"Division suggests reprisal measures to the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia for the two kidnapped members of the Luftwaffe:
1) Execution by shooting of 10 of the Cetniks arrested in the district of Pozarevac for each of the two members of the Luftwaffe.
2) Arrest of 50 hostages from the area of D. Milanevac-Madjanpek.
3) Execution of these hostages to take place on 1 December unless members of Luftwaffe are released by that date.
4) Population to be informed of these measures.
"19 Nov. 1942.
The Division is to publicize by means of posters the capture of 20 hostages for the two kidnapped members of the Luftwaffe. The Division will have the proclamation of the commander of the Security Police and SD Belgrade regarding the execution of 20 DM followers who had been sentenced to death by a summary court martial posted.
"21 Nov. 1942 The Division will post Proclamation of the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia stating that Serbian Officials of the civil service are under German protection and in the event that such persons should be wounded (5) hostages will be shot to dearth and if such persons should be killed, 10 hostages will be shot to death.
Officials of the civil service who resigned their Post without compulsion will come before summary court martial.
"23 Nov. 1942 The Division suggests that the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia that he authorize an operation after thorough previous reconnaissance for February 1943.
The operation for the purpose of destroying by draconic measures the partially disintegrated organizational staffs of the DM-Movement, hidden camps and Communist Bands. The combat area should be declared an operational area. All male inhabitants from 16 to 50 years of age are to be sent to the labor agency, and villages offering resistance are to be utterly destroyed.
In connection with the use of the term "Summary Court Martial" lest your Honors confuse it with the term which is used in the American Military Manual, this Court which is referred to here is a court Martial in the terminology used by the Americans, is a court which is limited in jurisdiction, both as to offenders whom it may try and as to the punishments which it may give. An American Summary Court, for example, may not try an officer. An American Summary Court may not try noncommissioned officers of the first three grades, unless the trial by a Summary Court is ordered by a commander, such as a General, who would have power to direct that those officers be tried by a higher court. As to punishments, the punishment of a Summary Court in America, which is an one-officer court, is limited to confinement at hard labor for 30 days, and forfeiture of two-thirds of one month's pay. At lest there be any confusion, this is the closest by way of translation that we can come to the German, but this Summary Court is not the same as the American Summary Court.
"23 Nov. 1942 The Division does not consider the present orders regarding the discovery of weapons sufficient and applies to the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia:
1) Whoever is found in possession of arms and ammunition is to be shot on the spot.
2) Whoever owns buildings wherein arms and ammunition are found is to be shot on the spot.
3) Family members of people executed by shooting and other inhabitants of buildings in which arms and ammunition are found will be arrested and sent to the German labor agency.
4) Buildings in which arms and ammunition are found are to be burned down.
5) In Communities where arms or ammunition are found 10 additional men are to be shot to death on the spot.
"28 Nov. 1942 The Commanding General and Commander in Serbia orders that hostages from the district of Zigubica be shot to death in reprisal for OT (organization - Todt) - man found murdered.
And if Your Honors, please, you are probably familiar with the Organization Todt, the builders of the West Wall, and the labor units which accompanied the German Wehrmacht wherever they went for purposes of construction.
"6 Dec. 42 Pozarevac.
Pursuant to order of the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia the Division ordered the execution by shooting of 25 hostages as reprisal measure for the Organization Todt - man found near Zagubica. Execution to be carried out on 8 Dec. by 734 Grenadier Regiment at Krst, 12 Kilometers East of Zagubica on the spot where the murdered man had been found.
"8 Dec. 42 Pozarevac 25 hostages shot to death on the spot where the murdered Organization Todt man had been found.
Two civilians who were assigned to dig the graves were shot to death while trying to escape . . . . . .
"18 Dec. 42 Leaflets are dropped over Pozarevac announcing the execution of 50 DM followers on 15 Dec.
42 for the German sergeant shot to death near Zlatave and for the blasting of a bridge between Pozarevac and Petrovac.
