PRESIDENT WENNERSTRUM: Under (b), the translation of that, the line in question there, will you repeat your translation again?
INTERPRETER JACOBSOHN: Yes. For "Ueberfaelle", I translate raids instead of attacks.
PRESIDENT WENNERSTRUM: I believe the requirements of counsel will cover the situation you have in mind.
MR. RAPP: Yes.
PRESIDENT WENNERSTRUM: Very well. You may proceed.
MR. RAPP: Your Honors on page 122, is the final page of this OKW 006912, and it states how many copies and to whom the various copies of the aforementioned document were sent.
This concludes Prosecution's Exhibit 422.
The next exhibit, your Honor, we submit, on page 124 of the English document book, and I believe this will be page 90 of the German Document book, -- it is NOKW 1471. It is being submitted as Prosecution's Exhibit 423. We had forgotten to include this document into the German document book, but I have given Dr. Lanternser, during the recess, sufficient copies for distribution to all defense counsel, and I would merely for the record, ask Dr. Laternser whether or not he has distributed these copies to all of his colleagues.
PRESIDENT WENNERSTRUM: Dr. Laternser has indicated that they have been distributed to his associates.
MR. RAPP: Very well, your Honor.
This document, Your Honors, is an OKW order, -- that is the High Command of the German Armed Forces, and it pertains to the jurisdiction and subordination of the military commander in Greece at that time, the defendant, Speidel.
This particular page is page 84 of the original. It is OKW No. 006912/43, Top Secret, Wehrmacht FST, Quartermaster, Administration I.
"First enclosure to General Quartermaster, handwritten, illegible.
Fuehrer Headquarters, 21 December 1943. Top Secret."
There were 55 copies, this being the 10th copy.
"Standard order of procedure for Military Commander Greece.
1) Military Commander Greece is subordinated to Military Commander Southeast.
He keeps Military Commander Southeast and also Army Group E continuously informed concerning all essential affairs and measures within his sphere of command."
If your Honors permit, I believe the interpreters do not have the German translation, although I personally have put three copies of it on your desk, prior to the recess. I repeat:
"He keeps Military Commander Southeast and also Army Group E continuously informed concerning all essential affairs and measures within his sphere of command.
2.) Military Commander Greece exercises by order of Military Commander Southeast executive Power in Greece including the part occupied by Bulgarian troops as far as he has been authorized to do so.
Superseded by the following as per OKW/No. 0013/44 top secret / WFST/ Qu (Administration 1) 1 January 44 Section 2, Para. 2. For the execution of the tasks with which he is charged, the Military Commander Southeast had subordinated to him:
for Greece - Military Commander Greece, for Croatia - German Plenipotentiary - General in Croatia" "for Albania - German Plenipotentary - General in Albania and for Montenegro - Independent Administrative Sub-area Headquarters Montenegro.
b) As territorial commander he regulates all territorial problems (maintaining order, exploitation of the country for the purposes of the Wehrmacht etc.) and security tasks in so far as he has been charged with them by the Commander-in-Chief of Army Group E.
c) In addition, he takes over the duties of Wehrmacht Garrison Commander Athens-Piraeus and he is responsible for the maintenance of discipline in the garrison area of Athens-Piraeus.
4.) The Commander-in-Chief of Army Group E is authorized to charge Military Commander Greece temporarily with tasks concerning the leadership of troops as far as these are connected with the security duties with which he is charged.
5.) Political problems are treated by Military Commander Greece in close cooperation with the Athens-Office of the Special Plenipotentiary for the Southeast, pursuant to the powers given by the Fuehrer to the former Plenipotentiary of the Reich in Athens on 28 April 1941, as well as the tasks assigned to him as the former Special Commissioner of the Reich Government for economic and financial problems in Greece, pursuant to the decree of 16 Oct. 1942 remain unchanged."
