This is from -- this is a teletype and it is from the 2nd Panzer Army to it's subordinate unit, the 15th Corps and it is transmitted on 17 March 1944. It bears the number "17 III 1944 and "17 March 44" is on the original.
"Effective immediately the Representative Reich Fuehrer SS for Croatia and his subordinate offices and units are tactically subordinated directly to the 2nd Panzer Army pursuant to the order of the Commander in Chief Southeast (Commander in Chief Army Group F)."
Now here, if your Honors please, referring back to that earlier statement that Dr. Laternser made, Oberbefehlshaber Suedost Oberkommando Heeresgruppe F which, it is submitted, are the same and the reference I made in connection with the prior exhibit, the distribution to Weichs Exhibit 381, where the eight copy went to the Commander in Chief Southeast -- it is submitted that that means Weichs Army Group F; I submit that that was Weichs that they were referring to there, and this is certainly Weichs here. It can't be anybody else. It says, "Oberbefehlshaber Suedost (Oberkommando Heeresgruppe F)" and that is Weichs, is it not?
DR. LATERNSER: Yes, that is correct but when it was submitted formerly "Military Commander Southeast" was said and that is different, and that is why I objected. But previously it was said and then I protested that the Military Commander then was Fieldmarshal von Weichs and that was wrong.
PRESIDING JUDGE BURKE: Does that clear up any possible misunderstanding on the part of either or both of you?
MR. DENNEY: Yes, I just wanted to check on this Exhibit 381. A copy did go to Weichs. There is "OB Suedost" in the German which is Weichs.
PRESIDING JUDGE BURKE: Very well, Mr. Denney, You may proceed.
MR.DENNEY: "The police sector leaders subordinate to the Repre sentative Reich Fuehrer SS for Croatia remain subordinate to him in every respect.
They will be instructed to cooperate directly with the Command Authorities of the Wehrmacht and they will be informed that these command authorities are authorized in emergency cases to issue tactical orders directly to the police sector leaders. The Representative Reich Fuehrer SS for Croatia is to be informed at the same time.
"The purpose of this subordination is to unite all available German forces in the Croatian area for the period of the operation "CANNAE" with the aim of making more secure the vital traffic lines and economic objectives for troop movements and supply.
"To this end the Representative Reich Fuehrer SS for Croatia is requested to contact and to instruct, or either of them the police sector loaders to contact the Command authorities in the Croatia Area (Corps Headquarters Infantry Corps and Headquarters, 1st Cossack Division, Commander Syrmia, V SS Mountain Corps and XV Mountain Corps. By agreement with the Commanding authorities, he is to employ all available forces in the first instance for the protection of vital railroads at the same time withdrawing them as far as possible from less vital objects.
The 69th Infantry Corps, Commander Syrmia, 5th SS Mountain Corps and 15th Mountain Corps on their part will immediately make contact with the competent Police Sector Leaders for the purpose of rapid and coordinated regulation of the Security measure. Completion of mission is to be reported.
"Representative Reich Fuehrer SS for Croatia is to report to the 2nd Panzer Any as soon as possible his forces of the available for security purposes as described under 2 and their planned commitment."
And this is from the 2nd Panzer Any. There is an illegible handwritten signature and there is a certification by one Schindler at the left as being a true copy.
All these units that are set up here, the 69th Corps, the 5th SS Mountain Corps and the 15th Corps were all under the 2nd Panzer Army at this time and, if your Honors will recall, the first contact -the most recent report we have had from it is one to the 69th Corps. However, this communication would indicate that perhaps this first Cossack Division at this time is operating separately because they speak of it in the same breath with which they speak of the Corps.
Page 120 in the German, 77 of the English, NOKW-948, which is offered as prosecution Exhibit 381 -
PRESIDING JUDGE BURKE: 388.
MR. DENNEY: Thank you, your Honor; that is 388. I looked at the wrong page.
These are notes on a conference in which there participated the Commanding General and the Chief of the General Staff, SS Chief of Brigade, Fitzthum, who was referred to in an earlier exhibit, Colonel Peter, SS.Hauptsturmfuehrer, Wirth and Major von Thuengen.
