v. Lotzen

CofS : Brig. Gen. Modl G-3 : Col. v. Witzleben

8th Army HQ: C-in-C: Gen. v. Bock CofS : Brig. Gen. Felber G-3 : Col. Hauffe

10th Army HQ: C-in-C: Gen. of Arty v. Reichenau CofS : Brig. Gen. Bernard G-3 : Col. Dostler

12th Army HQ: C-in-C: Gen. Ritter (for special duties) v. Leeb CofS : Maj. Gen. v. Lewinsky, known as v. Manstein G-3 : Lt. Col. Blumentritt

14th Army HQ: C-in-C: Gen. of Inf List CofS : Maj. Gen. Ruoff G-3 : Col. Wohler

* * * * *

[ITEM 28: _One Page Mobilization Schedule, not translated_]

* * * * *

Berlin, 21 Sept 1938

[ITEM 29] [_Typescript_]

Chief, OKW

If the Czech Government accepts terms:

_a._ Cession of Sudeten German territory

_b._ Plebiscite in Czech-German territories,

The following military measures are to be considered:

1. The withdrawal by the Czechs from this territory of troops, police and Gendarmerie and other military units.

2. The immediate surrender of arms in these territories.

3. The immediate surrender of all fortifications in the areas with all arms and equipment.

4. The immediate evacuation of fortifications by the military outside the above territories.

5. The withdrawal of all military power behind a security line, which will include the fortifications under (4).

6. The right of the German Wehrmacht to use all public transportation and communications, especially the railroads, for military purposes.

7. The right to fly over the above territories and to maintain Air security up to the security line.

8. The occupation of territories to be ceded including the adjoining railroad junctions, communications installations, towns, airfields, etc. inland beyond the last fortification line.

9. Pacification and security of the Plebiscite Areas by:

a. German Police (originally)

b. International Police (later for plebiscite)

10. Demobilization of the entire Czech armed forces in the remaining area of the country, discharge of all reserves, etc.

11. Immediate discharge of all Sudeten-Germans in the armed forces from the whole of Czechoslovakia to be sent home into Sudeten-Germany.

12. Closing down of entire armament industry until after the end of all negotiations.

13. _a._ Prohibition of any new fortifications and field fortifications opposite the security line.

_b._ Destruction of all existing fortifications which are situated beyond the future German borders.

14. Demand further cession of territory on military grounds, namely the Pressburg bridgehead, the area northwest of Pilsen, the Eger sector west of the Elbe to Laun.

15. Security line must be 25 km from the territory being ceded to Germany or the territory being put to the vote. (See number 5.)

16. Cessation, immediately, of all military Intelligence work against Germany. Violation will be considered breach of neutrality.

17. Immediate pardon and release of all Germans and Sudeten-Germans, convicted of espionage.

18. Transfer of all Czech Air Force personnel to their peace time garrisons and prohibiting of all military flying operations.

19. Prohibition of destruction or sabotage of any military installations, including ground installations of the Air Force, in the territories to be ceded.

20. The closing down and handing over to the German armed forces of all radio transmitters of a military, official or private nature in the areas to be ceded.

21. The handing over of all Railroad networks including rolling stock, undamaged.

22. The handing over of all Public Utilities (power houses, gas works, etc.) undamaged.

23. No materials of any kind to be transferred (such as raw materials, provisions, livestock, etc.).

24. Prohibition of import of war equipment of any kind.

25. Demobilization of Danube patrol and security vessels.

* * * * *

[ITEM 30] [_Typescript_]

Bayreuth 134 [Pencil note written by Schmundt:] Not sent off. Schm

26 September 1938

HEADQUARTERS OF THE SUDETEN-GERMAN FREE CORPS

Herr Benesch has dissolved the Sudeten-German Party and believes that he will thus be able to destroy the unity of the Sudeten-German radical group and to deal the death blow to the Sudeten-Germans. Konrad Henlein knew the answer to this. He issued a call on 17.9.38 for the formation of a Sudeten-German Free Corps. Within a few hours, thousands of Sudeten-Germans had already rallied to the colors all along the border. Thousands who were burning to fight for their tortured homeland were forced, to their great disappointment, to remain at their places of work, because it was impossible, in such a short period of time, to induct, equip and arm the masses of enthusiastic volunteers. For even in the first few hours after the appeal (probably the first instance in the history of the Free Corps) shock troops of the Free Corps began, in extremely daring operations, to secure the escape of their countrymen who had been hounded out of their homeland by their torturers.