"The Staff of Military Commander Greece consists of:
a) The Headquarters Staff
b) The Administrative Staff with Branch: Administration and Branch: General Economics.
c) The Military Economics Staff
d) The Wehrmacht Chief Administrative Officer
e) The Senior SS and Police Leader
7.) For the execution of his tasks the Military Commander Greece has subordinated to him:
a) Administrative Area Headquarters 395 (in Saloniki) Available to Army Group E simultaneously for combat duty
b) The Commandant of Fortress Crete only in matters concerning the Military Administration where basic affairs are concerned requiring a co-ordinated ruling for the entire Greek area.
c) The Administrative Sub-area Headquarters and Local Headquarters of his area of Command.
d) Troop units and supply and security troops and other units and offices subordinated to him by special orders.
The Chief of OKW (signed) KEITEL Certified true copy (sign.)
illeg.
Colonel G.S.C."
On Page 127, your Honors, we will find,-- this is page 86 of the original document;
"OKW- No. 006912/43 top secret WFST/Qu. (Admin./ 1) 2nd Enclosure to Gen.
Qu II 2348/43 top secret (handwritten) 17 Fuehrer Headquarters 21 Dec.
1943 Top Secret 55 copies, this being the 10th copy.
Standard Order of Procedure for the German Plenipotentiary General in Albania.
1.) The German Plenipotentiary - General in Albania is subordinated to Military Commander Southeast. Concerning all combat and security duties, he is bound by the directives of the second Panzer Army.
He keeps Military Commander Southeast and the 2nd Panzer Army continuously informed concerning all essential affairs and measures within his area.
2.) Duties of the German General - Plenipotentiary in Albania.
a) He has the duties and the authority of a territorial Commander.
b) In the event of the disappearance of an Albanian Government which is capable of functioning and in case of larger combat actions, particularly in case of enemy landings, the German Plenipotentary General or individual troop commanders who are committed there may be granted, by application, the exercise of executive power in the Albanian Sovereign Area or in parts of it. The German Plenipotentiary General will submit such an application to the Commander-in-Chief Southeast, also will decide by agreement with the Special Plenipotentiary of the Foreign Office for the Southeast making a report to OKW/WFST.
c) He will work in close cooperation with the Albanian Office of the Foreign Office for the Southeast. He will represent the requirements of the German Wehrmacht to the Albanian Minister of Defense and if necessary in technical matters to the Albanian expert Ministers.
Demands going beyond that will be submitted by him to the Office of the Special Plenipotentary who will undertake all negotiations with the Albanian Government and in particular with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister.
3.) For the execution of his tasks, the German PlenipotentiaryGeneral in Albania has subordinated to him:"
"a) The Administrative Sub-area Headquarters and Local Headquarters of his sphere of Command.
b) Troop units and other installations and offices subordinated to him by special orders.
The Chief of the OKW (Signed) K E I T E L Certified true copy illeg.
Colonel G.S.C."
Let us turn now to page 130. We come to page 88 of the original and this is OKH No. 116912.43. Top secret, WDST/Quartermaster, Administration 1.
Your Honor, I believe there is a mistranslation. This should be instead of "OKH", "OKW". If your Honors please, I will hand this part of the document to the official court interpreter so that we all may correct our records.
PRESIDENT WENNERSTRUM: You may follow that procedure.
MR. JACOBSOHN (Court German-English Interpreter): It says "Oberkommando der Wehrmacht"; the Germans usually abbreviate it to "OKW".
MR. RAPP: For the purpose of the record only, Your Honors, on the top of Page 130, instead of reading OKH it should read OKW, the High Command of the German Armed Forces.
.....OKW - No. 006912/43 top secret WFST/Qu. (Admin. 1) 3rd Enclosure to Gen.
Qu. II 2348/43 top secret Fuehrer Headquarters 21 Dec.
1943 Top secret 55 copies
MR. RAPP: This is the 10th copy.
"Standard Order of Procedure for the Independent Administrative Subarea Headquarters Montenegro.
The Command of the Independent Administrative Sub-area Headquarters Montenegro is subordinated to Military Commander Southeast. Concerning all combat and security duties, he is bound by the directives of the 2nd Panzer Army. He keeps Military Commander Southeast and - for information - 2nd Panzer Army continuously informed concerning all essential affairs and measures within his area.
Duties of the Independent Administrative Sub-area Headquarters Montenegro.
The Commandant of the Independent Administrative Sub-area Headquarters Montenegro has the duties and the authority of a territorial Commander.