It is dated 12 April. It speaks of the evacuation of billets for placing the SS Division "Skanderbag." This Skanderbag Division which was the 21st SS Mountain Division at this time was in the 21st Mountain Corps and at this date the 21st Mountain Corps was not yet commanded by the defendant Leyser but it was at this time under the 2nd Panzer Army which was commanded by the defendant Rendulic. I just wanted to make it clear that the defendant Leyser is not involved in this.
"Evacuation of billets for placing the SS Division 'Skanderbag' in the Kosovo area. It was decided that only 4 battalions of the 1st and 4th Jaeger Regiment were to remain in the Kosovo area as frontier protection. The Battalions have to evacuate the large billets and are to be put up in smaller places along the frontier.
"The transfer of the other Jaeger Battalions from the Kosovo area is to be carried out in an accelerated manner as follows:
And then they list the batazllions and where they go.
"Establishment of a concentration camp in Tetovo is to be carried out in an accelerated manner by the German General in Zagreb.
"SS Brigade Leader Fitzhum reported about his visit with Minister Neubacher.
"S.M. can be arrested outside of Tiranas and delivered to Semlin.
"The view of Corps Headquarters, that in the operational area no consideration need be taken of the Sovereignty of the neutral Albanian state, is confirmed.
"Appointment of Friqui Dino as 4th member of the government council is not tolerable.
"The evacuation of Serba from the Albanian Kosovo area must be stopped immediately, as the capacity of the Serbian state is exhausted.
"Labor employment for these Serbs is provided for in the Reich.
"For the Special Commando Lange there is to be expected a new service direction of the OKW.
"The utilization of the SS Division "Skanderbag" outside of the Albanian area is mentioned briefly. The question is not acute at the moment and is to be set aside.
The Division will take the oath of the Fuehrer and the Albanian State."
And Your Honors' attention is just directed generally to the matters which were discussed. The Commanding General and Chief of Staff were here, and these SS people -- political questions, questions of forced labor, deportations, et cetera.
Now 1416, which is page 121 of the German, 179 of the English, is offered as 389. These are orders of the 15th Mountain Corps, which at this time commanded by the defendant Leyser. There are enclosures to the War Diary, various daily reports, et cetera. These are in most cases signed typed. However, there at the end there is one printed: "(Signed) von Leyser" which is certified to by a signa ture of Colonel Pfafferott whose signature we have seen before.
The first entry is for 7 April 1944. It has to do with "Conduct of War on the Island."
"It is a prerequisite of successful defense at the enemy should learn from the population neither anything regarding the situation nor details concerning our positions and strength. Consequently blockedoff zones several kilometers in depth are to be set up near the bases on the occupied islands which are to be completely evacuated by and kept free of the population without any exceptions. The limits of these blocked-off zones are to be marked with warning notices. Any civilian encountered there is to be shot dead immediately. Execution is to be reported by 17 April.
Then this is a teletype to 2nd Panzer Army, with copies at indicated for 16 April?
"7 kilometers southeast ROGOSNIA and area SINJ two bandits each shot dead while escaping."
Then one to the 2nd Panzer Army, 20 April, report of 373rd Division to the Croatian Unit under the 15th Corps:
"Due to interrupted radio communication no report operation Wiliam. Own convey attacked on supply road. Bandits repelled by concentrated fir. Pursuing Croatian combat group takes one machine gun and ammunition in booty. No losses of our own. Lines south of Nebljusi extended, one bandit shot dead, 3 band suspects arrested."
Then daily report to the 22nd again, the 2nd Panzer Army, and from the 15th corps. This is for the 382 Division, and this is the socalled Croatian Blue Division. We have it listed as being under the 21st Corps. However, the reports here are sandwiched between these of the 264th Division under the 15th Corps at that time, and the 373rd Division, which was also under the 15th Corps, and they were reporting because Colonel Pfafferett has signed the original:
"Keulenschlag": In the course of continued mopping up of the area west Dreznica at present inconsiderable resistance by minor bands. Five enemy dead, three prisoners, 2 deserts. Booty established up to now: 30 tons of infantry ammunition, 15 tons of artillery ammunition, machine gun and trench mortar material, five cubic meters Diesel, 60 tires, 100 bags of salt several cases of cigarettes and cigars, matches, 60 cart loads boards. I command hut and one medical hut were destroyed, also one printing plant. During the course of the thrust by Ustashi from Gospic towards the northwest - 10 enemy dead, 1 prisoner, 1 machine gun, 9 rifles, 1 cart with two horses. Reconnaissance patrol southwest of Ogulin brought in 8 prisoners, 3 enemy dead."