Since 19 Sept.--in more than 300 missions--the Free Corps has executed its task with an amazing spirit of _attack_ (defense)* and with a willingness often reaching a degree of unqualified self-sacrifice. The result of the first phase of its activities: more than 1500 prisoners, 25 MG's and a large amount of other weapons and equipment, aside from serious losses in dead and wounded suffered by the _enemy_ (The Czech Terrorists).*

Thousands of members of the Sudeten-German Free Corps stand shoulder to shoulder on the frontiers of Germany. They are inspired by but one desire: The freedom of the homeland within Adolf Hitler's Greater Germany.

For Konrad Henlein The Chief of Staff

[*The superimposed corrections represent actual ink corrections on the original manuscript.]

* * * * *

[ITEM 31] [_Typescript_]

Adj to the Fuehrer [Note in pencil] 28/7 Schm. Supreme Command of the Armed Forces Berlin 27.9.1938

MOST SECRET 1920 hours. WFA/L No. 2305/38 Most Secret II 45 copies, 16th copy

The Fuehrer has approved the mobilization without warning of the five regular west divisions (26th, 34th, 36th, 32, and 35th). The Fuehrer and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces has expressly reserved the right to issue the order for employment in the fortification zone and the evacuation of this zone by workers of the Todt organization.

It is left to the OHK--to assemble as far as possible first of all the sections ready to march and subsequently the remaining sections of the divisions in marshalling areas behind the western fortifications.

CHIEF OF THE SUPREME COMMAND OF THE ARMED FORCES. Signed: Keitel

Distribution: II.

* * * * *

[ITEM 32] [_Typescript_] [Stamp] Office of the Armed Forces Adjutant attached To the Fuehrer and Reich Chancellor Recd. 3 Oct 1938 Reg. No. 259/38 Most Secret

[pencil note] Adjutant to the Fuehrer

Supreme Command of the Armed Forces No. 2288/38 Most Secret WFA/L II

MOST SECRET

Berlin, 27 Sept. 1938

Subject: Mobilization Measures

To: The Deputy Fuehrer, via Administrative Offices (J)

The Reischsfuehrer SS and Chief of German Police attn: S.S. Oberfuehrer Petri.

Express 47 copies, 18th copy

As a result of the political situation the Fuehrer and Chancellor has ordered mobilization measures for the Armed Forces, without the political situation being aggravated by issuing the mobilization (X) order or corresponding code-words.

Within the framework of these mobilization measures it is necessary for the Armed Forces authorities to issue demands to the various Party authorities and their organizations, which are connected with the previous issuing of the Mobilization order, the advance measures or special code names.

The special situation makes it necessary that these demands be met (even if the code word has not been previously issued) immediately and without being referred to higher authorities.

OKW requests that subordinate offices be given immediate instructions to this effect so that the mobilization of the Armed Forces can be carried out according to plan.

Following are several examples of cases where previous mobilization measures were delayed and a recurrence of which might seriously endanger the mobilization of the Armed Forces:

1. The SA in Wehrkreis XI refused to give up equipment requisitioned by the Armed Forces in accordance with mobilization regulations, because mobilization has not yet taken place.

2. Billets which were prepared for troops under mobilization regulations were not evacuated because mobilization has not taken place. (NSKK-School Kreischwitzsilesia).

3. Police authorities refused to give up Police Radio Stations for the A/C reporting network, although the A/C reporting service had already been called up.

The Supreme Command of the Armed Forces further requests that all measures not provided for in the plans which are undertaken by Party Organizations or Police units as a result of the political situation, be reported _in every case_ and _in plenty of time_ to the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces. Only then can it be guaranteed that these measures can be carried out in practice.

The Chief of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces. KEITEL

Further: Distribution II

* * * * *

[ITEM 33] [_Typescript_]

28.9.38

MOST SECRET MEMORANDUM

At 1300 September 27 the Fuehrer and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces ordered the movement of the assault units from their exercise areas to their jumping-off points.

The assault units (about 21 reinforced regiments, or 7 divisions,) must be ready to begin the action against "Gruen" on September 30, the decision having been made one day previously by 1200 noon.

This order was conveyed to General Keitel at 1320 through Major Schmundt.

[pencil note by Schmundt]

* * * * *

[ITEM 34] [_Typescript_]

[Stamp:] Office of the Armed Forces Adjutant Attached to the Fuehrer and Reich Chancellor

[initialled] Schm.

Recd: 3 October 1938 Req. No.: 261/38 Most Secret

Adj. to the Fuehrer Berlin, 28 Sept 38

Supreme Command of the Armed Forces, No. 2310/38 Most Secret L I a 45 copies, 16th copy

MOST SECRET

To define spheres of responsibility on the Cz-German frontier, the following orders are issued:

Through mobilization of the frontier guard (Grenzwacht) responsibility has shifted entirely on to the army, that is on to the competent general staff corps. All the units operating on the frontier are subordinate to them.