The Command of the Independent Administrative Sub-area Headquarters Montenegro exercises executive power in Montenegro as far as he has been authorized to do so.
In the event of larger combat actions in connection with an enemy landing on the Adriatic Coast, the executive power in the Montenegrin Sovereign area or in parts of it can be transferred to the troop commanders committed there by the Commander-in-Chief, Southeast in agreement with the Special Plenipotentiary of the Foreign Office for the Southeast.
The Commandant of the Independent Administrative Sub-area Headquarters Montenegro is responsible for peace, order and security in as far as he is charged with it by 2nd Panzer Army.
At that time it was under the command of the Defendant Rendulic -the 2nd Panzer Army. "For the execution of his tasks he has subordinated to him: In the event of additional headquarters being sent into his area of command, said headquarters; Troop units supply and security troops, and other installations and offices subordinated to him by special orders; the area of Cattao belongs administratively to the area of the Administrative Sub-area Headquarters Montenegro. The Chief of OKW (Signed Keitel Certified true copy, illegible, Colonel G.S.G."
DR. LATERNSER: Please excuse me, your Honor. I just want to find out whether a paragraph has been translated. I don't know exactly; I want to find out. Your Honor, in the order which has just been read, of the OKW of the 21st of December 1943, the English Document Book Page 130, the translation of Paragraph 2c has been omitted. Can this kindly be done now and entered into the record?
THE PRESIDENT: The Document Book shows no sub-section 2 and sub-section under that. Am I correct in that statement?
DR. LATERNSER: It should, Your Honor, after 2b, Paragraph c should follow. It apparently has not be translated.
MR. RAPP: On page 130, under Paragraph 1, it commences with "Duties of the Independent Administrative Sub-area Headquarters Montenegro," That is what Dr. Laternser refers to. That is Paragraph 2, and then comes 2a and 2b, which extends to Page 131, and then we skipped to 2d. Dr. Laternser would like now to have part 2c read into the record from the original document; and we submit that we have no objection to that.
THE PRESIDENT: You may proceed then, handing it to the Translator.
(The court page takes the original document to the Court Interpreter)
MR. JACOBSOHN (Court German-English Interpreter): This paragraph c reads in English: "The Commander of the Independent Local Headquarters, Montenegro administers their administration and the economic matters of Montenegro according to the directives of the Military Commander South east. In this connection, agreement with the Department of the Plenipotentiary of the Foreign Office for the Southeast in Montenegro has not been established." That ends this particular paragraph.
THE PRESIDENT: Does that cover the situation, Dr. Laternser? Dr. Laternser has indicated that covers the situation; so you may proceed.
DR. WEISGERBER: Dr. Weisgerber for the Defendant Speidel. Your Honor, in the directive of the Military Commander Greece, which was in the framework of the Prosecution's Exhibit No. 423, as has been read, I must state that I have found something strange which I cannot explain to myself for the moment. This is an official directive, and its heading bears the date of 21st of December 1943; and then we find it is an official directive of the Military Commander Greece, then figure 1 and then figure 2. And the second paragraph of figure 2, it says "Aenderungen." This is on Page 124 of the English Document Book, the bottom paragraph. In this second paragraph of figure 2 it says "Aenderungen Laut OKH u.s.w. vom 1.1.44" It is that this directive bears the date of the 21st of December 1943, and the same time refers to an alteration taking place on the first of January 1944. I cannot reconcile these two dates.
MR. RAPP: If your Honor please, the comments made by defense counsel, as far as the difference in dates is concerned, is correct. I have the original document before me, and that is the way the document reads, and that is the only way that we can submit the document to be used for whatever Your Honors like to weight it in the evidence.
THE PRESIDENT: Does that satisfy counsel?
DR. WEISGERBER: Yes, your Honor. I still want to point out the following discrepancy in figure 2. There's a sub-section e at the top of Page 125 in the English Document Book, which should have preceded it, logically speaking; it is omitted. At any rate that is something unusual.
MR. RAPP: Your Honors, the comments by defense counsel we submit are correct, and it seems that in the original document, as photostated by us, a strip of paper was inserted and pasted on the original document, which blocked out the particular paragraph defense counsel had reference to; but that is the way we found it. That is the way we respectively submit it into evidence.