Then for the 373rd Division, they report the activities of a reconnaissance patrol, and again they use the term "deserters", even as hey have in the prior sections of this report, and this bears the signature, "Pfafferett", and typed is "15th Mountain Corps, 1a".Then the next communication is for the 23rd of April, again to the 2nd Panzer Army, Section, 262th Division:
"In reprisal for attacks on our trucks two villages 4 kilometers northwest of Tregir were partly burned down; 2 kilometers est of Tregir 2 soldiers shot down by bandits. Up to now 2 suspects arrested."
In 126 of the German, 84 of the English, report to the 2nd Panzer Army for 24th of April, 264th Division:
"Reprisal for attack band billets 4½ kilometers northeast of Primostern burned down."
The 373rd division:
"Operation "Klettersteig": In the course of forward thrust by the Third Battalion Division, (that should be the 383 regiment, Your Honors,) in the area of Turevac-Jelovac, bandits repelled, five villages burned down."
Then here is a communication to the 264th Division, and an information copy goes to the first Brandenburg Regiment. This bears, at the end of it, the typed signature, of the defendant, "von Leyser," certified to by "Pfafferett", and "Colonel, General Staff Corps."
(Page 86)
"The islands situated in front of the area of the 264th division serve the bands to a great extent as transfer points for supply. Of particular importance to the enemy are the islands."
and then they list them.
"Details concerning enemy situation will follow currently. Interference by enemy air-force and enemy naval forces must always be counted on.
"The 264th Division will mop up these islands. Supplies and installations of all kinds of benefit to the enemy are to be secured or destroyed. Enemy shipping is to be seized and the male civilian population capable of bearing arms is to be evacuated from the islands as far as possible; at least suspicious persons must be arrested."
Page 128 of the German, 88 of the English, NOKW 788, which is offered as Prosecution Exhibit 390. --
PRESIDING JUDGE BURKE: Did you say, "390"?
MR. DENNEY: 390 I believe, your Honors, is correct.
PRESIDING JUDGE BURKE: You may proceed, Mr. Denney.
MR. DENNEY: This is a teletype from the 15th Mountain Corps to the 69th Reserve Corps, one of its subordinate units. It is dated May. At this time the defendant Rendulic commanded the 2nd Panzer Army, which was the higher headquarters of both units.
The 15th Mountain Corps at this time was commanded by the defendant, Leyser:
"In the Kerdun mountains an anti-Communist movement is organizing. Consequently suggestion; troops to be directed to be moderate in taking loot and in destruction."
This is all typed except for the handwritten part.
NOKW 790, at 129 of the German, 89 of the English, is offered as 391. This is a combat report concerning the operation, "Schach" which was referred to before, which was being conducted by the troops of the 69th Corps, and this is from the 1st Jaeger Reserve Regiment.
The operation took place between the 26th and the 28th of May, 1944:
"The enemy occupied in strength the area Kestenjak from Sica to Bukovac with 1st Kordun Battalion: with elements on the other side of the Korana river the area north and south Veljun with one" and they list the units of the third Brigade.
"The area Primislje and the heights situated south and east of it with I. Brigade of the 8th Kordun Division.
In Rijeka 55th Reconnaissance Battalion had contact with the 1st Mountain Regiment. A document was captured by the 1st Cavalry Regiment which shows that the bandits had received written information concerning the committment four days prior to the operation.
In the course of combing through the terrain 4 trucks were captured (2 were out of commission, I was blasted, I was given over to the police." One evacuated hospital and numerous telephone lines, 1 print shop and 1 motor vehicle repair shot were destroyed and rations and some heads of cattle were secured."
Then they give the results:
"Enemy dead: 17 wounded, 100 estimated Prisoners:
2 officers Own losses:
2 dead, 5 wounded Destroyed:
1 hospital with furnishings (secured 7 quilted blankets, 6 pillows, 33 mattresses)" Signed by, "Hammerschmidt, Colonel and Regimental Commander."
Then we have the next thing from an element of the 69th Corps. which is NOKW 789, which is effored as Prosecution Exhibit 392. This bears the stamp of the 69th Corps, and again this is in June, 1944, when the corps was still subordinate to 2nd Panzer Army. This hears at the end, the illegible signature of a Captain and Battalion of the 383rd Infantry Regiment:
"In Zirovac three well-furnished military hospitals with 200 beds are burned down."
"According to statements by prisoners the enemy is composed of the I, II, and III Banja Brigade about 3000 men in strength as well as of units of the Huske-Brigade."
Under the date of the 27th of May, which is at the top of page 136 of the German, 92 of the English:
"General: According to statements of prisoners the radio operators and the Artillery officers on the enemy side were Englishmen. Also an English-American Commission is alleged to have been with the VII Division. Tite himself was in Topuske on the 18th of May, and according to the unanimous statements of civilians and prisoners he was in the area of Raume Petrova Gera.
Also according to statements of prisoners 2 Elite Companies were engaged for the attack on the ridges." and note:
"English uniforms and arms".
Signature illegible, "Captain and Battalion Commander". illegible initials.
MR. DENNEY: Then, on Page 139 of the German and Page 93 of the English is Document No. NOKW-1428, which is offered as Prosecution's Exhibit No. 393. These are two reports to the 2nd Panzer Army from the 15th Mountain Corps, both in June, at which time the Corps was under the command of the Defendant Leyser, and the Army was under the command of the Defendant Rendulic. The first one, for the 5th of June:
"Bands have occupied the heights surrounding our support point ont the road SUCEVICE-GRACAC and are pressing from the VELEBIT into the area Weat of ZRMANJA VRELO. Croatian combat groups have destroyed bandit hosital, Southeast of UDBINA. Thereby, 20 enemy dead (including two physicians in addition 95 wounded and sick killed. Northeasr of CAZEN medium sized band repelled by Ustasha under leadership. Three enemy dead, 3 prisoners, 4 rifles. Line NOVI- BIHAC quiet." And it had 15th Mountain Corps typed at the end, and over to the left is Colonel Pfafferott's signature.
DR. LATERNSER: Your Honor, I would like to point out and object that these Croatian combat units were never subordinate to the German Wehrmacht, so that this incedent is a pure inner Croatian affair and was, therefore, only reported because it took place in the sphere of the office which had to receive the reports.
MR. DENNEY: Well, of course, we don't agree with Dr. Laternser's contention. We have seen hundreds of reports here going in from well, not hundreds, but we have seen numerous reports here going in from lower units about Cossack didisions and Croatian dididions. I don't object to his comment. I would like, in view of his comment, to put our contention on the report.
PRESIDING JUDGE BURKE: Ultimately, of course, it may be a matter for for the Tribunal to make final decision, and after all, it is pretty much a matter of argument when the controversy really comes before us. I would how ever, suggest that, if possible, you refrain from giving conclusions on the weight of evidentiary offerings.
MR. DENNEY: Well, if Your Honor please, I am certainly mindful of Your Honors' rulings, and I would just like, for instance, here, just to point out the term; that's all; I didn't say anything about it.
PRESIDING JUDGE BURKE: You intended to identify what you claim as the situation merely, and not as a statement of fact.
MR. DENNEY: Yes, Your Honor.
PRESIDING JUDGE BURKE: Very well.