No new units of police, customs or party may be shifted into the immediate frontier area without the knowledge of the army headquarters concerned, nor may units already in the area be reinforced without such knowledge. In addition no one may cross the frontier without the knowledge of the army headquarters.

For the Henlein Free Corps and units subordinate to this the principle remains valid, that they receive instructions direct from the Fuehrer and that they carry out their operations only in conjunction with the competent general staff corps. The advance units of the Free Corps will have to report to the local commander of the frontier guard immediately before crossing the frontier.

Those units remaining forward of the frontier should--in their own interests--get into communication with the frontier guard as often as possible.

As soon as the army crosses the Cz border the Henlein Free Corps will be subordinate to the OKH. Thus it will be expedient to assign a sector to the Free Corps even now which can be fitted into the scheme of army boundaries later.

The frontier guard has orders only to protect the German frontier, and not to take part in operations on the other side of the border. Any support to the Free Corps by the frontier guards anywhere over the frontier is prohibited.

Chief of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces Keitel

Distribution II plus: Reich Minister of the Interior. Reich Finance Minister Deputy of the Fuehrer S.A. Hqs. Reichsfuehrer SS Reich Labour Service Free Corps Henlein (Oberstlt Koechling)

[The following 2 pages are an exact duplicate: Copy 33]

* * * * *

[ITEM 35] [_Typescript_]

[Stamp:] Office of the Armed Forces Adjutant Attached to the Fuehrer and Reich Chancellor (pencil noted: Adjutant to the Fuehrer)

Recd: 3 October 1938 Req. No: 262/39 Most Secret

Berlin, Sept. 28, 1938

Supreme Command of the Armed Forces No. 2315/38 Most Secret WFA/L II

MOST SECRET.

Re: Advance Measures Pertaining to Mobilization Plan (Army) Special Appendix 5

Following advance measures may be carried out:

On the Franco-German border (WEHRKREIS V and XII)

1. Special Group Siegfried, Kz9148--preparation of organization for the reception of refugees.

2. Special Group Siegfried, Kz9145--Preparation of employment of district offices and staffs of collecting areas for the discharging of reservists.

Chief of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces

(Signed) Keitel

Distribution II

* * * * *

[ITEM 36] [_Typescript_]

[Stamp:] Office of the Armed Forces Adjutant

Attached to the Fuehrer and Reich Chancellor

[pencil note:] Adjutant to the Fuehrer Schm.

Recd: 3 Oct. 1938 Req. No: 260/38 SECRET

Berlin, Sept. 28, 1938

Supreme Command of the Armed Forces. No. 2335/38 Most Secret WFA/L II

MOST SECRET

45 copies, 16th copy

Subject: 4 SS-Totenkopf Battalions subordinate to the C in C Army.

To: Reichsfuehrer SS and Chief of the German Police. (SS Central Office) (36 copies)

By order of the Supreme Command of the armed forces the following battalions of the SS Deaths Head organization will be under the command of the C in C Army with immediate effect.

II and III Bn. of the 2nd SS-Totenkopf Regiment Brandenburg, at present in Brieg (Upper Silesia)

I and II Bn. of the 3rd SS-Totenkopf Regiment Thuringia, at present in Radebeul and Kotzenbroda near Dresden.

C in C Army is requested to deploy these Bn's for the West (Upper Rhine), according to the Fuehrer's instructions.

These SS-Totenkopf units now operating in the Asch promontory (I and II Bn of Oberbayern Regiment) will come under the C in C Army only when they return to German Reich territory, or when the Army crosses the German-Cz. frontier.

It is requested that all further arrangements be made between C in C Army and Reichsfuehrer-SS. (SS Central Office)

For the Chief of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces.

Jodl

Further: Distribution II

* * * * *

[ITEM 37] [_Typescript_] L II b

28.9.38

MEMORANDUM

SA-General Herzog answers question of Adjutant's Office, Chief of Staff of the SA, 1600:

Reichsfuehrer SS, on the 26th of Sept., issued order to Chief of Staff of Sudeten German Free Corps, Ref. Diary 38/Most Secret, according to which the Volunteer Corps would come under the command of the Reichsfuehrer SS in case of German invasion of the Sudeten German territory.

The order was signed by Berger, SS-Colonel.

