Transcript for NMT 7: Hostage Case

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:

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:

Qu Ia/KTB (War Diary) (Draft) Commander Greece Ia 14.

2.) High Command Army Group E Saloniki for information Daily report Ia/Ic of 15.

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.

2.) High Command Army Group E Saloniki for information Daily report of 14.

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:

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:

TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NO. NOKW-647 CONT'D. EXCERPTS I a (page of original) No. 140 SECRET T e l e t y p e From:

Commander Greece, Ic, dated 13.7.1944 To: 1.) Military Commander Southeast, Ic, B e l g r a d e

2.) High Command Army Group E Ic., Saloniki (for information)

Ic Morning Report dated 14.7.1944 Administrative subarea HWs 538 reports:

3 communists shot in reprisal for band attack (see A.M. 26.6.44) in Theses on 3.7.44.

. . . . . . . . .

Sgd. Commander Greece Ic B.B.No. 18 206/44 secret.

Lieutenant Colonel.

TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NO. NOKW-647 CONT'D. EXCERPTS (page 19 of original) No. 123 Distribution:

Corps Headquarters LXVIII Infantry Corps for information Commander of the Ordnungs Police " " On the Premises:

Qu SECRET Commander Greece Ia 5.7.44 1.) Military Commander Southeast Ia Belgrade

2.) High Command Army Group E Saloniki for information Daily report 6.7.44 . . . . . . . .

b) 1.) During a search operation in the city quarter of Guwa (Athens) by troops of the Evzon Regiment No. 1, the following material was captured: 2 machine pistols, 7 rifles, 10 pistols, 6 hand grenades, 137 detonators, 1700 rounds of ammunition, 23 flare shells. 2 communists were shot to death. No losses of our own.

2.) 3.7. Attack of strong band (about 400 men) on base 'Volunteer Detachment Euboea I' in Steni, 22.5. northeast of Chalkis repelled. Enemy losses: 1 dead. Losses of our own: 4 dead, 13 wounded.

. . . . . . . . . .

Commander Greece Ia No. 12609/44 secret Certified a true copy:

1st Lieutenant signed Kleinert Lieutenant Colonel If your Honors will turn now to page 76, please, we have a teletype from Military Commander Greece IC.

, dated 14.6.1944.

To: 1.) Military Commander Southeast Ic, B E L G R A D E

2.) High Command Army Group E, Ic, Saloniki (for information) Ic Evening Report dated 14.6.1944 Administrative subarea HQs Athens publishes shooting to death of 20 communists as reprisal measure for the attack on 3 German soldiers and for sabotage of the Wehrmacht telephone lines.

As far as it is possible to evaluate the effect of the invasion on the political situation the assumption if waiting soberly before passing judgment prevails that our own counteraction will have the greater effect. If retreat and a withdrawal of troops from the southeast area is considered it is feared that communists terror activities will increase. Minister President Rhallis, in connection with the current propaganda operation, issued a declaration published in the press which clearly emphasizes a turning away from Bolshevism and from the communist plague. The population receives the leaflets - the distribution of which is under way - with recognizable satisfaction.

Military Commander Greece Captain Ic Br.B. No. 17 570/44 secret On page 77, Your Honors, the distribution Corps Headquarters LXVIII Infantry Corps for information Commander of the Ordnungs Police for information (2. On the Premises:

Qu Ia/KTB Ia/Draft SECRET Military Commander Greece Ia

1.) Military Commander Southeast Ia

2.) High Command Army Group E Saloniki (for information) 13.6.44 Daily report 14.

6.44 ....................

b) 1.)..............

2.) 11.6. A tractor with trailer was stolen from the Wehrmacht estate Kopais near Keramidi, 8 east Lewadia. 2 German gendarmes wounded. Reprisal measures consisted of shooting to death of 25 inhabitants of Keramidi, besides the burning down of 4 houses. Safeguarding of bandit property.

Under the 10th June, we find the entry.

600 bandits attack bases 'volunteer Battalion 1' in Melecki and Nookastron, 15 east Verria. The attack was repelled after a combat of 10 hours duration. Both villages partially set afire by shooting Enemy losses: 14 dead, Losses of our own: 7 dead.

Military Commander Greece Ia No. 12314/44 secret.

(initials illegible)

1st Lieutenant If your Honor will turn to page 78 we find From Military Commander Greece, Ic., dated 12.

6.1944," another teletype To: 1.) Military Commander Southeast, Ic, B E L G R A D E

2.) High Command Army Group E, Ic, Saloniki (for information) (illegible init.)

The Intelligence Officer reported on evening of 12.6.44.

Administrative Subarea HQs Chalkis reports:

11.6.44 Band attack on tractor on the Road Thebes - Lewadia (6 east Lewadia). 2 Field gendarmes wounded, 1 kidnapped. During countermeasures 25 people suspected of belonging to bands were shot to death.

