"In the rear of Volos 25 bandits were shot to death in reprisal."
Next on page 107 of the English, page 76 of the German, Document NOKW 1402, which becomes Prosecution Exhibit 476. These are a series of daily reports from the Commander in Chief Southeast to OKH and OKW headquarters in Berlin covering the period 1 December 1943 to 23 December 1943. In this period your Honors will recall that the Commander in Chief Southeast was the defendat Weichs and his chief of staff was the defendant Foertsch.
First is the daily report from the Commander in Chief Southeast High Command Army Group F, to OKW/Wehrmacht Operations Staff for December 1, 1943:
Your Honors will note receipt stamp: Army General Staff Operations Section for a day after the report was sent, that is to say, the 2nd of December 1943. We concern ourselves with that section of the Commander in Chief Southeast report dealing with activities of the XXII Mountain Corps. At this time it was under the command of the defendat Lanz.
During reprisal operation against bands in Korca area a village was taken in spite of resistance. All men fit for military service were shot and the village destroyed."
The report is signed, as are all the others, Commander in Chief Southeast High Command Army Group F, Ia, or operations officer.
Next is the Commander in Chief Southeast report for the 5 of December 1943 under the 68th Corps:
"At Aighion 50 hostages were shot."
Continuing the report for the 6th of December 1943, Commander in Chief Southeast OKH Berlin:
"LXVIII Corps: Southwest of Cythion band attack on our own truck column. Losses on both sides. Retaliation measure in return for attack on a railway base Southeast of Tripolis, (See Daily Report of 2 December) 50 hostages hanged. Continuance of "Kalavrit" Operation (See daily report for 4 December) while bands are withdrawing."
Next on page 112 of the English, 79 of the German, Commander in Chief Southeast report transmitter on 8 December 1943, received at Army General Staff Headquarters on 9 December 1943.
LXVIIIth Corps:
In retaliation for band attack Southwest of Gythion (see Daily Report for 6 December) 25 hostages were shot Operation "Kalavrita" continues with little contact with the enemy.
At Athens Communist attack on Greek police officials Continuing with the report, the section dealing with activities of the 69th Reserve Corps.
Your Honors will recall at this time on the 8 December 1943 the 69th Reserve Corps was commanded by the defendant Deynor and subordinate to the II Panzer Army under the Command of the defendant Rendulic.
LXIXth Reserve Corps:
During mopping up operations by IInd Ustascha Brigade and Police units in the area of Djakovo several villages were burned as reprisal measure and 2 bandits captured.
Next the Commander in Chief Southeast report for 12 December 1943; LXVIIIth Corps:
In the area North of Gythion renewed clashes between our reconnaissance and a band. 6 enemy dead, 2 losses on our side.-Continuation of the "Kalavrita" operation without contacting the enemy. As reprisal measure see Daily Report for 11 December.
Next the report for the 16 of December, Received Army General Staff Headquarters on 17 December 1943.
"LXVIIth Corps: Mazeika (11 km. Southeast of Kalbrita) burned down, reprisal measure concluded therewith. Considerable bandit traffic in the area Southeast of Lamia."
These is a notation that those are crossed out in the original report.
THE PRESIDENT: In this particular document where reference is made to page 29 in the original, reference is stated it is the 68th Corps. Is that correct?
MR. FENSTERMACHER: I think that is a typographical error but perhaps we could pass it to the court interpreter for determination.
INTERPRETOR HILDESHIEMER: Give us the original page number.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Page 116 of the English, and 81 of the German. It is the heading of the report of the C-in-C Southeast of the 16 Nov.43. Is it 68th Corps or 67th Corps?
INTERPRETOR HILDESHIEMER: It says 68th Army Corps.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Continuing on page 117 of the English, page 82 of the German Document Book, daily report from the Commander in Chief Southeast for the 17 December 1943:
LXVIIIth Corps:
As reprisal for blowing up of a bridge and murdering of a German soldier in the area of Tripolis a bandit village was destroyed and Communists shot.
XXII Mountain Corps:
As reprisal for the attack on a truck North of Agrinion reported yesterday 3 villages of the bandits were destroyed.
Next page is 119 of the English, page 83 of the German, Commander in Chief Southeast report for 23 December 1943, in handwritten words:
"According to enemy communiques the 'Jugoslav Liberation Army let by Tito' is regarded as part of the Allied Forces in the Southeast."
I ask your Honors to note the date of that, 23 December 1943. The particular report of 23 December 1943 continues, page 120 of the English, 83 of the German----
DR. LATERNSER: Your Honor, I would like something retranslated again. That last paragraph on page 119 of the English Document Book, page 83 of the German book. I should like to have a look at the original document. It is the last paragraph on page 119 of the English Document. It is a handwritten note on the actual original document.
INTERPRETOR HILDESHIEMER: The word "regared" is not correct. I should read, therefore: "According to enemy communiques, or reports, the Jugoslav Liberation Army led by Tito is described as part of the Allied Forces in the Southeast."
There was one word which was originally crossed out and "bezeichnet" which it "described" is added later on, on the original document that is.
DR. LATERNSER: Your Honor, the actual difference becomes evidence, if you look at the original document. The world "regard" (betrachtet) has been put down first. Then it was crossed out and it was substituted with "bezeichnet" which is "described"; that gives a different content, and I would like to ask the Interpreters to decide on this, whether the word "describe" is not to strong a translation of the original word.
INTERPRETOR HILDESHIEMER: It could be translated by "called," "described," or "called" if that is more fitting translation. That is the only word I'm afraid I can think of. I think the bust word is probably "described." There is also "named," "called," or "described." Those are the three possibilities.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Continuing on page 120 of the English and 83 of the German with this same report from the Commander in Chief to OKW in Berlin, for 23 December 1943.
Radio Beromuenster announces:
Marshal Tito was appointed in Cairo as an Allied Commander. The Allied Military Command has prepared plans to intensify operations of Jugoslav partisans and to give increased support to Allied units operating in Jugoslavia. The Jugoslav Liberation Army is referred to as an integral Part of the Allied Forces fighting in Southeastern Europe.
The report is signed Commander in Chief Southeast High Command Army Group F, Ia.
We turn next to page 121 of the English, page 85 of the German, Document NOKW 1556. It becomes Prosecution Exhibit 477. This is a series of daily reports of OKH, reporting the activities of various Germany Army units operating in the field. This report is OKH report for 8 February 1944:
"Balkans. Army Group E: Minor local band activity. Mainland: LXVIII Infantry Corps."
Your Honors please LXVIII Infantry Corps is still commanded by the defendant Felmy.
"100 Communists shot to death and 3 villages destroyed as a reprisal measure for an attack by bands on our truck column North of Kalamata. A road bridge East of Megalopolis was blasted by bands."
Next, the report of OKH for 10 February 1944, the portion of the report dealing with the LXVIII Infantry Corps:
"159 Communists were shot to death and 3 villages were burned down as a reprisal measure for the attack on the truck column on the road Kalamata - Pylos."
Next, on page 123 of the English, 87 of the German, OKH report for 23 February 1944:
"Army Group E:
Mainland:
XXII Mountain Corps:
In Southern Pindus, increased Communists activity. 16 Communists arrested during a raid in Agrinion.
During a local mopping up of the Island of Leukas, 7 Communists were shot to death."
The OKH report for 25 February 1944:
"b) Mainland:
LXVIII Army Corps:
The mopping up of Andros has up to now not resulted in any contact with the enemy.
In reprisal for the attack on trucks near Megalopolis reported yesterday, 200 hostages were shot to death."
Continuing on OKH report 27 February 1944, the section of report dealing with activities in the Balkans, the section of the report dealing with activities of the II Panzer Army which at this time, February 1944, was under the command of the defendant Rendulic:
"Croatia, Montenegro: V-SS Mountain Corps:
118th Jaeger Division: Mopping up of north of Metkovic concluded. 332 band suspects arrested, 10 shot to death. On the islands of Brac and Miljet band attacks repelled, enemy losses, minor amount of weapon taken in booty."
The report, as with all the others, is signed Heusinger.
We turn now to page 126 of the English, page 91 of the German, Document NOKW 1417, which becomes Prosecution Exhibit 478. These again are a series of daily reports from Commander in Chief Southeast to higher headquarters of OKH and OKW in Berlin. They cover the period 12 February to 22 March 1944 during which time the defendant Weichs was Commander in Chief Southeast and his Chief of Staff is the defendant Foertsch. Defendant Foertsch left as Chief of Staff and Commander in Chief in Army Group F sometime in March. The Prosecution is not certain as to the exact date. We begin first with the daily report of the Commander in Chief Southeast for the 12 February 1944. And, there is a notation that these words are crossed out.
"In reprisal for the murder of Greek members of the executive 25 Communists reprisal prisoners shot to death in Athens."
Your Honors will remember the defendant Geitner is at this time Chief of Staff to General Felber, the military Commander Southeast and Military Commander Serbia.
"Serbia -- slight local activity of bands - during cleaning up operation against communists village south of Nis by German police and Serbian State Guards 60 Communists shot to death. 13 suspect persons arrested (crossed out). As reprisal for raid on German Customs Frontier Guards in the Banate 15 Communists reprisal prisoners shot to death."
Next Commander in Chief Southeast report for 25' February 1944. Your Honors will note the receipt stamp of the OKH Operations Section for the 26 of February 1944, one day later, with this section of the report dealing with events in the era of the LXVIII.
"LXVIII Corps: Mopping up Andros so far without contact with the enemy.
Southeast of Meligala 20 communists arrested (notation crossed out). As reprisal for raid on truck reported yesterday near Megalopis 200 hostages were shot dead."
Next on page 130 of the English, page 93 of the German, the Commander in Chief Southeast report for 12 March 1944:
"LXVIII Corps: - As reprisal for the raid by bands on a well protected convoy column southeast of Tripolis the state of emergency was ordered for the civilian population and 200 communists hostages were shot dead."
The report is signed Commander in Chief Southeast High Command Army Group F, Ia, No. 1100/44.
Continuing on page 132 of the English, page 94 of the German, Document NOKW 1356, which becomes Prosecution Exhibit 479. These are again a series of daily reports from Commander in Chief Southeast which were OKH and OKW headquarters in Berlin, covering the period of 3 to 30 April 1944. During this period of time the defendant Weichs is Commander in Chief Southeast and the defendant Foertsch is no longer his Chief of Staff.
Your Honors will note the date of transmission of the first report which is 3 April 1944, sent to OKH, Army General Staff, Operations Section. In the upper right hand portion of the document is the receipt stamp. Army General Staff, Operations Section for 4 April 1944:
"Enemy losses during the part week in Serbia: D.M. Followers: 123 dead, 64 prisoners, 17 deserters. Communists: 622 dead, 61 prisoners, 30 shot as reprisal measure. 537 arrests. Booty: 39 rifles, 4 machine guns, ammunition, and equipment."
Your Honors will recall that at this time, 3 April 1944, the defendant Geitner is in Serbia as Chief of Staff to the Military Commander in Serbia.
Continuing with the report from the Commander in Chief Southeast for the 15 April 1944, page 133 of the English, page 95 of the German:
"Corps Group Joannina:
"In the Florina area lively band movements lately. - As reprisal for an attack on the railroad line Agrinion -- Mossolongi 120 Communists were shot, or hanged. During a raid in Agrinion 50 suspects were arrested."
(A recess was taken.)
THE MARSHAL: Persons in the courtroom will please find their seats.
The court is again in session.
THE PRESIDENT: You may proceed.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Prior to the recess, your Honors, we were considering Document NOKW-1356, which is Exhibit 479 in evidence, being a series of daily reports from the Commander-in-Chief Southeast to OKH and OKW in Berlin. We were on page 134 of the English, page 96 of the German, the daily report for the Commander-in-Chief Southeast for the 25th of April, 1944.
"During large-scale raids in Athens, a total of 126 persons were arrested and arms and ammunition seized. 15 Communists were shot."
Finally, the daily report from the Commander-in-Chief Southeast for the 26th of April, 1944:
"West of Lewadeia a motorized column was attached by a well-armed band. The terrain is being mopped up. As reprisal measure 50 Communists were shot."
The report, as were all others, is signed "Commander-in-Chief Southeast (High Command Army Group F)."
As the final document in Document Book XX, page 136 of the English, page 99 of the German, is prosecution document NOKW-1065 which becomes Prosecution Exhibit 480. These are various extracts from the War Diary of the 68th Army Corps covering the period 1 January to 30 June 1944.
Your Honors will recall that during this period the defendant Felmy was in command of the 68th Corps, that it was subordinate to Army Group #, which was in turn subordinate to Army Group F commandedby the defendant Weichs.
The signature of the defendant Felmy appears on the first page of the War Diary. It is: "War Diary No. 4, Corps Headquarters 68th Infantry Corps (Headquarters Authorities Troop Unit), Started 1 January 1944, Concluded 30 June 1944.
"Corps Headquarters 68th Infantry Corps was subordinate from I January 44 to 30 June 44 to the High Command Army Group E" -- and there follows the list of persons and the dates, who kept the War Diary of the 68th Corps.
Turning to page 137 of the English, page 99 of the German, the entry in the War Diary of the 68th Corps for the 17th of January, 1944:
"Peloponnesus: As reprisal for an attack on 1 officer (2nd Battalion, 670th Artillery Regiment) near Rhizacs (12 Southeast Tripoli) 20 Communists executed."
Continuing with the entry in the War Diary for the 68th Corps for the 7th of February, 1944:
"Peloponnesus: As reprisal measures for the attack near Skala the villages of Skala, Christophiluka and Taukaleika are being destroyed. In addition, 100 Communists will be shot to death. During the reported reconnaissance operation on Skala, bandit losses are confirmed as 10 dead. Own losses amount to 10 dead and 1 wounded.
"23 February 1944 Peloponnesus: Band attack on truck convoys of the 3rd Battalion 737th light Infantry Regiment (men on leave). Own losses: 15 dead, 7 wounded. Reconnaissance in combat strength committed. Because of increased band attacks, the 117th Light Infantry Division is making use of severe measures" -- and your Honors will recall from an earlier document that the 117th Light Infantry Division was subordinate to the 68th Corps under the command of the defendant Felmy.
"On all roads not easily surveyed and on all important passes, field guards in platoon strength are being set up. Mission: patrolling the terrain by day and night. Shooting of everything which moves in the terrain outside the main road (in addition of order enclosed). As reprisal measures for the last band attack on 23 February the following is being carried out: shooting to death of 200 hostages from hostage camp Tripoli at the locality of the attack."
"11 March 44 Peloponnesus: Own losses amount to 18 dead and 44 wounded. The Commander of the 177th" -- and I believe, if your Honors please, that should be changed to read "117th Light Infantry Division.
If defense counsel have any doubts about that we can submit the original document to the interpreters.
In order that there might not be any doubt, your Honors, perhaps we ought to submit the original document to the interpreters, Exhibit 4 473.
DR. MUELLER-TORGOW (Counsel for the defendant Felmy): Mr. President, this is evidently a matter of the 117th Infantry Division.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: "The Commander of the 117th Light Infantry Division, Major General von LeSuire requests approval of the following reprisal measures:"
Your Honors will recall at this time the 117th Light Infantry Division is subordinate to the 68th Corps under the command of the defendant Felmy.
"Prohibiting leaving of houses by the civilian population excepting from 9:00 hours to 12:00 hours in cities and villages South of the line Zakaro (South) - Tripoli (North) - Sevglatio (North) Astroa (North) duration 8 days.
"Prohibiting civilian vehicles and persons on the roads of the Peloponnesus South of the line stated under 1.) Exception - vehicles of the International Red Cross. Violators will be shot to death on the spot. Duration 8 days.
"Everything South of the line stated under 1.) in the terrain up no 2 kilometers away from the main roads will be shot down. Duration 8 days after preceding announcement.
"Shooting to death of 200 hostages (Communists) from the entire hostage camps. The executions are to be carried out by members of the Greek Volunteer Units under German supervision. Approval will be given. The decision concerning the burning down of some villa ges known to be band nests is still lacking. Elements of the 1009 Fortress Infantry Batallion and of the reinforced company of the Greek Free Corps had minor contact with the enemy during an operation in the area of Stephania (10 North, Northeast Githion) - Lajion - Chersowa (8 North Githieon) enemy losses:
6 prisoners."
Continuing on page 140 of the English, 104 of the German, entry in the War Diary for the 68th Corps for the 15th of March, 1944:
"Peloponnesus: As reprisal measures for the band attack on 11 Marc, 44, the following villages, confirmed as band nests are leased to the 117th Light Infantry Division of destruction: Karie, Wresthena, Kato - and Ano-Kolline, Skortsinon, Kaltese, Mavrojinanni, Vlaohokerassia, Arvenitokarassia and Manari.
............
"14 Mar. 44 Peloponneses:
In the course of reprisal measures for bank attack of 11 Mar, 44, the villages of Mavrojianni, Kaltese, Skartsinon are being burned down, ............."15 Mar.
44 Peloponnesus:
As reprisal measure for band attack on 11 Mar, as reported Karie and Wresthena are being destroyed.
.............
"16 Mar. 44 Peloponnesus:
As reprisal measure the destruction of Arwanito-korassia, Vlaohokerassia, Kato - and Ano Killine is reported. Operation "Spatz" reports no contact with the enemy."
Continuing with the War Diary of the 21st of March, 1944:
"Attika: During the absence of the Commander-in-Chief the Commanding General takes over Command of Army Group E."
If your Honors please, the prosecution submits that that reference in the War Diary of the 68th Corps is to the Commanding General of the Corps, General Felmy taking over command of the Army Group E during the absence of Commander-in-Chief of Army Group E, General Alexander Loehr.
Continuing with the excerpt from the 68th Corps War Diary for the 21st of March, 1944.
"The Commanding Officer of the 117th Light Infantry Division is charged with the command of the Corps.
"1 May 44. Attika: As reprisal measure for the attack on the truck convoy of the 41st Fortress Division in the area of Molai (Southeast Peloponnesus) 335 Communists and band suspects shot to death.
"3 May 44. Attika: Operation "Geier" is still without contact with the enemy. For the attack on base point (III Caucasian Bergmann) in Chani-Derwene 50 hostages are being shot to death and for railroad sabotage East of Megalo Pefko, 10 hostages are being hanged.
"9 May 44. Peloponnesus: A reprisal measure for the wounding of two Marines by bandits in Patras, 10 hostages are being hanged, curfew set at 1900 hours and civilian traffic to the city is prohibited."
I wonder if we might submit that document to the interpreters for a retranslation. This is Exhibit 480.
THE PRESIDENT: It's NOKW-1065.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Would you translate the entry in the War Diary of the 68th Corps for 9 May, 1944, appears on page 142 of the English, page 103 of the German, and on page 11 of the original exhibit?
BY THE INTERPRETER:
"10 May 1944. Boestia: Pelepennes: As reprisal measures for 2 marine soldiers wounded by bandits in Patras 10 hostages are hanged; deadline 1900 hours. Civilian traffic to the town is barred."
No traffic is permitted to the town, that is.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Continuing Page 142 of the English, 102 of the German entry in the war diary of the 68th Corps, for the 10th of May, 1944:
Boestia:
As reprisal measure for the attack on cars on the 26 April 44 as additional hundred hostages are being shot to death in Athens.
26 May 44 Peloponnesus:
"Rabe": Enemy forces continue to withdraw to the East Coast where they are attempting to reach the islands cf Hydra and Spotse as well as the arm of Asperes via the gulf of Anges. 10 EXK members as well as 4 Greeks in flight were shot to death. 35 arrests. Size able amounts of ration and 5 ten of coal taken as booty. During reconnaissance operation in the area of kalasuni (7 Southwest Kyparissia) 1 Communist shot to death, 16 arrests.
23 May 44 Peloponnesus:
"Rabe": Armed Air reconnaissance prevents the enemy from escaping by sea. Enemy is attempting to thrust through Southward in the Direction of Didimi. The daily targets cf the combat groups have been reached according to plan. 10 Communist shot to death, 4 Italians taken prisoner. In Ligurion a bandit camp with equipment secured.
31 May 44 Pelopones:
"Rabe": without contact with the enemy for breaking combat zone regulations, 1 Greek was shot to death and 6 arrested.
5 June 1944...
Boeotia:
Increase of sabotage on railroad line Athens - Lamia Recent blasting carriage attack on freight train at 128.6 kilometers (18 East, Southeast Lowadia) minor damage. As counter measure increased use of the track security train and of armored self propelled railway trolleys, use of hostage railway tricks and request for an armored train which may be counted on to arrive in the middle of June, Speeded up executed of measures "dead zone" and "blacked zone". In the Sperchios Valley between Linaokladien and Makrakomi, an assembly be bands was scattered by anti-aircraft fire.
22 June 44 Peloponnesus:
"Matter": Operation concluded. Minor contact with the enemy during return march. 4 Bandits shot to death, 26 arrests.
27 June 44 Peloponnesus:
Commencement of operation "Adler", Bands withdrew from the area of Eliecherion on the direction of Astros takeing along the entire civilian male population. About 50 bandits shot to death while escaping. Daily targets reached according to plan. Third battalion of the 22 Light Infantry Regiment (Air) landed in Astros via Seaway.
29 June 44 Peloponnesus:
"Adler": Enemy withdeawing without plan before our advance. 21 bandits in flight shot to death, a small ration supply depot was captured. 68 artillery Battalion landed in Leonidion. Daily targets reached according to plan. Continuous band reconnaissance by Fieseler Storch 156.
30 June 44 Poloponnes:
"Adler" Enemy continues to withdraw without fighting before out own advance. 11 bandits in flight shot to death, daily targets reached according to plan.
Railroad bridge blasted near Mamria on railroad line Tropoli - Megalopolis. Repairs will take about 10 days.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: That, if your Honors please, concluder the presentation of the documents in Documents Book No. 20.
PRESIDENT WENNERSTRUM: Mr. Fenstermacher, in connection with the map which was introduced as Exhibit 473, NOKW 1029, do you have any suggestion as to where that should be inserted, as to the page?
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Yes, in order to understand the continuity of the document, your Honors, that document should be inserted following exhibit 472, which exhibit begins on page 86 of the English, page 62 of the German, so that this particular map, Exhibit473, should be inserted after page 93 cf the English, and after page 65 of the German Documents Book.
PRESIDENT WENNERSTRUM: Should that be given a page number, such as 93a?
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Your Honors could paginate it 93a in the English and 65a in the German If your Honor please, I ask now that the marchal be directed to call the witness Takis Spiliopoules.
TAKIS SPILIOPOULOS, a witness, took the stand and testified as follows :
BY PRESIDENT WENNERSTRUM: The witness will arise and be sworn. I swear to speak the truth, and only the truth, in reply to whatever I am asked, without fear and without prejudice.
(The witness repeated the oath)
DIRECT EXAMINATION BY MR. FENSTERMACHER:
Q. Witness, will state you name?
A. Takis Spiliopoules.
Q. When were you born, witness?
A. On the 14th cf September, 1903.
Q. Where were you born?
A. In Katavrita,
Q. Where is Lalavrita?
A. In the Peloponnes
Q. Is the Peloponnes part of Greece?
A. Yes.
Q. Are you married?
A. NO I am not.
Q. How much education have you had?
A. I am a graduate of College, and the I attended for two years a commercial school.
Q. What is your present occupation?
A. I am a merchant.
PRESIDENT WENNERSTRUM. I am wondering if it would be helpful to the witness if he would take off the ear phones. You might suggest it to him.
10-1-19 August 1947-A-AEH-Stewart (Lea)
Q Were you in the army? In the Greek Army during the war between Greece and Italy?
A Yes, I was in the army.
Q For how long?
A For the whole period that the war between Greece and Italy was lasting.
Q When did you return to Kalavrita?
A On the 2nd of April, 1941.
Q Have you remained in Kalavrita continuously since 2 April, 1941 until the present time?
A Yes, I have remained there continuously.
Q Witness, what is the population of Kalavrita? I mean the population today.
AApproximately 2,800 inhabitants.
Q What was the population of the town of Kalavrita in the month of December 1943?
AApproximately 4,200 inhabitants.
Q Is there also an area known as the Kalavrita area in addition to the town of Kalavrita?
A Yes, that is correct.
Q How many inhabitants in the area of Kalavrita prior to December, 1943?
AApproximately 32,000 inhabitants.
Q How many villages were in the Kalavrita area?
A 55 villages, villages and smaller villages together
Q What was the largest village in the Kalavrita area?
AAfter Kalavrita was a village by the name of Daphni and next to Daphni Klitoria.
Q How many inhabitants did the smallest village in the Kalavrita area have in December, 1943?
A 350.
10-2-19 August 1947-A-AEH-STEWART (Lea)
Q. How did most of the inhabitants of the Kalavrita area make their living in December, 1943?
AAbout 90 per cent of then were farmers, dealing with agricultural work, and breeding cattle.
Q Witness do you recall the month of December, 1943?
A Yes.
A Will you tell the Tribunal what the weather was in the month of December, 1943?
A The weather was rather rainy, and from time to time it was snowing.
Q. Do you recall the 8th of December, 1943?
A Yes, I do.
Q Will you toll the Tribunal what happened on that day, and the succeeding days, in your own words?
A Yes, I will. On the 8th of December, 1943, at 7 o'clock in the morning, German motorized vehicles, armored cars, came in from the direction of Tripolis. This German column blocked all of the roads and exits from Kalavrita and. sent patrols into the town telling the population that all male persons ranging from 10 years until the highest age, should gather at the square in front of the Cathedral. The male population gathered in front of the cathedral and we were kept there for about an hour. The German officer, who was able to speak Greek very well, asked us where all of the other man were.
We answered him that there were not any other men. He asked us how many men are you; how big is the population. We answered him about 4,500, whereupon he told us it was not possible that these were all of the men living in Kalavrita. Then he told us to go back to our homes, to stay home, and warned us that whoever would leave his home would be shot by the patrols without being spoken to. We went back to our homes.
In the afternoon he called me and other members of the community, and asked us to furnish foodstuff, meat, bread and. oil, for the german troops. We took care of supplying him with the food and stuff he had asked us for. Two German officers that I had kept in my house, offering them hospitality, thanked me in the night and told me that they were very grateful for the hospitality offered to them, and they would leave next morning altogether.
The next morning about 7 o'clock, the whole German column left in the direction to Patras. After half an hour, another detachment came in, coming from region. Before they entered Kalavrita they insulted the whole town, and the roads were closed by a double, approximately, detachment than that which had come in before, then they began to loot the stores. They had brought in about 150 trucks that they began to load, and these tricks left then for Patras. These new detachments stayed in Kalavrita for the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th of December, and we were always kept in our homes, not emitted to leave our homes. On the 12th of December, at 1150 hours in the morning they had gathered about 30 thousand head of cattle of all kinds that they had brought in from the surrounding villages. These trucks loaded with the Cattle left some in the direction of Patras, some for Korinthes and some for region.