THE PRESIDENT: The Exhibit will necessarily have to be received in the state in which it is found in the original; and neither the Tribunal nor the Prosecution or anyone connected with this Tribunal are in a position to change it. It will have to be accepted for what it's worth.
MR. RAPP: We are turning now to Document Book XVIII. The first exhibit to be submitted, your Honors, you will find on page 1, and it is NOKW 154, and will be Prosecution Exhibit 424. It is dated January 1, 1944, and is an order of the Military Commander Southeast, Felber, defining competence of the commanders in the execution of retaliation measures, approving of Military Commander Southeast, etc. At that time the defendant Geitner, who was still Chief of Staff, including the Military Commander Southeast Felber.
"Stamp: Secret Handwritten: War Diary "Military Commander Southeast "Section Ia No. 58/44 secret Headquarters, 1 January 1944 "Secret Handwritten Enclosure 1 "Subject:
Reprisal Measures Reference:
Commander-in-Chief Southeast (High Command Army Group F) Section Ia/F No. 296/43 secret, dated 22 December 1943.
"Supplementing letter Commander-in-Chief Southeast (High Command Army Group F) Ia/F 296 dated 22 December 1943, the following is ordered with regard to Serbia:
"1.) The Commanders of the Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters are competent to order reprisal and can assign their execution to the competent Commanders of the District Headquarters.
"For special cases the Military Commander reserves to himself the right to issue orders for reprisal measures.
"2.) Before a reprisal measure is order approval must be obtained through teletype from tho Military Commander Southeast.
"The application must contain:
Brief description of facts Losses, as well as damage, which has occurred Political affiliation of the perpetrators Type and extent of reprisal measures intended.
"3.) Persons or homes suitable for the execution of reprisal measures are to be determined after prior contact with the competent SD and counter Intelligence detachments has been made.
The Serbian District Administrative are to be given a hearing.
"4.) Troops and Police have to comply with requests to carry out reprisal measures. Generally losses suffered by the troops will be revenged by them. The Police will provide an execution detachment to avenge its own losses and, in addition, all attacks on protected nonmilitary persons and objects.
"5.) The execution of reprisal measures is to be reported in the Daily Reports. Copy of the public notice, to signed "The Commander of the Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters" is to be forwarded subsequently.
"6.) The arrest of hostages to prevent expected outrages or attacks will be ordered by the Commander of the Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters with approval of the Military Commander Southeast.
"For further procedure paragraph 2 applies.
"7.) Participation by the Serbian Government and administration in the execution of reprisal measures and the employment of armed Serbian formations may take place upon their request.
"8.) The orders, Commanding General and Commander in Serbia Ia No. 652/43 secret, items 1, 2 and 3, dated 28 February 1943, 29 May and 31 July 1943 are rescinded.
"Current reprisal procedures not corresponding to this order are to be discontinued."
signed "Felber" Your Honors turn to page 3, Defense Counsel's Book page 3, NOKW 698, being offered as Prosecution Exhibit 425.
There are some pencil notes on a conference with Gruppenfuehrer Meyszner on 7 January 1944 at 1800 hours. It was entered in the War Diary and it was a conference between Meyszner and Felber.
"1. Reporting back from leave.
"2. Discussion of the saluting question among Wehrmacht and police in regard to Serbian Units.
Meyszner considers it appropriate not to order the duty of saluting yet, but merely to instruct subordinates, to reply correctly to the courtesies shown them on the part of the Serbian Units. There is to be no order at first!
"3. Reprisal measure for police captain Hofmann who was shot: Meyszner suggests shooting 25 DM and 25 Communists. Furthermore he will send an SD detachment to Cumitz, in order to determine the connections between perpetrators and inhabitants of the village. Conference 01.
"4. The complaint brought forth by Nedic that he did not receive any decision from Meyszner concerning the organization of the Serbian state guard, is irrevalent. Meyszner made the demand that the total strength of the Serbian state guard is not to exceed 15,000. Nedic, however, wishes to allocate 2,000 Serbian state guards for Belgrade in addition.