"21 Dec. 42 District Headquarters Pozarevac announces the execution of 10 hostages every three days up to a total of 60 hostages, for the German Wehrmacht driver "Organization Todt" who was kidnapped by Mihailovic followers on 24 Oct.
, if the missing organization Todt man does not return by 11 Dec.
That is what appears in the original German, however, it is submitted that it means 1942, and not 1943. I don't think it is a reasonable interpretation that they would wait for a year to determine whether he came back.
"The population is asked to assist in the release of the Organization Todt-man.
. . . . . . .
"30 December 42.
District Headquarters announces by means of posters that by order of the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia, Ten hostages will be shot to death every 3 days until "a total of 50 hostages has been reached, if the Organization Todt-man who was kidnapped on 21 December 42 has not returned by 15 January 43.
1200 hours. The Serbian State Guard Station of Boljetin, 9 kilometers Southeast of D Milanovac surrounded allegedly by 250 D.M. Draga Michailovic men. Serbian state-guard men kidnapped. Three of them were able to escape and stated: The D.M. group wearing farmers clothing with Cetnik cockade is armed with Italian automatic rifles and with English rifles. The former German soldier Max calling himself Martin Tomarovic is with the band. Tribredjanin is also alleged to there." and there are various garrisons recited.
24 Dec. 42. "Lt. Koenig, Executive Officer, II/Battalion 724th Grenadier regiment and 2nd Lt. (Med) Dr. Engelhardt, the Battalion physician of the 2nd Battalion 724th Grenadier Regiment were fired on in Mladenovac at 14.13 hours by a 20 year old woman who is assumed to be a Communist. They were severely wounded (shot through the lung and the stomach) and immediately transferred to the Military Hospital in Belgrade. A former Cetnik leader was also shot to death by the woman while trying to arrest her. Later she shot herself. The 724th Grenadier regiment has ordered the encirclement and a search of Mladenovac. 72 men and 52 women were arrested. A part of the population fled immediately after the attack on the officers. Local Police and Serbian state-guard participated without causing trouble in the measures of the military. 3 Pistols were found.
The Division applies for authorization to shoot to death 50 hostages and/or people detained as retaliation prisoners in reprisal."
On the 21st December 42, one day after the incident "49 men and I woman shot to death in Mladenovac for the attack on the two officers of the 2nd Battalions/ 724th Grenadier Regiment. 2nd Lt. (med) Dr. Engelhardt died in the Military Hospital in Belgrade. The Division applies for authorization to shoot to death an additional 25 hostages and/or all people detained as retaliation prisoners from the district of Mladenovac. The execution will be carried out by the SD in Belgrade. The Division announces the Fuehrer order pertaining to procedure in the combat against bands.
According to this, the fight against the Communist Bands which are operating with all possible means is to be carried on ruthlessly and without any limitations in the sense of soldierly chivalry or of the Geneva Convention. Considerations of any kind and pity for members of bands or for followers does not exist."
At this point I should like to direct your Honor's attention to an earlier order offered as an exhibit. Document No. C 81, which is on page 41 of the German, and page 28 of the English in this book. The Hitler order, with reference to the execution of Commandos, dated 18 October 1942. Unfortunately, in the notes from the Division, there is no marginal note indicating what the source is, but if your Honors will recall the original order it states that it is to be transmitted only by officer. There is no distribution list on it, and it is submitted that in case of an order like this, that they do not deem it expedient to put a distribution list on it, and the language of this order, it is submitted, corresponds to the language of the original order.
They mentioned the Geneva Convention, and the Geneva Convention is mentioned on the second page of the original order, page 44 of the German text, and page 29 of the English text, and I should just like to call that to your Honors' attention, in passing. Also the reference to "no limitations in the sense of soldierly chivalry".
Then turning again to document 969, Exhibit 231, which we have been discussing which we have been discussing, - the 704th Infantry Division activity reports, the last report is for the 31 December. The Division Commander reports to the Commander, and Commanding General in Serbia, losses for December, '42;
Own losses: 6 dead, 2 wounded, of which 5 were killed and I injured in a railroad accident.
Losses of Cetnik and volunteer units: 1 dead and 9 wounded.
Loses of the Serbian State Guard: 1 wounded Enemy losses:
4 dead and 6 wounded Prisoners of the unit:
128 Shot according to martial law:
19 Transferred to the Division:
25 Transferred to SD Belgrade:
84 Turning then to page 132 in the German, and 127 in the English we offer document No. NOKW 1562, this is Prosecution Exhibit 238 in evidence.
These are a series of daily reports from the Commander in Chief, Southeast to OKH. And again these are mostly teletype as were those before.
The first one for 4 November, on page 132 of the German, and 128 of the English;
"Serbia: 35 km South of Kraljevo a detachment of Cetniks 500 men strong was disarmed. Mopping up continues in the area 50 km south of Nisch. 23 arrestees shot". Then for the 6 November, page 134 of the German, 129 of the English:
"Mopping up 40 km south of Nisch has been concluded. 35 Communists shot."
On 134 of the German and 130 of the English:
"Near Ivanjica, 40 km southwest of Kraljevo, an enemy hideout has been destroyed, 24 followers of Draja Mihaijlovic shot; arms and ammunition seized."
For the 15th November, page 135 of the German, 131 of the English:
"In Belgrade 30 arrests made, including the property administrator and two leaders of the Draja Mihajlovic movement; 20 members of a railway sabotage staff were shot."
At the bottom there is a stamp for the OKH code reception showing that it has been received, and at the top of this page it is interesting to note the people to whom this report went:
"To OKH/Army General Staff/Operations Sections.
Forwarded to: OKW/Wehrmacht Operations Staff.
To OKW/Wehrmacht Propaganda
OKH Group Foreign Armies Southeast and various officers there listed."
On the 14 November, page 136 of the German, 132 of the English; "20 hostages were arrested for signal sabotage; near Leskovac 15 insurgents were shot."
For the 17th, page 137 of the German, page 133 of the English: "North of the Save: Near Ruma 3 Insurgents were shot."
For the 19th, German 138, 134 of the English:
"In Belgrade and Mladanovac 33 arrests were made; out of these 13 Mihaijlovic followers were shot in Belgrade."
At 139 of the German, bottom of the German, and 136 of the English: "9 arrests made in Belgrade. The leader of an Insurgent unit and 7 Mihaijlovic followers were apprehended. Will be shot after interrogation."
At 140 of the German, 137 of the English, on the 1 of December, "North of Save: 29 Insurgents shot. Individual surprise attacks."
At 140 of the German, 138 in the English, 2 December: "80 arrests in Belgrade. 12 Mihaijlovic supporters were shot."
At 142, the bottom in German, 140 in English, 3 December.
"4 arrests in Belgrade. 7 Communists and 3 Draja Mihaijlovic couriers shot."
THE PRESIDENT: We will take a recess until one-thirty this afternoon.
THE MARSHAL: Persons in the Courtroom will please find their seats. The Tribunal is again in session.
THE PRESIDENT: You may proceed, Mr. Denney.
MR. DENNEY: May it please Your Honors. Turning now to page 159 of the English and the German we have an evaluation of the enemy situation in Crete by the 22nd Division. This is Document No. NOKW-1054, and it is offered as Prosecution's Exhibit No. 239. This is dated 3 November .......
THE PRESIDENT: What page are you reading from now?
MR. DENNEY: Page 159 of the English and 159 of the German, Sir.
THE PRESIDENT: I may be in error, but I left my papers on page 141 in the English. Am I in error in that respect?
MR. DENNEY: We had just concluded, I believe, Your Honor--no, Your Honor is correct. We had not finished the last part of that exhibit, page 141 of the English and page 143 of the German. Your Honor is correct.
THE PRESIDENT: Document No. 1562?
MR. DENNEY: Yes, Your Honors, which is Exhibit No. 238. That is a report for 4 December 1942, "16 arrests in Belgrade. 59 suspects arrested, 8 Draja Mihajlovic followers shot." Again, this is directed to OKH, from the Armed Forces Commander Southeast. And then, an entry for the Saloniki-Aegean area:
"By the timely arrival of reinforcements brought in by rail from the North and from Saloniki it was possible to defeat an attack on the important Gumenlissa bridge across the Fardar committed during the night 3/4 December by Greek bands.
"Own losses: 1 soldier dead, 1 wounded, as well as 5 members of the Organization Todt wounded.
4 Greek suspects, including 1 officer, were arrested and will be shot after interrogation."
MR. DENNEY: And then on page 144 of the German and 143 of the English, the Daily Report for the 6th of December, "20 Reprisal Prisoners and 2 Communists were shot.
26 arrests." All that is for Serbia. And then the report for the 7th, which I believe is in error in the German. It is on page 145 of the German and page 144 of the English, again for Serbia, from the Armed Forces Commander Southeast, to the OKH, "In the whole area 19 arrests were made. 9 Communists and 11 Draja Mihajlovic leader and 3 companions, who were shot after interrogation." And page 146 in the German and page 145 in the English, report for the 8th of December, "SERBIA: In Belgrade 24 arrests, 11 Communists shot. A Cetnik detachment was disarmed on account of unreliability. At the Zajaca Antimony factory 300 workers went on strike. Brought to work by compulsory measures." Page 147 of the German and page 146 of the English a report for 9 December, "Serbia: 25 reprisal prisoners shot. Cetnik detachment (130 men) disarmed. 16 suspects arrested." Next page, report for the 10th, "SERBIA: 9 Draja Mihajlovic followers shot." Report for the 11th of December, "Serbia: 20 Draja Mihajlovic followers shot and arrests made." Report for the 12th, "SERBIA: 62 arrests, of these 26 members of Mihajlovic signal staff who will be shot after interrogation." Report for the 16th, "In Belgrade 8 arrests. 60 Draja Mihajlovic followers shot." Report for the 17th, "In Belgrade 6 arrests. During patrol operations 40 km Southeast of Pozarevac 16 Insurgents were shot."
Report for the 23rd, "Serbia: During patrol operations 13 Insurgents were shot." Report for the 24th, "In Belgrade 37 arrests. 7 Insurgents shot, including 2 Draja Mihajlovic followers." Report for the 25th, "SERBIA: In Belgrade 23 arrests. At Mladenovac (50 km South Southeast of Belgrade) 2 German officers were seriously wounded in public by Communists' shots. The perpetrator shot herself while escaping. As preliminary reprisal 50 Communist suspects were shot......... In the area Southeast of Pozarevac 3 attacks on communities. During Bulgarian mopping up operations West of Nisch 87 insurgents were shot ....
MR. DENNEY: And that is the incident which was reported in the prior Exhibit No. 237, the report from the 704th Division. Your Honors will recall it; we had it in the last document. Report for the 27th of December, "Serbia: 11 arrests in Belgrade. 250 Draja Mihajlovic followers shot in reprisal for attack on members of Organization Todt."
Report for the 28th of December, "Serbia: 9 arrests in Belgrade, 2 well known Draja Mihajlovic leaders arrested by pursuit detachment and shot after interrogation. 35 reprisal prisoners (Draja Mihajlovic adherents) were shot. An attack with explosives on railway bridge 25 km North Northwest of Nisch was driven off. Sporadic attacks on communities.
MR. DENNEY: For the 29th of December, "Serbia: In Belgrade 10 arrests. Draja Mihajlovic radio station Belgrade seized. Head of Draja Mihajlovic Station's news service in Serbia arrested together with 4 insurgents; will be shot after interrogation." Now, coming to page 159 in the English and page 159 in the German, Document No. NOKW 1054, which is Prosecution's Exhibit No. 239. This is the report on the enemy situation on Crete, dated 3 November 1942, submitted by the 22nd Infantry Division.
"Estimate of Enemy Situation on Crete The Island of Crete, as seaplane tender in the Eastern Mediterranean Supply base for Africa, naturally continues to be a target of the English, and according to the situation in Africa its importance is more or less in the spotlight.
The main targets of the English are therefore:
1. The Air Fields, 2. The installations of the ports, 3. The supply roads to these installations.
Except for 1 air field, all installations are along tho North Coast of the Island and are therefore, in the first place, exposed to air raids. Larger attacks from the sea are at present rather unlikely, however, this does not preclude that disturbances by submarines and also larger Commando operations.
MR. DENNEY: And the attention of the Court is directed to the term "Commando operations", in connection with the Commando order, Document C-51, in this book, which is in evidence as Exhibit No. 225. "carried out by parachutists will not occur. The air raids of the adversary are in the first place directed against the air fields Iraklion, used as a jumping-off base for combat units to Egypt, and against Malemes, trans-loading point for supplying the Panzer army in Africa with troops and supplies. The other jumping-off bases, Kastelli and Timbakion have thus far been attacked only in a small measure. The installations of the ports Suda and Iraklion were attacked comparatively little and most of the time without success.
The above mentioned objectives will, in connection with the combats in Africa, continue to be important targets for the adversary.
In the activity of the adversary thus far, the following special cases are to be noted; the firing on several places of the North Coast by submarines and the attempt to land small detachments on the Island Kufonissi, off the Eastern part of Crete, and near Palaeochora, these attempts remain so far without success. Furthermore, the landing of a sabotage Commando by a submarine in the area East of Iraklion is noteworthy; this Commando seriously damaged in the night from the 13 to 14 June 42 on the air fields Iraklion a rather great number of planes partially, Four members of this Commando, 1 Major and 3 Gaulist soldiers (1 shot to death) were taken prisoners as they tried to reach the South Coast. One English Captain and 1 Greek Lieutenant were able to escape.
According to reports, leaflets, food packages as well as pieces of clothing are being dropped from planes in the Messara area and in the area southeast of Rethimnon. Landings of submarines in the Maricaki bay to fetch Englishmen who are on the Island and to leave agents and land arms and equipment have been confirmed. Also illegal ship traffic with Egypt by means of small sailing ships from various points of the South Coast has been reported by confidential agents.
Since the conquest of the Island, at the end of May 41, a large number of English soldiers are still at liberty on the Island, who in part had not yet been imprisoned and in part had escaped from imprisonment.
In the course of time, a great number has been seized by means of several fairly large operations, and other occasions such as surrender statement made by Greeks, etc. According to reports of confidential agents another number succeeded to get to Egypt by means of submarines and illegal sailboats. The number of English soldiers on the Island, outside of agents that have been landed by plane is not thought to be very high any longer and again the Court's attention is directed to the landing of agents by plane according to statements of English prisoners about 2 to 300. They stay in the mountains in the Western Part of the Islands, and in the area around the Ida Mountains. The support that was given to these Englishmen at times by the civilian population has diminished considerably as a result of the severe sentences. This has led to denunciations on the part of the inhabitants of the country or compelled Englishmen to surrender just because they lack this support. For the reasons mentioned above, one can count on the fact that the remainder will soon be apprehended. Due to foreign domination, that has lasted for centuries, and the combats against the oppressors, the population is accustomed to the possession and the use of arms, and it is therefore difficult for the population to part with them. Campaigns, searches and fixing dead lines, brought considerable amounts of arms to light. As however, it is certain, that before, every Cretan possessed a rifle, and that during the combat in the last year a part of the arms of the combatting parties went over into the possession of the population, it may be assumed, with a fair amount of certainty that there is still a considerable amount of arms in the possession of the population.
Robber bands and cattle thieves have always been a plaque to the population, and now too, these must continue to be tough with all available means. The main areas of the activity of these bands are:
1.) The area around the Ida mountain range, the Messara plain and the Asterusi mountain range which is situated South of it. In these mountain ranges several rather large bands of robbers (Panduwas, Satanas) render the country insecure.
It has been established that there is cooperation with the English. These bands are also responsible for the murder of persons friendly towards Germany, persons who in part were appointed mayors, in the area of the Messara plain, which occurred inside of four weeks in May and June of this year. Shooting of 12 hostages search of a whole series of villages held under suspicion, requisition of property belonging to Pandawas, arrest of his relatives, burning down of his house, offering of a reward for his head, evacuation of a broad strip of the Messara plain along the coast as far as the Italian sector, has brought about a considerable pacification in this area. According to reports of confidential agents Panduwas is said to have fled to Egypt. . . . . . . .
The cattle thieves are all equipped with firearms and continue to be a considerable plague to the population.
Comparatively few acts of sabotage have been committed up to now. Only in July and August of this year, a certain number occurred in the district Chania. So far a unified organization could not be proved. It is mostly sabotage of cables, evidently with the aim of obtaining precious metal to manufacture copper nails, copper sulfate to combat parasites of the wine plants, material for bandages and such. Only in very rare cases could the perpetrators be captured. Measures taken, such as contributions, guarding of the lines by the population, arrest of hostages, advancing hours of the curfew brought about a considerable pacification in this matter also.
Franc-tireurs: Right after the termination of the combats, a serie of reprisal measures were carried out due to the participation of the population in the battle against German troops, the murder of parachutists and the atrocities which had been committed. Later on after a careful preparation a rather large scale troop operation was conducted at the beginning of August and September 1942 in the Western part of the Island, that is, in the area Alikianu - Lakki - Prasses and the Omalos Plain. During these operations a fairly large number of Greeks were shot to death by court martial, because their participation in combat had been established.
The population consisted and still consists, for the greatest part of Venezilists, that is of elements, friendly towards England, which does not mean that in general German soldiers are not treated politely and with especially pronounced hospitality. The reason for this is found in the character of the people. The hope of a large part of the population for the return of the English, depends considerably on the situation of the war in Africa and has accordingly suffered in the various ups and downs in times gone by.
The sensible part of the population has however on account of the development of war events gradually given up this hope, whereas the other large part still under the influence of the "Whispering propaganda" and the enemy radio broadcasts, which they listen to in spite of its being forbidden. The bad food situation and incapacity of the Greek authorities to bring about a change (inflation) also contribute to a lack of improvement in the attitude towards the occupying power. Summing up, it may be said that larger actions of the population are hardly to be expected as long as an attack by the English does not occur with the purpose of reoccupying the Island from outside. The general tendency of the occupying power naturally is to achieve a general pacification of the country in every respect. Nevertheless, in view of the friendliness toward England described above, it is necessary to keep strict reserve when associating with the population. This refers especially to the maintenance of secrecy.
For the Division Command The 1st Officer of The General Staff Dr. LATERNSER:
Your Honor, I believe there has been a translation mistake here which might be of importance. On the last page of the document which has just been read, it says in the middle of the page, page 161 in the German and page 163 in the English document book, the English text says:
"A fairly large number of Greeks...." It is actually on page 163 of the English text, It says: "During these operations a fairly large number of Greeks were shot to death by court martial, because their participation in combat had been established." Oh, "Established". I have made a mistake. I withdraw my objection.
MR. DENNEY: The next document is to be inserted, your Honors. I don't know whether your Honors have it in your document book. It is NOKW -- no, I beg your pardon, this is one later.
The next document, is NOKW-132 which is at page 165 in the English and 162 in the German. This is offered as Prosecution's Exhibit 240. This is an order of the General Braeuer who is commanding the fortress at Crete and it is dated 3 November 1942 and the first reference is to the OKW order of 16 September 1941 which is their order No. 2060/41 which has already been placed in evidence as prosecution's exhibit 53 and it is to be found on page 57 of Document Book II, and your Honors will recall the Keitel order which was offered at that time. It is the order setting up the ratio of 50 to one for the reprisals. The second page of the order, "In such a case the death penalty for 50 to 100 Communists generally must be deemed appropriate as retaliation for the life of a German soldier."
O R D E R For the Combatting of Insurgent Movements I.
1.) The OKW has ordered that all insurrections of bands in all countries occupied by the German Wehrmacht including all seemingly minor individual incidents are to be blamed on an insurgent movement prepared by Moscow. In view of the many economic and political tensions in the occupied territories, that means in Crete also, one must also take into consideration that nationalists and other circles will ex ploit this opportunity in order to bring about difficulties for the German occupation Wehrmacht in connection with the Communist revolt.
2.) Measures taken up to now to counteract this general Communist insurgent movement have proved inadequate. As early as Fall 1941 the Fuehrer ordered severest measures to be employed to combat this movement. And that of course is referring to the Keitel order of 16 September.
3.) The following directions on procedure are to be followed:
a) Each incident of insurrection against the German Wehrmacht regardless of particular circumstances must be assumed to be a Communist origin.
b) In order to nip these intrigues in the bud the severest measures are to be applied immediately at their first instance in order to demonstrate the authority of the occupying power, and in order to prevent a wider development.
One must keep in mind that frequently a human life does not count for anything in the affected countries and a deterring effect can be achieved only by unusual severity. In such a case the death penalty for 50 to 100 Communists generally must be deemed appropriate as retaliation for the life of a German soldier and that language, it is submitted, is the same as the language in the Keitel order.
The manner of execution must increase the deterrent effect.
The opposite procedure of employing relatively mild punishment at first and being content with the threat of more severe measures as a deterrent is not in line with these principles and is therefore not to be applied.
c) Propagandistically it is to be underlined that a severe procedure rids the indigenous population of Communist elements, cattle thieves and other criminals and thus, will also benefit the population.
Consequently a clever propaganda of this kind will not lead to undesirable effects in the right thinking sections of the population following upon the increasing severity of measures against Communists and bandits.
d) The indigenous police generally will fail in the execution of such measures of force. That is why the troops themselves are to carry them out.
However, the cooperation of the population in combatting bandits is absolutely essential. Rewards and recompense for people deserving it are to be given liberally and in no picayune amounts.
They are to be real incentive. And on the other hand, the reprisal measures for any assistance to the bands must be the severer.
e) If in exceptional cases court martial proceedings are initiated in connection with insurrection, sabotage, etc., the severest punishment is indicated. Here only the death penalty can be a real deterrent agent. Especially must espionage activities, acts of sabotage, and attempts to join a foreign Wehrmacht always be punished with death. Also in cases of unauthorized possession of arms is the death sentence generally to be pronounced. Persons who are met with the weapon in hand or who are under suspicion of having participated in combat action must be shot to death.
f) Persons fleeing or committing an assault on a soldier with intent to kill are to be shot at immediately with live ammunition.
The men are to be trained again and again to hardness and ruthlessness. In this way only will the lives of German soldiers be spared.
II.
In carrying out the above policies the units are to proceed according to the following directions:
1.) The Winter ahead will compel the bands, etc., still in the mountains, to return to settled areas more than it was necessary in Summer. Mostly they will appear as harmless farmers and will not easily be recognized. To catch these bandits is the most important task of the units at the beginning of the Winter. Coincidentally all villages must be cleared of non-residents. For this purpose the population must be checked even now. The commandant of the fortress, Gr. Inn, will take the necessary steps. Greatest suspicion of the mayors is indicated.
However, our units, too, will find increased difficulties of terrain and of the weather in pursuing the bands.
2.) The units will take these facts into account:
a) By increased guard control of the isle,