajor Eisenbach.
. . . . . . . .
Commander Greece Kleinert Ia No. 13032/44 secret.
signed Lieutenant Colonel Certified a true copy:
(illegible signature)
Distribution:
Corps Headquarters LXVIII Infantry Corps for information Commander of the Ordnung Police On the premises:
Qu Ia/KTB (War Diary) Ia/Draft Your Honors turn to page 71; we have another teletype TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NO.
NOKW-647 CONT'D. EXCERPTS (page 11 of original) SECRET No. 188 T e l e t y p e : From:
Commander Greece/Ia dated 5.8.1944 To
1.) Military Commander Southeast/Ia Belgrade
2.) High Command Army Group E for information Saloniki Daily report of 6.8.44:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b) 1.) 4.8. Shooting between communists and Wehrmacht in the city quarter of Petralona - Athens. Commitment of 1 platoon of Evzon Regiment No. 1. 60 arrests. By order of Commander Greece 15 Arrested people were shot to death. The rest were released. No losses of our own.
. . . . . . . . . .
3.) 3rd and 4th. Aug. Attack by forces of the 2. Gov. Police Volunteer Battalion in cooperation with the Navy on band supply base, Glifa Bay, 46 east of Lamia. Enemy base taken after combat. Enemy losses: counted 51 dead, 1 prisoner. Losses of our own: 2 wounded. Captured materiel: arms and ammunition numerous Italian deserters found on the side of the enemy.
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Commander Greece / Ia No. 12996/44 secret.
Distribution:
Corps Headquarters LXVIII Infantry Corps for information Commander of the Ordnung Police for information On the premises:
Certified a true copy:
(signature illegible)
signed Kleinert Captain.
Lieutenant Colonel.
On the next page 72, your Honors, TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NO.
NOKW-647 CONT'D. EXCERPTS (page 12 of original) SECRET No. 166 T e l e t y p e From Commander Greece Ic dated 26.
7.1944 To The Military Commander Southeast/Ic, Belgrade.
(For information: High Command Army Group E/Ic, Saloniki).
I c - Morning report 27.7.1944:
. . . . . . . . .
Supplement for Military Commander Southeast/Ic, Belgrade only:
1.) Attack on fuel supply dump in the area of Iraklion and Cania on Crete. Sabotage acts organized according to plan by the English.
. . . . . . . . .
5.) 100 hostages shot in reprisal for band attack on ambulance convoy near Vlacherna (see Ic A. Report of 25.7.44, paragraph 4).
Commander Greece I c and then 18511/44 secret.
Lieutenant Colonel.
On the next page, your Honors, same teletype, under the date of 22 July, from the Ic officer of the Commander in Greece.
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NO. NOKW-647 CONT'D. EXCERPTS (page 13 of original) SECRET No. 160 T e l e t y p e From Commander Greece, Ic., dated 22.
7.1944 To: Military Commander Southeast, Ic., B e l g r a d e High Command Army Group E., Ic., Saloniki (for information) Ic report dated 23.
7.1944 . . . . . . . . . .Field Commander publishes reprisal measure - the hanging of 50 communists in retaliation of attack on 2 German officers.
. . . . . . . . . .
Commander Greece Lieutenant Colonel.
On the next page, the 13 of July 1944, at that time defendant Speidel was still Military Commander in Greece, to the Military Commander Southeast: