Next, the daily report for the 24th of August 1943, particularly under "Croatia:"
"Area 114th Light Infantry Division: According to Cetnik report 6 Communist brigades are in Drvar area."
Turning now to the bottom of 62 of the English, page 80 of the German, from here on to the rest of the exhibit, we shall be concerned with daily reports issued by Army Group E to the Commander in Chief Southeast and this covers the period after the reorganization of the Southeast Command, at the end of August 1943 until December 1943; and during this period Army Group E was commanded by General Loehr whose Chief of Staff was Brigadier General Winter, to whom the preceding reports made several references; and the report is to the Commander in Chief Southeast (High Command of Army Group F), the defendant Weichs and his Chief of Staff, the defendant Forestch; and during this period, from August 1943 to December 1943 Your Honors will recall that General Felmy was commander of the 68th Corps in Greece and General Lanz was in Greece as Commander of the 22nd Corps and General Speidel was in Greece as Military Commander in Greece.
First, the daily report of the High Command of Army Group E to the Commander in Chief Southeast for the 26th of August, 1943:
"German vehicle was fired at on Crete in area of Arkolochori (24 South of Iraklion). Perpetrator escaped in the darkness. 32 hostages were arrested and taken to a forced labor camp."
Next, in the middle of page 63 of the English, page 81 of the German, the daily report of the Army Group E to the Commander in Chief Southeast for the 26th of August 1943:
"After evacuation of population and transport of men to forced labor camps, band village Worisa (10 North of Tympakion) on Crete was destroyed by bombs from 7 July"; and the reference "Ju" is to a type of airplane the German Army employed.
Next, the daily report for September 9, 1943:
"Army Group Southern Greece" General Felmy took command. General Lanz (22nd Mountain Corps) took over command of 1st Mountain Division and 104th Light Infantry Division."
Continuing with the report of Army Group E to Army Group F for December 9, 1943.
"Army Group Southern Greece"--Your Honors will recall Army Group Southern Greece is now commanded by the defendant Felmy-"During mopping-up operations of Levadeia 20 band suspects were arrested. Ammunition was found. Locality was party burned down. As reprisal measures for 1 murdered German soldier 10 Greeks were hanged."
Next, the report for the 13th of September, 1943, section of the report dealing with Crete:
"Increased enemy reconnaissance activity over island. 25% of Italian garrison is willing to fight with German Wehrmacht (Formation of Construction battalions, etc., is planned) 50% neutral (truck drivers and other specialists to be taken over into Wehrmacht) 25% declining (evacuation urgent). During reconnaissance in mountain area North of Tympakion own strong patrol caught in ambush, 12 dead, 5 wounded, 6 missing, dead mutiliated. During the relief operation which was launched, bands escaped. 2 villages have been burned as a temporary reprisal measure. Further operations are planned with support of Luftwaffe."
And the section of the report dealing with the 22nd Division of the Mountain Army Corps the Corps commanded by the defendant Lanz:
"As reprisal measure for accack on German truck convoy (daily report 11.9 Belish was burned down."
Next in the daily report for the 15th of September 1943, the section of the report dealing with activities of the Commander of Saloniki-Aegean:
"Near Volos large number of Italians (approximately 1000 men) went over to bands."
Next, the daily report from Army Group E to Army Group F forthe 17th of September 1943:
"Commander Saloniki-Aegean: After strong resistance Kalarmama was taken by units of SS Panzer Infantry Regiment 1, population fled, locality was burned down by own forces."
Next, the report for 21 September 1943:
"Amy Group Southern Greece" defendant Felmy's unit: "During own reconnaissance in coastal area of the Gulf of Maliakos contact with the enemy with well-armed bands (partly clad in Italian uniform).
"Commander of Saloniki-Aegean: During own reconnaissance little contact with the enemy South Southeast of Bilishte and South of Kastoria. As reprisal for sabotage on telephone lines, 4 hostages were hanged in Kocani."
Next the report from Army Group E to Army Group F of the 23rd of September, 1943, the report for the activities of the 32nd Mountain Corps, commanded by the defendant Bantz--Your Honors will recall that earlier in the report from the Commander in Chief Southeast to OkH and OKW in Berlin we quoted from a section of that report dealing with the execution of General Gandin and his staff, General Gandin being an Italian officer, and we remarked that the reference to General Gandin and his staff's execution was crossed out in pencil, and I remarked that later on in a document we would find the corresponding report coming from the Corps to the Army Group F referring to the same incident in which the reference was not crossed out and this is that reference."
"Remaining mopping-up operations on Cephalonia continue. General Gandin and staff have been taken prisoner. Special treatment according to Fuehrer decree."
Next, the daily report for the 24th of September 1943, page 67 of the English, page 88 of the German--this is a report for the day after the previous refedence to General Gandin and his staff, having been given special treatment-- section of the report dealing with the activities of the 22nd Mountain Corps, commanded by the defendant, General Lanz:
"General Gandin and all his officers were shot."
This, Your Honors, completes the incident to which we refer in Count 3 of the indictment, paragraph 12-J.
Next, the daily report of the Army Group E to the Commander in Chief Southeast far the 27th of September, bottom of page 67 in The English, page 89 in the German--again we are concerned primarily with the events of the 22nd Mountain Corps:
"On Corfu island commander was taken prisoner and shot."
Section of the report dealing with events covered in the jurisdiction of the Commander of Saloniki-Aegean:
"During reconnaissance combat northeast of Larissa, 25 bandits were shot, 1 band locality destroyed, small amount of weapons captured. On the upper course of the Kliakmon well-armed band repulsed and pursued."
Next the report for the 4th of October, 1943:
"Crete: During mopping--up operations North of Paleochora. (see daily report of 1.10) well-armed medium sized band was dispersed, 40 enemy dead, 3 villages were burned down."
Next, the bottom of page 68 of the English, 91 of the German, daily report of the Army Group E to Commander in Chief Southeast for 5 October 1943:
"Operation 'Eisbaer': Italian island commander was shot."
And then the section of tho report dealing with activities of the 68th Army Corps, commanded by the defendant Felmy:
"Command of the area up till now under Army Group Southern Greece taken over by Corps Headquarters 68th Infantry Corps."
And still continuing with the section of the report dealing with the activities of that Corps commanded by Felmy:
"As reprisal for murder of Regiment Commander and sabotage of telephone lines (see daily report of 2.10) locality of Akmotopok (northeast of Philippias) was entirely destroyed and all inhabitants shot. North of Paramythia renewed sabotage of telephone lines, local mopping up south of Joannina."
This, if Your Honors please, is a reference to Count 2 of the indictment, paragraph 9-F.
Continuing on page 69 of the English, page 91 of the German, daily report of the Army Group E to Commander-in-Chief Southeast for the 14th of October 1943:
"Commander Saloniki-Aegean:
During Ossa operation a further band supply dump destroyed. Italians captured from the bands were shot. Operation continued. As roprisal for attack on Engineer company (daily report 12.10) and for railroad sabotage in Tempi-valley (dailey report 10.10) several estates near Elassen and locality of Pyrgetes were raxed to the ground."
Continuing with tho daily report far the 20th of October, 1943 from Army Group E to Army Group F:
"Concluding report on Osso operation: Enemy losses: 205 prisoners, 37 dead, 42 wounded. 13 dumps of various amounts of ammunition and rations and clothing captured and destroyed. 3 localities (among them Spelia) were leveled to the ground.
Own losses: 2 dead, 3 wounded."
Skipping to the bottom of the page, 70 of the English, 94 of the German, daily report for the 7th of November, 1943, again the section of the report dealing with the activities of the 68th Corps commanded by the defendant Felmy:
"18 Communists were shot in Tripolis as reprisal for railroad sabotage committed lately."
Page 71 of the English, 95 of the German, report of the 13th of November, 1943, and again that section of the report dealing with the activity of the 68th Corps is pertinent:
"During local mopping-up Southeast of Tripolis several hostages were taken. In Erythrea 80 suspects were arrested and brought to a labor assignment camp."
Next the report of the 15th of November:
"Commander of Saloniki Aegean: During local mopping up operations North of Volos 53 bandits were taken prisoner, several sere shot. 1 band locality was burned down. As reprisal for attacks committed lately in Kateri area 20 Communists were shot."
"During reprisal operation against bands in Korea area, 1 locality was taken in spite of resistance. All men capable of bearing arms were shot, locality destroyed."
This reference relates to Count 2, paragraph 9-J, on the indictment.
Next, the daily report of the Army Croup E to Army Group F for the 5th of December, 1943, 68th Corps, commanded by Felmy:
"50 hostages were shot in Aighion for attacks committed lately."