Military Commander Greece Major Ic Br.B. No. 17.

508/44 secret On page 79, Your Honors, the distribution shows that it went for information to Corps Headquarters LXVIII Infantry Corps Felmy for information Commander of the Ordnung Police for information On the Premises:

Secret Military Commander Greece Ia

1.) Military Commander Southeast Ia Belgrade 3.4.44

2.) High Command Army Group E Saloniki, for information Daily report 4.6.44.

a)............

b) 1.) Search operation Piraeus concluded 2 communists shot to death. 81 were arrested, among them 63 functionaries. No looses of our own (see daily report dated 3.6.b) 3.) ).

......

4.) 30.5. Sizeable band group takes base 'Volunteer Battalion Macedonia III' in Karizias, 9 northwest of Edessa. Garrison disarmed. The bandits captured 100 rifles without a fight. After stubborn resistance, bands occupied the base of Vrita, 10 west Edessa. 2/3 of the village burned down. Village was retaken by troops of combat group Eberlein (Wehrmacht). Volunteers battalions Macedonia I-III dissolved because of unreliability. Weapons are taken over by the commander of the Ordnungs Police, North. It is intended to reconstruct the battalion at a later date.

Military Commander Greece Ia No. 12170/44 secret.

(initial illegible)

Major On page 80, Your Honor, on page 79 German defense counsel's book, we have a teletype from Military Commander Greece, Defendant Speidel, dated 14.

5.1944.

To: 1.) Military Commander Southeast, Ic, Belgrade

2.) High Command Army Group E., Ic, Saloniki (for information) Ic Evening Report dated 14.5.1944 Administrative subarea HQs Korinth reports:

13.5.44. Band attack on Masaras (7 northwest Sparta). 4 houses burned down.

13.5.44 10 Communists hanged in Patras as reprisal for attack (see A.M. 11.5.44).

Administration subarea HQs Larissa reports:

25 Greeks hanged at the scene of the incident in reprisal for the attack on the railroad near Doxara (see A.M. dated 4.5.44).

Military Commander Greece Ic B.B. No. 16 942/44 secret.

If your Honors will turn now to page 81, please, we have another teletype from, Military Commander, Greece, Ic, dated 5.4.1944 To: 1.) Military Commander Southeast, Ic, Belgrade

2.) High Command Army Group E. Ic, Saloniki (for information) Ic Evening report dated 5.5.44 Administrative subarea Athens reports:

A communist road chick--post raided by SD in Athens on 2.5.44. 11 communists shot to death.

Military Commander Greece Ic Br. No. 16 722.

44 secret On page 82, Your Honors, the Military Commander Greece reports under the 3rd May 1944, to Military Commander Southeast, Ic, Belgrade High Command Army Group E., Ic, Saloniki (for information) The Field Commander publishes the shooting to death of 50 communists (attack, see A.M. 14.

4.44), and the hanging of 10 communists (attack on railroad train, see A.M. 25.4.44).

High SS and Police Fuehrer in Greece publishes the shooting of 30 communists in reprisal for the murder of 4 Evzones and of 2 legionaires on the period from 24th to 28th 4.44.

Military Commander Greece Major On page 83, your Honors:

"Distribution: Corps Headquarters 68th Infantry Corps (for information) Commander of the Ordnungs Police, Military Commander Greece 1a:1) Military Commander Southeast Ia, Belgrade, 2) High Command Army Group E Saloniki (for information), 3) Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters 395 Saloniki (for information).

"Daily report dated 1st May 1944: Volunteer Detachment Euboca I, 30 April, Operation Buergerwehr with Troops of the North Caucasian Infantry Battalion in the area off Masilikon 7 km Southeast Chalkis. 30 bandit houses burned down. 16 people, suspected of being bandits, arrested.

"Military Commander Greece 1a No. 11703/44 secret (initial illegible) M Major."

If your Honors will turn to page 84 now, please, we have a teletype from the Military Commander Greece 1c, dated 1 May 1944 to: "1) Military Commander Southeast 1c Belgrade, 2) High Command Army Group E 1c Saloniki (for information).

"1c Evening Report dated 1 May 1944. Commander of the Ordnungs Police Athens reports: 60 Communists shot to death as further reprisal measure for attack on Police Official (Polizeioffizier) on 30 April (see morning dated 26.4.44). Military Commander Greece 1c 1y. 418/44 secret. Major."

of our document book -- it is page 83 of the Defense counsel's -- is a teletype from the Military Commander Greece I to the Military Commander Southeast 1c Belgrade and High Command Army Group E 1c Saloniki (for information).

"1c Morning Report dated 30 April 1944.