"5. Belgrade Camp: The concentration camp on the Messe terrain, which has room for 20,000 inmates, must be retained. Furthermore, there are only about 500 Serbs among the 3500 arrestees. These, too, must go into a Serbian camp later.
"The Messe terrain camp can be exploited at any time for refugees and prisoners of war."
DR. LATERNSER: Your Honor, the Prosecutor, when introducing this document, he said that this conference with Gruppenfuehrer Meyszner took place with General Felber. This is not shown by this document. The statement of the Prosecutor is a mere assertion.
MR. RAPP: Your Honors this particular document was once again found as part of the official German Army files of that particular series dealing with the matters pertaining to the Southeast area under that particular date. Since it is an entry into a war diary, not each page of this entry is being signed. At a later time, your Honors, we submit that we will show proof that this particular document refers to the conversation between Meyszner and Felber.
THE PRESIDENT: Upon the statement of counsel that it will be connected up, it will be received. However, if not so connected the court will only give it such consideration as it feels it merits.
MR. RAPP: Very well, your Honor. The next document, your Honor, NOKW 164 will be found on page 4 of your document book pages 4 and 5 of the German Document Book. These are excerpts from the war diary of the Military Commander Southeast, Chief of Staff Ia. They are being submitted your Honors as Exhibit 426 and dated for the period from 1-31 March 1944:
"Lt. General Foertsch (Chief of Staff of Army Group F) has stated that he is disappearing from the Southeast area and that his successor will be Brigadier General Winter for newly Chief of Staff of Army Group E."
Then below:
"As revenge for the murder of two mayors on the 8th and /or 9th of Feb 44, the 610th Administrative sub area Headquarters, Cacak, is to receive the Order to shoot 10 DM followers altogether."
THE PRESIDENT: May I interrupt. We will take our recess at this time, but before we do take a recess I wish to make this statement. It has been called to my attention that possibly, in commenting concerning the witness on whom I ruled earlier and just after we reconvened this afternoon, I may have incorrectly made reference to his name. For the purpose of the record I wish to state that I referred to Hans Gustav Felber, F-e-l-b-e-r-, and if, through inadvertence I mispronounced his name, it will be corrected by this statement.
(A recess was taken.)
THE MARSHAL: The Tribunal is again in session.
MR. RAPP: If your Honors turn now to page 5 of your document book, please, page 6 of the German document book, we come to NOKW-207 which is being offered as prosecution Exhibit 427. This document is dated 24 March 1944 to the 610th Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters, subject: Reprisal measure for surprise attack on Krusevac Airdrome:
"I am in agreement with the shooting of 10 Communist reprisal prisoners at the Krusevac Airdrome." Signed: "Felber, Military Commander Southeast, Ia, No. 192/44, Signed Felber."
If your Honors turn now to page 6, please, NOKW-662, is being offered as prosecution exhibit 428. Defense counsel will find this on page 7. This is another order of the military commander southeast to the "Senior SS and Police Leader for Information: Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters 809, Combat Commander 'Eisernes Tor' (Iron Gate):
"In reprisal for the German Soldiers kidnapped and later murdered by the DM-Cetniks on 10.31-44 near Petrovo Selo 50 convicted DM people from the SD Hostage Camp, Belgrade are to be shot to death, but not in Belgrade."
And there is an asterisk and it says underneath: "But if possible on the spot."
Signed: "Felber".
The next document, Your Honor, on page 7 -- defense counsel will find this, I believe, on page 8, 9 and 10 in their German document book -- is NOKW-665, being submitted as prosecution exhibit 429. These are various extracts from the War Diary of the Military Commander Southeast Chief/Ia and it pertains to execution of retaliation measures by subordinate military area so-called "Feldkommandantur. This particular period covers the period from 1 to 30 April 1944. The first entry:
"7.4.1944 The reprisal measures applied for by F.K. 816 (Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters) are approved. The execution will take place only after the Serbian Easter. The Serbian Frontier Guard is not to be employed in the execution."
On page 4 of the original:
"The hanging of the convicted bandit Jaksic in Losnica, applied for by the Feldkdtur.816 (Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters) is approved. The population is to be informed in a proper manner of the reasons for the execution.
The Feldkdtur.610 (Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters) is authorized to burn down the houses of the DM people who participated in the attack, if the time limit for producing M. Engineers elapses without results."
The next document, your Honors, you will find on page 8, on page 11 of the German document book, NOKW-667, to be submitted as prosecution exhibit 430. This again are orders of the 5th, 22nd and 30 of May, 1944 and they are orders by the Military Commander Southeast to subordinate units concerning retaliation executions. This one, handwritten War Diary Enclosure 14, Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters 809, subject: "Reprisal measures for the Russian Engineer Meschikow:"
"The shooting to death of DM bandits is to be carried out -- "3 DM bandits is to be carried out.
"Military Commander Southeast, Ia/No. 320.44 Secret (signed) Felber."
And another one: "Handwritten War Diary, Handwritten Enclosure 87:
"District Headquarters Grade Betschkerek. Reference: 1) Ic Az. 8 Diary No. 11053-44 of 7 May 44" and another reference of "16 May 44."
"Subject: Reprisal measures.
"Application for reprisal to 2) is approved with limitation that 5 convicted Communist bandits are to be shot to death for the wounding of Oberwachtmeister Polzer."
Signed: "Military Commander Southeast, Ia, 22 May 1944."
We submit, your Honors, that these documents bear the initial "G" the initial of the defendant Geitner.
On the next page:
"In reprisal for the murder of the BSW Corporals Gano and Retzler on 25 May 1944, 50 convicted Communists are to be shot to death in pursuance of your proposal dated 26.
5.44 - Section Ic Az 8 Diary No. 11216/44. The reason is to be made public. The execution is to be reported."
In this case: initial "b", "Military Commander Southeast, Ia No. 364/44 of 30 May 44 secret" and then an illegible initial.
The next document, your Honors, NOKW-734, you will find on page 10. German defense counsel will find this on page 13 and 14. This document becomes prosecution Exhibit 431. Again, excerpts from the Diary Military Commander Southeast re: execution of hostages, subordination of military Greece to Military Commander Southeast and so forth.
"9 January 1944. Chief of Staff:
At 0800 attack by the 2nd Red Division which had penetrated into Southwestern Serbia, on Ivanjica and Lissa. The Commander-in-Chief proposed to send two Bulgarian Battalions with tanks from Pozega via Arilje to Ivanjica for relief. The request has been approved.
"10 January 1944. Chief of Staff:
"In retaliation for the murder of Police Captain Hoffman on 13 December 1943 near Cumic, the Higher SS and Police Leader is authorized to shoot 50 reprisal prisoners, if possible those whom the Security Service (SD) ascertained to be band supporters in the area of Cumic."
The next page, your Honors, there are further entries in the same War Diary this one under the 5th of January, 1944.
"The German Liaison Staff with the 1st Royal Bulgarian Occupation Corps receives the order as soon as possible as to what security measures have been taken at the railway station Granada and what the effective strenght and armament of the guard employed consisted of at the time of the attack on the railway station.
On the 8 January 1944 Chief of Staff:
Colonel Gartmayr, GSC, (OKH, Quartermaster General) informs that is spite of the objection by Group F the Military Commander Greece continue to be subordinated to the Military Commander Southeast.
The Battle Commander Iron Gate is informed that if the kidnapping of two Anti-Aircraft soldiers was not a case of desertion, the arrest of 20 hostages from the Topolmica area together with setting a time for the return of the kidnapped has been approved."
If your Honors will turn now to page 12, please, we offer NOKW 161, to be submitted as Prosecution's Exhibit 342. This document is a daily report of the Military Commander Southeast dated the 10 January, 1944, pertaining to the execution by the military commander Greece of 50 Communists in retaliation for the murder of two German policemen. And it says:
"Daily report of 10 January 1944 Serbia:
Special purpose unit of the railway security staff was employed with the Serbian state guard against communist bandits 3-400 men strong Southeast of Ralja.
Military Commander in Greece: 50 Communists shot as reprisal measure for murdering 2 German police."
Signed: "Military Commander Southeast, Ia, No. 163/44 secret" Signed "von Geitner".