J. [initialled by Jodl]

* * * * *

[ITEM 38] [_Typescript_] [Stamp--as usual] Recd 3 Oct 1938 Req No. 263/38 MOST SECRET Supreme Command of the Armed Forces No. 2385/38. Most Secret. L I a

Adjutant to the Fuehrer Berlin 30.9.38 1600 hrs 120 Copies, 16th copy

MOST SECRET

Subject: Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces No. 2371/38 Most Secret. OKW/WFA L I a dated 30.9.38

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS NUMBER 2 TO DIRECTIVE NO I.

1. _Attachment of Henlein Free Corps_:

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces has just ordered that the Henlein Free Corps in its present composition be placed under command of Reichsfuehrer-SS and Chief of German Police.

It is, therefore, not at the immediate disposal of OKH as field unit for the invasion, but is to be later drawn in like the rest of the police forces for police duties in agreement with the Reichsfuehrer SS.

The instructions OKW No. 2310/38 Most Secret of the 28th Sept (last paragraph but one) and OKW No. 2371/38 Most Secret of Sept 30 are amended accordingly.

2. _Rate of Exchange for the Cz. Krone_:

The following rate of exchange will apply for all transactions and payments: 100 Cz. Kronen--10.00 Marks (1 Cz. Krone--10 Rpfg)

The Chief of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces

Keitel

Distribution III

and Special Distribution (including Henlein Free Corps and Reichsfuehrer SS through OKW/L II)

* * * * *

[ITEM 39] [_Typescript_] [Stamp:] Recd 3 Oct 1938 Req No 265/38 Most Secret

Adj. to the Fuehrer Berlin, 30 Sept 1938

The Fuehrer and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces OKW No. 2367/38 Most Secret WFA/L I A

MOST SECRET

60 copies, 16th copy

DIRECTIVE #1

Subject: Occupation of territory separated from Czechoslovakia.

1. The sectors separated from Czechoslovakia will be occupied by the Armed Forces as follows:

The sector marked I to be occupied on the 1st and 2nd of Oct, the sector marked II on Oct 2 and 3rd, the sector marked III on Oct. 3, 4 and 5, the sector marked IV on Oct. 6 and 7th. The remaining area up to Oct 10.

The extent of the area I-IV is shown on the attached map. The extent of the remaining areas will be announced later.

2. The Armed Forces will have the following tasks:

The present degree of mobilized preparedness is to be maintained completely, for the present also in the West. Order for the rescinding of measures taken is held over.

The entry is to be planned in such a way that it can easily be converted into operation "Gruen".

The depth of the territories to be occupied daily depends on the details of the evacuation, which are being settled by the international committee.

_a. Army_: First of all the following units are available for the invasion:

Training Bns. Motorized and Armoured Units Adolf Hitler SS Bodyguard Regiment I and II Bns of SS Deaths Head Regiment (Oberbayern) Henlein Free Corps All combat action on the part of the Free Corps must cease as from 1st October.

_b. Air Force_: Those ground installations (including supply and signal installations) situated in the separated areas are to be occupied immediately and prepared for the use of our own units. Flying units can be transferred if this becomes necessary for the _air_ defense of the territory yielded or for the possible switch to "Fall Gruen" in accordance with fig. 2. Flights over territory not yet cleared for occupation by German troops must be avoided at all costs. Flak must be assigned to those objectives which cannot be protected by Flak under the command of the Army.

3. Those units of the Armed Forces intended for the occupation of sector I must cross the former Czech-German frontier by 1200 noon Oct 1st.

4. Armed resistance in the area cleared for occupation must be broken. Czech soldiers and other armed personnel found within the sector are to be disarmed and taken prisoner. The boundary of the sector against the Czechs is not to be crossed under any circumstances. Hostile action against the Czechs on or beyond this boundary is to be avoided.

5. The conduct of the field units must be based on the realization that they are occupying a territory whose population, after being harassed for years, looks upon the German Armed Forces as Liberators.

6. The German frontier guard will remain on the former German-Czech frontier, as before.

7. The securing of the boundaries of the sectors against the area still in Czech hands is sole responsibility of the army.

For the Chief of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces

KEITEL

Distribution: III

[Attached map is not reproduced].

* * * * *

[ITEM 40] [_Typescript_] [Stamp:] Recd 3 Oct 1938 Req No. 264/38 Most Secret

Adj. to the Fuehrer Berlin, 30 Sept 1938

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces _OKW No. 2371/38, Most Secret, WFA/L I a_

MOST SECRET Special Orders No. 1 to Directive No. 1

Subject: Occupation of territory ceded by Cz.

1. _Operational Area of the Army_:

The area to be newly occupied will be at first an operational area of the Army. In it the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces will have full powers and authority to delegate these powers to the C-in-C's of the armies.

The Commanders exercising these full powers can publish laws, institute special courts and issue directives to offices valid for the operational area with the exception of the highest Reich authorities, the highest offices of the State of Prussia, and the executive board of the NSDAP. This authority to issue regulations has priority over regulations issued by other Superior authorities.

2. _Units under Command of Army_:

_a._ The units of the military SS (V.T.) and SS Totenkopf Regiments intended for the occupation of the sector remain under OKH control.

_b._ The Sudeten German Free Corps comes under the control of OKH. The Bn's of the Free Corps are to be employed in the direction of their native territory wherever possible. They retain their present armament. Provisioning to be guaranteed through the army Hqs. Members of the Free Corps do not come under the military penal code. The Hqs of the Free Corps, after occupation of territory III, is to be transferred from Bayreuth to Eger.

_c._ The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, in cooperation with Reichsfuehrer SS and at the request of Army Hqs will direct Police Forces and Gestapo forces for the support of Secret Field Police forces in the occupied areas. As required for Military Police duties, the Special Police (SdP) will be drawn in as much as possible.

3. _Taking over of Military Accommodation and RR Installations_:

_a._ All military installations, barracks and property will be turned over in the occupied Sudeten German territories _by OKH_ in so far as they were up to now the property of the Cz. army. _By OKL_ if they were property of the Cz. Air Force (including civil aviation.)

_b._ The Chief of Transport System will make arrangements with the Reich RR's regarding the taking over of rail installations.

4. _Signal Communications_:

_a._ The Army will be at liberty to use the postal communication facilities within the area to be occupied. Requirements of the Luftwaffe are to be assured through the Field Signal Units under the command of the OKH attached to the Army Hqs. Depending on the situation, the most important communication installations are to be put into operation as soon as possible, secured and screened against Cz.

Special emphasis must be laid on the effective silencing and confiscation of all transmitting installations. Official, private and permanent radio installations of the Cz army are to be secured through OKH, those of the Cz Air Force through OKL.

5. _Customs Frontier Guard_

After the crossing of the Reich frontier by the troops, the securing of the old frontier is the responsibility of the Customs Frontier Guard (Zollgrenzschutz); the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces will put the necessary personnel from the Frontier Guard at their disposal.

The customs regulation of the forward line of the area to be occupied, will be determined by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces in conjunction with the Inspector General of Customs. Liaison officials are still at the disposal of Corps Headquarters acc. to #16 of the regulations governing the VGAD. Shipments to Wehrmacht offices as well as members of the Wehrmacht are not subject to customs regulations.

6. _Application of Laws_:

_a._ Compensation laws are to be employed on both sides of the border. Public buildings are to be used mainly for billets. Requisitioned articles do not become the property of the armed forces. Compensation for services rendered in cash (German currency).

_b._ Special regulations will be issued with regard to the introduction of the German Penal Code in the occupied areas.

7. _Mobilization Measures among Civilian Population_:

Mobilization measures will not be taken among civilian personnel. But all authorities have been asked to carry out quickly demands made by armed force authorities.

The following measures are especially requested in order to guarantee the tasks of the armed forces.

_a._ Reichs Postal Ministry

Securing of direct tele-communications in the areas Breslau, Dresden, Wuerzburg, Nurnberg, Munchen, Vienna, Berlin. Establishing of Special Emergency networks. Furnishing of items to the armed forces to whatever degree they may be required. (Compare, Mobilization Book (Z) Section IX No. 3501, 3503, 3532). Fulfilling staff requirements as regards the restoring of signal networks in occupied areas.

_b._ Ministry of Propaganda:

Dispatch of commissioners to the chiefs of civil administration in the operational area. Prohibition of publication of military news of any kind in the press (compare Mobilization Book (Z) Part V No. 1758 and 1600).

8. _Organizations of the Party_:

The Fuehrer's Deputy has been asked to inform the party organizations that OKH must furnish permission if party units are to be brought into the Sudeten area.

9. _Economic Directives_:

Any confiscation of values or balances at credit institutions (Kredit instituten) in the Sudeten German area is prohibited. Requisitioning is also prohibited. Supplying of the armed forces with food, forage and fuel is to be carried out from the Reich. The following rate of exchange applies for all transactions and payments: _100 Cz. kronen = 9.00 RM (1 Cz. Kr = 9 Rpfg)_ [the underlined crossed out.]

[pencil note: will be published this afternoon]

10. _Payment of the armed forces_

For the parts of the armed forces operating, pay as applicable in accordance with the peacetime regulations for large-scale maneuvers will go into effect after leaving garrisons or assembly areas. All additional costs arising through the operation are to be deleted under