"2) 29 April 44. The city quarter of Hymettos burst into flames during a raid on a communist ammunition dump in Athens.

Explosions caused one to assume (the presence of)" -- that is, a translator's note -- considerable amounts of ammunition. 3 communist shot to death, 1 member of the Secret Field Police shot in the stomach.

"3) Administrative subarea HQs Korinth reports: 25.4.44 Band members kidnapped 7 families of members of the Free Corps from the villages near Pylos (35 southwest Messini). Food and cattle was stolen.

"4) 200 Greeks will be shot to death as a reprisal measure for the killing of General Krech and his escort detachment (see 1c A.M. dated 28.4.44, paragraph 1) on the 1 May 44. Furthermore 100 communists have been shot by Greek volunteer units.

"Military Commander Greece 1c Br. B. No. 16 391/44 secret."

The next page, your Honors, is page 86:

"Distribution: Corps Headquarters 68th Infantry Corps (for information).

Commander of the Ordnungs Police.

"On the Premises: Qu, 1a/K.T.B. (War Diary), 1a/Draft. 2 April 1944, to: 1) Military Commander Southeast 1a Belgrade, 2) High Command Army Group E Saloniki (for information), 3) Administrative area Headquarters 395 Saloniki (for information)."

An entry under the 28th of April:

"Further 60 Communists shot as a reprisal measure for the attack on the truck convoy of the Commander of the Ordnungs Police on 25th of April (see evening report 1c dated 26 April). Military Commander Greece 1a, Br. B. No. 11669/44 secret."

And then it says in the lefthand corner: "Do not pass on. Major."

On page 87, your Honors, we find the distribution:

"Corps Headquarters 68th Infantry Corps (for information)" -and then the "Commander of the Ordnungs Police. On the Premises: QU 1a/KTB (War Diary) 1a/Draft. Secret. Military Commander Greece 1a. 16.7.44; 1) Military Commander Southeast 1a Belgrade, 2) High Command Army Group E Saloniki, Daily report 17.7.44:

2) 11 July, 90 suspects arrested by Motorized Gendarmerie Platoon 35 in Topsitea, 6 West southwest Larissa and given over to the SD.

"Military Commander Greece 1a No. 12768/44 secret. Signed Kleinert, Lieutenant Colonel."

This, your Honors, concludes Document 647 which was offered as prosecution exhibit 439.

If your Honors turn now to page 88, please -- defense counsel will find this on page 86 -- we submit NOKW-668as prosecution exhibit 440. This is again a number of reports from the Military Commander Southeast Felber whose Chief of Staff was the defendant Geitner, at that time to Army Group F, which was commanded at that time by the defendant Weichs.

"(By messenger) Secret War Diary 15 May 1944. For information: OKW/General Quartermaster (Administrative Branch) OKW/West, 2nd Panzer Army" -- the 2nd Panzer Army at that time was commanded by the defendant Rendulic -- the "German General Plenipotentiary in Croatia, German Plenipotentiary General in Albania, Fliegerfuehrer Croatia, Zagreb, 5th SS Mr. Army Corps (only Serbia).

"Daily Report of 15 May 44: Remaining Serbia. Continuing local Communistic and DM bandit activity and combat between both groups. At Kremna (West of Uzice) DM Cetniks who fought against the Communists a short time before, prohibit the carrying off of wood obviously in order to win back with the population the prestige, lost by collaboration with the occupying power."

"Military Commander of Greece" which is defendant Speidel: "34 communist reprisal prisoners hanged in Peloponnesus. Military Commander Southeast 1a No. 3048/44 secret. Signed von Geitner"; and then "Certified: First Lieutenant."

On the next page, your Honor, the same distribution and "for information" and to Army Group F which was headed at that time by the defendant von Weichs, under the 16th of April 44, War Diary, Daily Report, German General Plenipotentiary in Albania: 300 Jews arrested in Pristina by the SS Division 'Skanderberg'. Military Commander Southeast 1a No. 3078/44 Secret. Signed von Geitner. 1st Lieutenant Certified (Illegible signature)" Then Rubber stamp and pencilled notes.

"To: Army Group F (by messenger). Secret. 19 May 44. For the information of: "-- the same information as in the daily report of 19 May 1944.

"Daily Report of 19 May '44. Serbia. Increasing preparation for negotiations by the previously reserved Cetnik Units, under Red pressure and on account of lack of munition.

"The German General Plenipotentiary in Albania" -

DR. FRITSCH (Counsel for defendant Rendulic): I apologize for the interruption but my client, defendant Rendulic, doesn't feel very well and would like to go out for ten minutes. We, therefore, would like a recess to be taken now for ten minutes.

Transcript for NMT 7: Hostage Case

Defendants