MR. DENNEY: And then on the 9th of June, again from the 15th Mountain Corps, at this time under the heading of the 264th Infantry Division: "Mine sabotage East of PRIMOSTEN, West of DRNIS, 1 truck hit a mine. 2 suspects shot dead." And it is from the 15th Corps to the 2nd Panzer Armz. And then on Page 141 of the German and Page 95 of the English is Document Mo.NOKW-1418, which we offer as Prosecution's Exhibit No. 394. This is a teletype to the Headquarters of the 15th Mountain Corps, and it covers the period 22 May to 2nd June: "Enemy Losses: 1525 counted 1347 estimated dead: 143 prisoners, 33 arrested 32 deserters. Booty: 1 Gun destroyed, 1 Antitank Gun, 2 Tanks, 4 Trench Mortars, 84 Machine Guns, 7 Machine Postols, 2 Postols, 2 Antitank Rifles, 242 Rifles, 624,600 Rounds of Machine Gun Ammunition, 117,400 Rounds of Machine Postol Ammunition, 6300 Rounds for 2 cm A.A., 1106 Kilgrams of Explosives and Dynamite, 130 mines, 175 Hand Grenades, 129 Parachutes, 1 Rubber Raft, 4 Motor vehicles, 116 cans of Gasoline, 4 clothing depots, 3 cwt of sheepwool, 65 tons of grain." And then various kinds of livestock--horses, cattle, heeep--and the "1medical depot, 32 Mosquito Tents, 2 Typewriters, 17 Radio sets, 1 Transmitter, 4 Electric Stoves, 22 Generators, 1 Motor, 1 Film Apparatus, 1 Microscope. Destroyed: 2 small Ammunition Depot, 1 Depot of Explosives, 1 Engineer School, and Airfield, 2 Airplane Hangars, 1 Hospital." And still on the same document this is again from the 15 Corps, and is signed by the Quartermaster. It's dated 20 June:
"Special Instruction for the Supplying of No.: 91.
4) Transfer of arrested indigenous personnel, Bandsuspects and Deserters to Employment in Reich.
The Croatian Government complains about the compulsory transfer, in opposition to to treaty regulations, of male and female members of the population taken in band warfare, band supects or deserters to employment in the Reich, Such measures are to be stopped immediately. In future the recruiting and collecting persons ready to work for the Reich may only be carried out through the offices set up for this purpose Plenipotentiary for the Four Year Plan (Plenipotentiary General for the Employment of Labor Croatian Office in Zagreb, Kulina-Banna 3. These offices are to cooperate with the competent Croatian offices and to observe the regulation of the German--Croatian treaty of 3 February to the camps provided for them as previously, where they will be treated according to the regulation in force.
.......................
For the Headquarters The Quartermaster (signature) (illegible) Lieutenant Colonel" Then NOKW 1445, at Page 144 of the German Document Book and Page 99 of the English Document Book, is offered as Prosecution's Exhibit No.395.
This is a series of extracts from the war diary of the 15th Corps, and it covers the period 1 January 1944 to 30 June 1944. The first entry is for 19 January: "Banja Luka: Upon request by 393nd Division." That is a division, which at the time was in the 21st Mountain Corps, "authorization is sought from Headquarters 2nd Panzer Army fro 392nd Division to draft men fit for military service and decision about further employment." Although we had the 392nd Division listed as being in the 21st Corps, it is clear here that they made an application to the 15th Corps and that the 15th Corps had forwarded their request to the 2nd Panzer Army. The Corps, at this time was commanded by the Defendant Leyser, and that 2nd Panzer Army was commanded by the Defendant Rendulic.
"21 January: Final report to Headquarters and Army about the operation 'Brandfackel' (Incendiary torch). 131 enemy dead, Minor booty, 1 hospital and 2 ammunition depots destroyed." For the 17th of February: "in compliance with Army directive, the 264th and 392nd Division are ordered to evacuate the entire male population of the island fit for military service. The Germand Plenipotentiary General in Croatia is requested to preperare measures to evacuate the entire population of the island and coastal area in the Restricted Zone, 'Red.'" And here again we see this Corps giving orders to the 392nd Division; so certainly, at this time, it is to be fairly assumed that they are under the Corps. 24th February: "In the area of the 264th Division evacuation ordered for islands close to the coast is proceeding. In order to evacuate the island, the islands have first to be liberated by fighting." 1st March: "Headquarters 2nd Panzer Army orders the island of RAB to be occupied as soon as possible and the evacuation of the male population fit for military service." 6th March: "Journey by the Commanding General to Split, conference with Seeke, Points of the discussion: Shipping space for the occupation of RAB and then for the mopping up of the island further away. Removal of the male population there. Blasting of harbor installations. Where hall mines be laid, off the coast? Mine fields in the straits between islands. Conference at 264th Dicisoin. Points under discussion: Company at NIN to be transferred to the Battery there. 1 Platoon to Petricane for coastal observation. Anti-Aircraft Artillery for Anti-Aircraft defense, to be employed according to point of main efforet." And then there is an order of evacuation, and the Cetnil question, and raid in the coastal towns for saboteurs. And for the 10th of March: "With regard to the evacuation of Slpit ordered, it has been reported to 2nd Panzer Army that about 5000 men fit for military service have to be evacuated from there." For the 13th of March: "in a letter by the German Plenipotentiary General in Coatia it is suggested to Corps Headquartes, with regard to the order by 2nd Panzer Army to draw upon the male population in the Dalmatian islands for work purposes, to establish mixed commitees to apprehend the men born 1904-27."