The next document, your Honors, NOKW 708, you will find on page 14, defense counsel on page 17, this will be offered as Prosecution's Exhibit 433. This is a sweier of daily reports covering the period between the 9th and 24th of January, 1944, pertaining to the retaliation and executions in Greece and Serbia:
"Military Commander Greece: English propaganda material captured." Then below, "War Diary, Army Group F, on the 21st of June, 1944:
"For information: OKH, OKW, 2nd Panzer Army, German General Plenipotentiary in Croatia.
Serbia: In the area south of Knajazevac communist bands terrenizing the civilian population. Allegedly from Bulgaria and partly in Bulgarian uniform, they were captured by the Draja Micajlevic Cetniks".
On page 15, at the top, we find:
"Near Levadis 4 communists shot and 5 prisoners brought in by the SS Mountain Jaeger Police 18".
Below: "10 communist hostages shot to death in reprisal for the murder of Greek executives."
Signed: "Military Commander Southeast, Ia, No.353/44 secret, signed "von Geitner".
Certified a true copy: (signature illegible) 1st Lieut." Below that: to:
Army Group F, (by courier) For information OKH, General Qu. (Section Administration) OKW, 2nd Panzer Army German General- Plenipotentiary in Croatia.
Daily Report of 22/1/44, Serbia 50 communist hostages shot to death for the murder of a German Police captain in Kragujevac".Signed:
" Military Commander Southeast, Ia No.370/44 secret, signed v. Geitner" On the next page, your Honor, to Army Group F (by courier:
"24.1.1944 For information:
OKH/
OKW 2nd Panzer Army German General - Plenipotentiary in Croatia.
Daily Report of 24.1.1944 Serbia.
11 communists arrested near Pozarevac. 10 communists shot to death in reprisal for the murder of the mayor.
Military Commander Greece:
Since 1.11.43 wages have risen 88%. living expenses 650%.
Military Commander Southeast Ia No. 406/44 secret signed v. Geitner" If your Honors will now please turn to page 17, you will find NOKW 661 being submitted as Prosecution's Exhibit 434, there again we have the daily reports of the Military Commander Southeast.
In this case the Military Commander Southeast is reporting the activities to the Army Group F, at that time commanded by the defendant, Weichs. It is addressed:
"To:
Army group F for the information of:
OKH OKW 2nd Panzer Army German General Plenipotentiary in Croatia German General Plenipotentiary on Albania Dated 11 Feb.
44 Military Commander Greece.
By order of the Combat Commandant of Peleponnesus. 3 neighboring localities burned down and 149 inhabitants shot as reprisal measure for the surprise attack on navy truck near Kalamata on the 8th of February, Inhabitants supported the bandits.
(signed) Military Commander Southeast Ia NO.
802/44 Secret sgd.
von Geitner."
At that time the defendant, Speidel, was still the military commander in Greece.
Below we have another report, this time dated the 12th of February, 1944, again addressed to Army Group F, the defendant Weichs, with information copies to the OKH, OKW, 2nd Panzer Army, German General Plenipotentiary in Croatia, and German General Plenipotentiary in Albania.
On the top of page 18, pages 21-22 of defense counsels' books we find the contents of this report. It says:
"Serbia 16 Communists shot and 30 suspects arrested (by German and Serbia State Guard in cleaning up operation against Communist village South of Nis).As revenge for the surprise attack on the German customs border guard in the Banat reported on 9 February 44, 15 Communist reprisal prisoners shot.
Military Commander Greece.
As revenge for murder of Greek executives, 25 communist reprisal prisoners shot in Athens.
Military Commander Southeast Ia No.843/44 Secret sgd.
von Geitner" The same is repeated at the bottom of the page, your Honor, same address, same distribution.
The substance of the contents is on page No. 19, on the top. It states under:
"Serbia: entry of 23 Feb. 1944 5 communists shot, 33 suspects arrested, 11 farms of bandit helpers burned down in raid operation of German police and Serbian State Guard east of Prekuplje".
Signed:
Military Commander Southeast, Ia No. 1068/44 Secret signed von Geitner".The same again below, under the date of the 26th of February, 1944, -- for defense counsels information I am citing from pages 22, 23 and 24 of their document book.