And that is our reference to Count 7, paragraph 5-P, of the indictment.
Next, the daily report from Army Group E to Army Group F forDecember 6, 1943, under "68th Corps":
"For attack on railroad stronghold East of Tripolis (daily report of 2.12) 50 hostages were hanged."
On page 75 of the English, page 100 of the German, we begin a series of three reports from Army Group E to Army Group F which relate to a reprisal measure carried out in the Kalavrita area in the Peleponnes Peninsula of Greece, and I ask your Honorsto make a special note of these throe reports and the events to which they refer because the prosecution will have occasion within the next several days to put on the witness stand a survivor of the Kalavrita operation.
First is the daily report from the Army Group E to the Army Group F for the 16th of December 1943. Your Honors will note that the events of this operation are all found in that portion of the report dealing with the activities of the 68th Corps commanded by the defendant Felmy:
"Operation Kalavrita continued without enemy contact. Reprisal measures near Kalavrita (yesterdays' daily report) so far: 9 villages destroyed, 142 men shot."
Next, the daily report from Army Group E to Army Group F for the 14th of December, 1943:
"68th Corps: Near Kalavrita 70 corpses of the murdered members of the 5/799 were found. During further reprisal measures 3 localities were burned down. Kalavrita was entirely destroyed. 511 male inhabitants were shot." 1934 Skipping to the bottom of page 72 of the English, 97 of the German, daily report of the 28th of November, 1943, portion of the report dealing with Commander of Saloniki Aegean -- I beg your pardon -- portion of the report dealing with Aegean:
"During mopping up operation northeastern area of Sames enemy contact with armed Italians. 1 officer, 53 enlisted men captured. Several were shot. Prisoners were treated as-- and I believe those two words should be changed to read "franc-tireurs."
Is that correct, Dr. Laternser?
Dr. Laternser has indicated that the final two words in that sentence should be changed to read "franc-tireurs."
THE PRESIDENT: What would the spelling be?
MR. FENSTERMACHER:F r a n c - t i r e u r s.
THE PRESIDENT: A little slower again.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: I beg your pardon?
THE PRESIDENT: Will you repeat a little slower?
MR. FENSTERMACHER:F r a n c - t i r e u r s.
Continuing the report from Army Group E to Army Group F for this period from August 1943 to December 1943, page 73 of the English, 98 of the German, daily report of Army Group E to Commander-in-Chief South East of November 29, 1943, Section of the report dealing with the 68th Corps, Commanded by Felmy:
"As reprisal for band attack on Tripolis Sparta road (daily report 26.11) 100 hostages shot at the place of attack. During search through Corinth many hostages were arrested, weapons and propaganda material were confiscated."
The report is signed: "High Command of Army Group E" and this, your Honors, please, relates to Count 1, paragraph 5-N, of our indictment.
Next, report from Army Group E to Army Group F of the 1st of December, 1943, the section of the report dealing with the Mountain Corps commanded by the defendant Lanz:
Next, the daily report of Army Group E to Army Group F for the 15th of December, 1943 -- again we are concerned with that portion of the report dealing with the 68th Corps:
"During continuation of reprisal measures in Kalavrita area 1 more village and 2 monasteries were destroyed. At local operation parts of the Polish Regiment 18 (Military Commander..)" -- I believe, your Honors, the word "Polish" should be changed to read "Police Regiment 18" and "(Military Commander of Greece)", who at that time was the defendant Speidel. "Southeast of Levadein had enemy contact in Evangelistra (15 Southeast of Levadeia). Locality was burned down."
DR. LATERNSER: Your Honors, I would just like to ask the prosecutor to read again the report of the 15th of December because at the moment I could not follow it and perhaps there is something about which I am not certain.
It is the daily report of the Army Group E to the Commander in Chief Southeast for the 14th of December.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: This is page 75 of the English, page 101 of the German.
"68th Corps: Near Kalavrita 70 corpses of the murdered members of the c/749 were found. During further reprisal measures 3 localities were burned down. Kalavrita was entirely destroyed. 511 male inhabitants were shot."
Continuing on page 76 of the English, 102 of the German, with the last report which refers to this Kalavrita reprisal operation, the report for the 16th of December 1943 from Army Group E to Army Group F, the portion of the report dealing with the 68th Corps:
"Mazeika (11 southeast of Kalavrita) was burned down; with that reprisal measures have been concluded."
The report is signed: "High Command of Army Group E."
Continuing with the reports from Army Group E to Army Group F, at the bottom of page 76 of the English, page 102 of the German, daily report for the 17th of December, 1943.
"68th Corps: As reprisal for bridge blasting and murder of 1 German soldier 1 band locality has been destroyed, 30 Communists shot in Tripolis area.
"22nd Mountain Corps," commanded by defendant Lanz: "With reference to attack on truck convoy northeast of Agrinion which was announced yesterday: 4 trucks burned down, 2 missing returned. As reprisal 3 band localities were destroyed."
Skipping to the bottom of page 77 of the English, page 104 of the German, daily report from Army Group E to Army Group F for the 21st of December, 1943:
"22nd Mountain Corps: In Agrinion increased Communist propaganda activity. 1 Band locality was burned down in reprisal for sabotage of long distance lines west of Joannina (daily report of 19 December)" Portion of report dealing with the activities of the Commander of Saloniki-Aegean (Administrative subarea Headquarters 395:
"The new success against the bands in the territory of administrative subarea Headquarters 395 can be attributed to the repeated personal interference of the commander of Saloniki Aegean, Major General Pflugradt."
Turning finally to page 79 of the English, page 106 of the German, the last of these reports from Amy Group E to the Commander in Chief Southeast, this one for the 31st of December, 1943, the 22nd Mountain Corps:
"During continuation of reconnaissance operation northwest of Metsovon 2 localities were taken during battle, 1 band locality was burned down."
Turning next to page 80 of the English, page 107 of the German, Document NOKW-970, which is offered as prosecution exhibit 450, these are several reports from the 1st Mountain Division to the 22nd Mountain Corps, commanded at this time by the defendant Lanz.
First -- Evening report of the units, 31 August 1943, 99th Mountain Infantry Regiment, 2015 hours: "During Canal operation, 5 armed bandits were captured. They were shot to death. Additional suspects were arrested."
Next -- Evening report of the units 3 September 1943, 98th Mountain Infantry Regiment: "Near Akmotopos, apparently there as observers, two armed civilians were shot to death by the 4th Battery. Two rifles and several rounds of ammunition were captured."
Page 81 of the English, 107 of the German, the report of the 1st Mountain Division dated 31 August 1943 to the German General Staff with the Italian 11th Army, same text to 22nd Mountain Army Corps:
"No band activity. During Canal operation 5 armed bandits shot to death. An additional 7 suspects arrested. Near Koronopulon (5 kilometers northwest of it) 17 prisoners including 5 carrying guns." Signed: "1st Mountain Division," the "Ic" or Intelligence Officer.
Finally, the report of the 1st Mountain Division dated 4 September 1943 to the 22nd Mountain Army Corps, same text, which was sent to German General Staff with the Italian 11th Army: "11 bandits shot to death."
THE PRESIDENT: We will take our morning recess at this time.
DR. SAUTER, for the defendant Lanz. While submitting the last document, document 970, Exhibit 450, the prosecution has noted that some units had gone to the 22nd Mountain Corps which was then under the command of General Lanz. I would like to add the following statement to this. This is an error of the prosecution, for a half an hour ago, the prosecution read a daily order of the 9 September. It is to be found on Page 82 of the German edition of this document book. I do not know at the moment which page of the English, but a report of the 9th of September, 1943, and the prosecutor himself read and I quote here literally:
"General Lanz, Commander of the 22nd Mountain Corps, took over the command of the first Mountain Division and the 4th Jaegerdivision".
Therefore, this determines the fact that at that period of time to which the document 970, Exhibit 450 refers, General Lanz was not yet commander of the 22nd Mountain Corps. He only took over the command of this corps on the 9th of September. I wanted to correct that matter.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Your Honor, I should like to call the Tribunal's attention, and also Dr. Sauter's attention to Page 9 of the English document book at page 6 of the German document book. That is a service record of General Hubert Lanz, and we want to note that on the 25th of August, 1943, the service record indicates that General Lanz became Commander General of the 22nd Mountain Corps.
DR. SAUTER: Mr. President, what the prosecution has just claimed, is correct. General Lanz received an appointment on the 25th of August, 1943. At that time he worked at a Division Theater of war, but he did not take over the 22nd Mountain Corps until the 9th of September. That is shown from the document which was read by the prosecution itself, and that date can only be decisive on which General Lanz actually took over the command of the troops, and that was doubtless on the 9th of September.
PRESIDENT WENNERSTRUM: The Tribunal will give consideration to the various documents to which counsel for the prosecution and the defense have called to our attention, and also their comments.
It is a question of fact which will receive consideration by the Tribunal.
DR. SAUTER: Thank you, your Honor.
BY MR. FENSTERMACHER:
We turn now to Page 83 of the English document, 109 of the German document, NOKW 1104, which is Prosecution's Exhibit No. 451. This is a series of orders from the 1st Mountain Division to various of its subordinate units, as well as reports from the subordinate units of the 1st Mountain Division, and the 1st Mountain Division itself, to the 22nd Mountain Corps.
The first is an order of the 1st Mountain Division dated 13 September 1943, and I believe there will be no issue of fact that at that time the defendant Lanz commanded the 22nd Mountain Corps, and that the 1st Mountain Division was subordinate to that corps:
"Special Instructions for the Ic area No. 6. Civil Administration. With the disarming of the Italian Army the government in the Epirus is transferred to the German occupation troops."
Your Honors, we will be hearing a good deal about the Epirus section of Greece, and your Honors will find in the informational pamphlet which the prosecution prepared and submitted to the Tribunal, a map of Greece and the Southeastern area, and the Epirus section is the western section of Greece below the Albanian border.
"The Greek civil administration is subordinated to them.
Organization of the Internal Administration:
The administrative area Epirus coincides more or less with the area of the Division. The total number of inhabitants is about 400,000 (census of 1940). Since then a migration of about 15% from Greek cities. At the head is the General Governor in Jannina. The establishing of liaison by Ic of the Division. 4 Prefectures are subordinated to the General Governor:
a) Prefecture Jannina, total number of inhabitants 180,000, of these 2,000 are Jews. Collaboration with Ic Division. 2 Sub-Prefectures are subordinated to the Prefecture:
aa) Konitsa, Sub-Prefect Costandos.
Establishing of liaison by Staff Lederer.
bb) Pogonion, Sub-Prefect Onufriu.
cc) The town Jannina, 23,000 inhabitants, the mayor (Dimarchos) Wlachlidis Dimitrius.
Collaboration with garrison headquarters Jannina.
To aa) and bb): All Mayors are subordinated to the Sub-Prefects.
b) Prefecture Arta, which is another area in Epirus, Jannina being the capital. Prefecture Avta, total number of inhabitants 70,000, of these 12,000 in Arta, Prefect Matios, establishing of liaison by the 98th Mountain Jaeger Regiment.
c) Prefecture Prevesa: total number of inhabitants 80,000, of these 11,000 in the town Prevesa, Prefect Papadaki, establishing of liaison by 98th Mountain Jaeger Regiment.
d) Prefecture Thesprothis: total number of inhabitants 70,000, of these 18,000 Mohammedan, in Paramythia 3,000. Headquarters of the Prefecture is Paramythia, Prefect Krudulis (is considered unreliable and is soon to be replaced). Establishing of liaison by 99th Mountain Jaeger Regiment".
Your Honors will note here that two references are made to subordinate units of the 1st Mountain Division, the 98th Mountain Regiment, and the 99th Mountain Jaeger Regiment, reference to which we have had occasion to refer to earlier in this document book:
"The General Governor, the Prefects and Sub-Prefects will be appointed by the Government. In case unreliability is determined, immediate protective custody, with a report to the Ic of the Division for the appointment of a successor. The Mayors are appointed by the Prefects for an indefinite period. In case of unreliability to be relieved by Regimental troops, etc. in agreement with the Prefectures. The Prefectures and Sub-Prefectures will receive the necessary instructions from the General Governor."
Now I direct your Honors attention particularly to this next paragraph, paragraph 10 of this order of the 1st Mountain Division and the date of the order is the 13 September 1943, at which time the de fendant Lanz is commander of the 22nd Mountain Corps to which this particular division is subordinate:
"10) In order to oppose energetically the continued raids on convoys and members of the Wehrmacht, it is ordered, that from 20 Sept 43 onward, for every German soldier wounded or killed by insurgents or civilians, 10 Greeks from all classes of the population to be shot to death. This order must be carried out consistently in order to achieve a deterrent effect."
The order is signed by the First General Staff Officer. I ask Your Honors to please keep in mind the date of this order, 13 September 1943, because we shall have occasion in the last document in this document book to refer to a later order about a month later, in the middle of October, 1943, in which this division raises the reprisal quota from the 10-to-1 ratio outlined here, to a ratio of 50-to-1.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Turning next to Page 16 of the English, Page 112 of the German, the Evening Report of the unit, 15 September 1943. The section of the report dealing with the activities of the 98th Mountain Jaeger Regiment, which was, of course, subordinate to the 1st Mountain Division. "At 0930 hours attack with trench mortar fire on stronghold near observation point 446. During mopping up operation against Neochoraki no enemy encountered, the village also free of civilians, was completely destroyed." Next, the Evening Report of the Unit for the 16th of September 1943, again the 98th Mountain Jaeger Regiment. "2nd Battalion 0630 hours mopping up operation against Kompoti carried out. The village itself is free of enemy and civilians. It was destroyed and burned down. The area of the valley leading towards the east was put under artillery fire. As a result an ammunition dump blew up." It is on the bottom of Page 86 of the English, Page 113 of the German. "The area of the valley leading towards the east was put under artillery fire. As a result an ammunition dump blew up. 10 bandits were shot to death. 1 destroyed Italian machine gun was captured." Turning to Page 88 of the English, page 114 of the German, the report of the 1st Mountain Division, dated 17 September 1943, to Corps Headquarters of the 22nd Mountain Corps:
"Enemy surprise attack on our own truck convoy 17 kilometers south of Joannina. It was the first time a raid was made on this stretch since arrival of the Division. Otherwise, no bandit activity worth mentioning. Supplementary Report to the 16 Sept: North of Konica a telephone unit was fired upon by a band with 2 machine guns and several rifles. 2 Russian volunteer auxiliaries were wounded. As reprisal measure 1 village north of Konica was burned down. Ammunition exploded in the houses.
Mopping up operation in the area of the attack 17 kilometers south of Joannina without contact with the enemy. The surrounding villages were speedily evacuated by the population, and were burned down. Own losses during the raid:
1 officer and 4 men killed in combat, 1 man missing, 9 men wounded (2 of these remained with the unit), 2 trucks severely damaged."
I think we may skip the next report and turn to page 90 of the English and page 116 of the German -- another report of the 1st Mountain Division to the 22nd Mountain Corps, the Evening Report, and the textual matter of this is primarily more or less the same as it was in the report which I have just finished reading. I should like to read the last paragraph of the report on Page 91 of the English, Page 117 of the German.
"On 17 Sept between 0630 and 0700 hours a supply column was fired on near Theriakision (17 kilometers south of Jannina) by a band of unknown strength. Own losses 5 dead, among these 1 officer, 7 wounded, presumably 4 missing. 2 trucks seriously damaged. In the face of our counter measures the band retreated in an easterly direction, all villages cast of the place of the attack, in a radius of 4 kilometers, were burned down. At various places ammunition exploded. The entire population had fled."
The next three reports tie in one with another. First, is the Evening Report of the unit for the 18th of September 1943, the 99th Mountain Jaeger Regiment, which, of course, is subordinate to the 1st Mountain Division. "In Sulopulon 3 civilians were arrested and turned over to the Field Police. They had Italian uniforms in their possession." Then, turning to the bottom of Page 92 of the English, Page 118 of the German, the report of the 54th Field Gendarmerie Unit, to the 1st Mountain Division Ia, or intelligence officer, dated Local Headquarters, 19 September 1943, one day after the Evening Report which I have just read. "The Greeks Spostulus Babadozolus from Reiko, Laplos Gamazas from Reiko, Spiridon Ganatos from Gallochori were shot to death at about 2030 hours on the 18th of September 1943." Next, on Page 93 of English, Page 118 of the German, a report from Group Remold, dated Group Battle Headquarters, 19 September 1943.
"Subject: Interrogation of the persons arrested by German Security Sentries on 18 June of whom 8 men and 1 woman were shot to death on 19 September 1943." The report is sent from Group Remold to the 1st Mountain Division.
"On Saturday the 18 Sept 43, 60 Greeks (18 men and 42 women) were arrested by our Security Sentries. They came from the villages Vlacheri, Pende Eklisies, Plaketi and Petrovica. They were on their way via the bandit village Seljani in order as they stated to reach Paramythia by the shortest way to visit the market there. These people were picked up by German soldiers on the road Seljani - Paramythia. Another group came from the bandit village of Elatarja and Aj Kiriaki. When these peasants were stopped by our own and the Albanese Security Sentries, about 10 of these people tried to flee; in order to stop or delay those fleeing the Albanese shot at them. At the same moment bandits who had been hiding west of Eleftherochori opened fire on our guards. As a result of the interrogations it was determined, that several of the arrested took care of the supply of the bandits, back and for along the line Plaketi - Rachestiva -monastery Panajias Paramythia. The supplies were deposited in the monastery Panajia and were taken over there by the bandits. At times up to 300 bandits were supposed to have sojourned in the monastery Panajias. Of these prisoners 8 men and 1 woman were shot. The rest of the prisoners, 35 women and 10 men are employed for road building."
I call You Honor's attention to the preceding sentence and the words, "As a result of the interrogations it has determined." On the bottom of the document the receipt stamp of the 1st Mountain Division shows that this report was received by them on the 21st of September 1943. Turning next to page 95 of the English, page 120 of the German is a report from the 1st Mountain Division to the 22nd Mountain Corps, dated the 23rd of September 1943. "During a mopping-up operation on 22nd September east of Kompoti (southeast of Arta) 8 civilians were surprised whilst they were making entrenchments and were shot to death."
And turning next to page 96 of the English, page 121 of the German, is a report from the 2nd Security Company, dated 24 September 1943 about armed reconnaissance against the place Bratovice on 23rd of September 1943.
I. Situation By means of interrogations of civilians it became known that in Bratovice, a mountain village situated about 12 kilometers south of Bilishte, an ammunition dump of the bandits was said to be located.
This ammunition was said to have been left behind by the withdrawing Italian troops and brought to Bratovice via Hocishte by the bandits. No details were known about the strength of the bandits in the area of Bratovice.
II. Decision Based on this situation, I decided to carry out an armed reconnaisance against Bratovice.
III. Carrying out On 23 September 43 I loaded 4 NCO's and 80 men onto 2 trucks and drove with them along the road Bilishte - Bozhigrad as far as a point 6 kilometers south of Bilishte.
I fixed the departure from Bilishte at 0200 hours in the night, because I wanted to reach Bratovice whilst it was still dawn. As I had intended, I succeeded in this fashion in surprising the enemy. The first armed bandits appeared only when my advance unit had reached the end of the village lying opposite to the side of attack. In a short skirmish they were taken care of. During the searching of the houses which I immediately ordered, single civilians armed and also unarmed, tried again and again, to flee under the protection of ledges and garden walls. This, however, was prevented since I had assigned 2 groups west and east of the village as a security measure. In 5 houses, rifles, ammunition and smaller objects of equipment of Italian origin were found. These houses were burn down. At first I could not find the ammunition dump.
By means of energetic interrogations of civilians my attention was drawn to the school house in which there was a comparatively well equipped medical collecting station, consisting of 10 complete field beds and a medicine cabinet. The cellar was locked from the outside. In order to camouflage the entrance to the cellar the bandits kept a horse before it. When the cellar was entered, several shots were suddenly fired from the inside. In spite of repeated challenges the bandits did not leave the cellar not even when we shot at them with rifles; I also had hand grenades thrown in. In order to avoid losses, I ordered the whole school house to be set on fire, where upon I heard several pistol shots and the detonation of a hand grenade. When the fire had taken hold of the cellar also the detonations continued for more than an hour.
Here must have been, in addition to rifle ammunition and hand grenades, explosives or trench mortar ammunition, to, as a side wall of the cellar was completely torn out. In one house a German rifle explosive grenade was also found. The mopping up of the village had already taken up so much time that I had to assume that the bandits would assemble and cut off our retreat. Therefore I chose a different way from the road approach.
And the report is signed by Hiller. And I believe there is omitted from the German reference that Hiller is a lieutenant and an officer in charge of a company. Turning next to page 99 of the English page 124 of the German, is Document No. NOKW-865, which becomes Prosecution's Exhibit No. 451.
JUDGE WENNERSTRUM: Is that not 452?
MR. FENSTERMACHER: I beg your pardon, Your Honor; it is 452. This is an order from the 22nd Mountain Corps to its subordinate unit, the 1st Mountain Division. It is dated 24 September 1943. "To the Division Commander, The Corps informs." Of course, the Corps Commander, at that time, was the Defendant Lanz. "By order of higher authority, no prisoners are to be taken during operation 'Verrat' (treason)," signed 1st Mountain Division.