And again we have the same age groups referred to, from 17 to 40. "The current state of the evacuation (from islands 1128 men, 100 women, 150 children) will be reported to 2nd Panzer Army. Shall be evacuated from the coastal areas are about 150 to 200 thousand men."
PRESIDING JUDGE BURKE: Mr. Denney, I think at this point we will take a recess until 3:15.
(THE COURT RECESSED AT L500 to RESUME AT 1515)
THE MARSHAL: The Tribunal is again in session.
Presiding Judge Burke: You may proceed Mr. Denney, page 102 of the English Document Book.
MR. DENNEY: Thank you, your Honor. May it please your Honors, continuing with the entries from the war diary XV Mountain Corps for the first half of 1944, 15 March:
"Corps Headquarters reports that it intends to mop up and evacuate at a later time the islands situated off Sibonik.
"1 April 1944. On the basis of a directive by 2nd Panzer Army, 264th Infantry Division is ordered to carry out monthly raids at Split, since complete evacuation of all men fit for military service from Split cannot be carried out at the present.
5 April 1944 ...264th Division was given orders for evacuation measures concerning the men evacuated from the islands.
20 April 1944 ... To stop enemy supply traffic, especially across our own routes of supply, suggestion is forwarded to the Division and to 1st Brandenburg Regiment, to mine the roads used by bands, in addition to ambushes, local thrusts at transfer points, and evacuation of suspected villages.
30 April 1944 ... The evacuation of several coastal localities which is urgently necessary is requested.
6 May 1944 ... Army order: 2nd Panger Army - Evacuation of band-suspects from Split in large numbers now. Very soon 2,000 are to be sent away. Apprehension is the duty of the Corps, evacuation the duty of the Croatian Government. An order to that effect was given to 264th Division and Administration Sub-Area Headquarters at Split, and the German Plenipotentiary General in Croatia was asked for information since billeting within the Corps area or employment by the troops has to be refused.
..
20 May 1944 ... Army gives notice (2nd Panzer Army) of the intention, corresponding to the proposal by Corps Headquarters, to evacuate additional coastal areas, but it reserves to itself the order fro its execution.
... 264th Division receives the order to carry out the most severe measures with regard to plundering and lack of discipline shown by the troops at ZARA.
31 May 1944...Lately it has teen proposed to Army to evacuate the pro-British population of the islands of ULJAN and PASMAN.
The evacuation of Split, ordered by Army, is proceeding only very slowly since the personnel available from SD and Secret Field Police is insufficient for a thorough apprehension of a large number of persons and since the Croatian police cannot be used for this purpose and has orders to wait for the arrival of a Government representative. Here again they refer to the secret police in connection with their work, that is SD and field. - the work of the troops.
30 June 1944... Corps Headquarters orders 264th Division to evacuate speedily the unreliable elements from Split, and sends the 3rd Company of the 591st Field Gendarmes Battalion to 264th Division for faster apprehension. The possibility of employing the evacuated persons as a Labor Battalion on the road LAPAC - KNIN is to be examined by the 373rd (Croatian) Infantry Division, and again your Honors attention is called to the use of the term "Croatian" and this is signed by the then commanding General of the XV Corps,....
Fohn, who succeeded the defendant Leyser, who about this time went over to the XXI Mountain Corps which was also in the 2nd Panzer Army.
Then NOKW 886 which is offered as Prosecution Exhibit 396, 150 in the German, 106 in the English.
This is a report from the XXI Mountain Corps to the 2nd Panzer Army, 19 June. The 2nd Panzer Army, of course, was under the defendant Rendulic.
"SS-Division Skanderbeg: Up to now 3 dead have been confirmed of the group counter intelligence unit 202 which was attacked. 2 still missing." and then, handwritten, there appears, "In reprisal 3 communists from Djakovica were hanged."
And there is a signature Hansen.
NOKW 836 at 107 of the English and 151 of the German, is offered as Exhibit 397. These are reports from the XXI Mountain Corps for July and August to the 2nd Panzer Army, 7 July:
"181. Infantry Division: In the area of Bar 10 hostages were shot to death. Headquarters XXI Mountain Corps."
Then on the 8th for the same units:
"In the area of Risan 7 hostages were shot to death in reprisal for raids."
On 11th, reporting for the 10 July, the enemy lost, in the area of the corps, 20 dead counted, 50 estimated; 2 hostages were hanged.
And for the 181 Division: on of the Corps subordinate units:
"Assembly of bands (100) dispersed by trench mortar fire.
In unsuccessful raid on motor vehicle column, 1 enemy dead and 2 hostages hanged."
And again the 2nd Panzer Army. This has to do with the Operation "Falkenauge".
"Headquarters intends by rescinding the previous plan, to bring the enemy to battle again and to destroy him before he has been able to reorganize his forces. For this operation "Falkenauge" is being prepared."
And page 154 and page 110, NOKW 837, which is offered as Prosecution Exhibit 398. This is a report for 11 July, which is the enemy within the Corps Area lost 15 dead, 32 prisoners, 5 machine guns, 25 rifles;
1 ammunition depot set afire by shooting, 2 hostages shot.
"Area Budua: 2 hostages shot to death in reprisal for telephone line Sabotage."
NOKW 838, which is page 155 of the German and page 111 of the English, is offered as Prosecution Exhibit 399. This is a Situation Report from the 21st Corps, dated 13 July, and under paragraph 4:
"Arrests:
From 28 May - 5 July the SS Division -- " and that is, it is submitted, the 21st SS Mountain Skanderbeg Division, because that was the only one in the corps at the time, so far as we know.
"....arrested 510 Jews, Communists, persons aiding and abetting bands and political suspects. In the detention camp of the Division they were kept in security arrest and 249 of these inmates were evacuated to the Reich for labor."
And then a teletype of 11 August to the 2nd Panzer Army from the 21st Corps, commanded at this time by the defendant Leyser.
"The SS-Division Skanderberg: During attacks East of Kukes-minor own and civilian losses, 2 trucks burned out. 6 hostages hanged at the places of attack."
There is an illegible signature; and then NOKW 952 was offered, incidentally, Your Honors, this last exhibit was Exhibit 400, page 112, NOKW 952.
And the next exhibit is page 157 German and page 113 of the English NOKW 1008, and is offered as Exhibit 401. This is a report from the 21st Corps to the 2nd Panzer Army, and up at the top it says: "To Tank Army Supreme Command 2." Actually it is "Panzer Oberkommando 2", which is the 2nd Panzer Army. It is a poor translation, and I would be very glad to submit it to the translators to let them confirm that it is the same translation we have had for the 2nd Panzer Army before.
JUDGE BURKE: Very well.
THE TRANSLATOR: This is addressed to the "2nd Panzer Army."
MR. DENNEY: This again is the 21st Corps, and is dated 30 August 1944. The Corps at that time was commanded by the defendant Leyser. "Situation in Bitolj unchanged. The anti-aircraft battery, section Dossow which was surrounded near Prilep, has fought free. The enemy lost, in the corps area, on the 29th, 8.: 5 dead? shot? 1 Italian desertor, 14 prisoners, 20 bandits hanged."
And NOKW 672, 158 German and 114 English is offered as Prosecution Exhibit 402. This is a memo of 1 August, from the Plenipotentiary General in Croatian:
"The retired Minister and State Councillor Doctor Petric informed us today that some time ago he spoke with the General about conditions on the island Solta and on other evacuated Dalmatian islands and that he begged that measures be taken to protect the property of the population. He presented the enclosed excerpt of a letter addressed to him by Bezic Fabijan, Split," And it gives his address: