Nazi conspiracy and aggression, Volume 03 (of 11)
d. Deputy of the Fuehrer, Attention SS-Oberfuehrer Knoblauch or acting
deputy.
e. Reichsfuehrer SS and Chief of the German Police, Attention SS-Untersturmfuehrer Reg.Rat Dr. Tanzmann or acting deputy.
to 2 Duplicate for taking note of. [In long hand:] Dr. Kriege V a 146/38/1 Encl. (2 dupl) Duplicate to file E 26
* * * * *
The first possibility, the establishment of the legal invalidity of the Austrian Concordat, has in its favor, as ably shown by you, that a moral condemnation of the past system in Austria is brought about. This system seized the power without a mandate of the Austrian people and concluded the concordat without authorization on the part of the Austrian people. Further, I don't think, that we have to fear the effects upon the Saarland, which you indicated. However, it seems to me of the utmost importance, that the treaties, concluded by Austria with other states, have not been concluded under similar circumstances; therefore these states do not have to fear similar consequences, a fact, which should be pointed out at the time of the declaration of the invalidity of the Austrian concordat.
However, I think it advisable, to refer while dealing with the Curia, especially since this point of view was also advocated by Pope Benedict XV in his statement of November 21, 1921, before the Secret Consistory (Geheimkonsistorium).
I also take the position that Austria is without any concordat after the establishment of the invalidity of the Austrian concordat. I do not consider an extension of the Reich-concordat to Austria appropriate from the point of view of my office.
By authority of the State Secretary.
Signed KUNISCH Certified: [signature illegible] Verwaltungssekretaer
* * * * *
19 May 1938
1. Minister of Education, signed Kunisch, May 17, secret, sends copy of his letter of May 17th to the Minister of the Interior, concerning the Concordat between the Holy See and the Republic of Austria.
I agree with your concept as far as results are concerned.
The Austrian Concordat is devoid of legal validity, since it was not concluded in an orderly fashion and in accordance with the constitution, as apparent from your explanations. However, I shall have to differ with you on the point that the contract is not merely invalid "ex nunc" (from now on) but "ex tunc", i.e., from the very beginning. The necessity arises therewith to sanction retroactively all legal acts executed by reason of the Concordat till the date when invalidity of the Austrian Concordat was proven.
Entering upon the two possibilities explained by you, the Austrian Concordat would therefore be invalid "ex tunc", as far as your first case and also mine is concerned from the very beginning, and in the second case as of 13 March 1938. In both cases the need arises on the basis of judicial-political considerations for retroactive sanction of legal acts executed in the meantime.
The first possibility, the proof of the constitutional invalidity of the Austrian Concordat, carries a moral condemnation of the former system in Austria, as you have explained so fittingly: a system that without the mandate of the Austrian people had usurped the power of state and concluded a Concordat without the official approval (legitimation) of the Austrian people. I should add, that I have no fear of possible conclusions a posteriori concerning the Saar-District, which you have mentioned. I consider it of highest importance that other treaties concluded with other States by Austria were not made under similar circumstances, thus those States had no reason to fear similar repercussions for themselves, a fact which should be emphasized immediately upon presentation of proof of the invalidity of the Austrian Concordat.
However, I consider it correct procedure, that we should assist the Curia (Kurie) by showing them the second possibility, specially that this conception was advocated by Pope Benedictus XV in his declaration of 21 November 1921 before the Secret Consistorium.
I also support the viewpoint that after proof has been presented of the invalidity of the Austrian Concordat, Austria will be free of concordats. An extension of the Reich Concordat to include Austria I would not consider advisable or within the interest of my sphere of competence.
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 682-PS
DISCUSSION OF THIERACK WITH DR. GOEBBELS ON SEPT. 14, 1942 IN BERLIN
1--2.15 p.m.
2. With regard to the destruction of asocial life, Dr. Goebbels is of the opinion that the following groups should be exterminated: Jews and gypsies unconditionally, Poles who have to serve 3-4 years of penal servitude, and Czechs and Germans who are sentenced to death or penal servitude for life or to security custody [Sicherungsvorwahrung] for life. The idea of exterminating them by labor is the best. For the rest however, except in the aforementioned cases, every case has to be dealt with individually. In this case, of course, Czechs and Germans have to be differently judged. There may be cases where a German sentenced to 15 years of penal servitude is not to be considered asocial, but in contrast to this a person sentenced to penal servitude up to 8 years may be.
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 686-PS
Copy to RK 26272 B
Decree of the Fuehrer and Reichs Chancellor to strengthen German folkdom
Oct 7th 1939.
The consequences of the Versailles Treaty have been removed in Europe. Now the Greater German Reich has the possibility of admitting into its territory, Germans who had to live abroad, and to resettle them, and to arrange the settlement of the groups of people, within her sphere of interest, in a way that there will be better distinction between them. I entrust the Reichsfuehrer SS with the execution of this task according to the following regulations:
I
The Reichsfuehrer SS has the obligation in accordance with my directives:
1. to bring back for final return into the Reich all German nationals and racial Germans in the foreign countries;
2. to eliminate the harmful influence of such alien parts of the population, which represent a danger to the Reich and German folk community;
3. the forming of new German settlements by resettling and in particular by settling of the returning German citizens and racial Germans from abroad.
The Reichsfuehrer SS is authorized to take all necessary general and administrative measures for the execution of this obligation.
The Reichsfuehrer SS can assign certain living areas to the parts of the population in question in order to execute the tasks given to him in Article I, No. 2.
II
In the occupied former Polish territories the Administration Chief of the East [Verwaltungschef Ober-Ost] carries out the tasks assigned to the Reichsfuehrer SS according to the latter's general orders. The Verwaltungschef Ober-Ost and the subordinated chiefs of administration of the military districts are responsible for the execution. Then measures have to be adjusted to the requirements of the military leadership.
Persons who are furnished special orders in execution of this task, are not subject to military jurisdiction in that respect.
III
The tasks assigned to the Reichsfuehrer SS, so far as the reorganization of German farmers is concerned will be executed by the Reich Minister for Nutrition and Agriculture following the general directives of the Reichsfuehrer SS.
Otherwise the Reichsfuehrer SS will make use, within the territory of the German Reich, for the execution of his task of the existing authorities and institutions of the Reich, the states and the communities as well as all other public institutions and the existing settlement societies.
In case an agreement required by law and administrative organization cannot be reached about a measure to be taken, between the Reichsfuehrer SS and the competent higher Reichs-authority in the operational territory of the Oberbefehlshaber des Heeres, my decision has to be sought through the Reich Minister and the Chief of the Reich Chancellory.
IV
Negotiations with foreign governments and other authorities as well as with racial Germans, as long as they are still abroad, will be conducted in cooperation with the Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs [Reichsminister des Auswaertigen].
V
If land is required for the settlement within Germany of returning German citizens and racial Germans the law on providing land for purposes of the army of March 29th, 1935 (Reichsgesetzblatt I page 467) and its executive regulations will be applied to provide the necessary land. The tasks of the Reich agency for providing land [Reichsstelle fuer Landbeschaffung] will be taken over by the agency designated by the Reichsfuehrer SS.
VI
The Reichsminister for Finance will provide the Reichsfuehrer SS with the necessary means for the execution of the measures.
Berlin 7 October 1939 The Fuehrer and Reichschancellor signed: Adolf Hitler. The Chairman of the Council of Ministers for all Defenses of the Reich signed: Goering General Field Marshal The Reich Minister and the Chief of the Reich Chancellery signed: Dr. Lammers The Chief of the High Command of the Armed Forces signed: Keitel.
* * * * *
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 695-PS
SECRET
Copy
Berlin--Schoeneberg Badensche Strasse 51, March 24, 1942 Armed forces high command z 2f 24. 73 AWA/prisoners of war [general?] (Ia), p. 389/428 Reference:
_a._ armed forces high command/prisoners of war No. 3058/41 g of September 1941.
_b._ armed forces high command/prisoners of war No. 3624/41 g of November 2, 1941.
1. Treatment of Soviet prisoners of war.
The necessity of increased use of the labor of Soviet prisoners of war necessitates a new regulation of their treatment. The statutes in reference to this matter are repealed, and the following regulation is in effect in the future for the treatment of Soviet prisoners of war:
_A. Treatment of Soviet Prisoners of War in General_
Bolshevism is the mortal enemy of National Socialist Germany. The Soviet soldier must on principle be considered a carrier of Bolshevism. Therefore it answers political necessity and the authority and dignity of the German armed forces, for every German soldier to keep his distance from the Soviet prisoners of war.
With cool and correct treatment, avoidance of violence and insults, and protection from public curiosity, the work done by the Soviet prisoners of war can be increased. It is forbidden to carry out retaliatory measures against them.
On the other hand, any attempted fraternization is to be rejected. Even the public must at all times be aware of the feeling of pride and superiority of the German soldier detailed to guard Soviet prisoners of war.
Ruthless and energetic action in cases of uncooperativeness, refusal to work, and negligence in work, especially toward Bolshevist agitators, is to be ordered; insubordination or active resistance must be completely removed _immediately_ with a weapon (bayonet, gun-butt, or firearm, no sticks). The decree concerning use of arms by the armed forces is to be interpreted strictly. Whoever does not use his weapon or does not use it energetically enough in seeing that an order is carried out is liable to punishment (see [volume?] VI, 12). Notation: also page 8).
2. _All traffic between the Soviet prisoners of war and the civilian population is to be prevented._ Special attention is to be given to the separation of the captured officers, which has in general already been carried out by the field army, in the territory of the armed forces commanders and in the Reich territory; especially since Soviet officers for understandable reasons frequently pass themselves off as enlisted men. Any communication between the Soviet officers and men, even by signs, must be made impossible. (see [volume?] V).
3. A _camp police corps_ is to be formed within the camps and the larger labor details of suitable Soviet prisoners of war. This police corps will be appointed and supervised by commandants to keep order and maintain discipline.
_B. Individual Instructions_
I. _Food and clothing_:
4. According to principle all prisoners of war receive equal treatment. In regard to the feeding of Soviet prisoners of war, however, the rates established in the armed forces high command statute Az. 62 f Va/AG V III/V 3 (V d) of February 27, 1942, is in effect in the home war area.
If the food is prepared without loss of food value and if the distribution times are sensibly spaced throughout the day, these food rations are adequate to feed the prisoners of war. Points to be especially considered in preparing food are contained in the "Collection of orders No. 11".
Especially in winter, the food is to be served warm if possible and is to be distributed as often as possible during the day. The contractors should distribute warm food not only after work but also in pauses in the work. The suitable feeding of the Soviet prisoners of war is especially important, since their physical efficiency is low, partly as a result of years of undernourishment, partly as a result of food difficulties in the Soviet army and as a result of war events.
Since the prisoners of war recover more easily on individual fare outside the camps than on mass feeding in the camps, it is recommended that Soviet prisoners be put to work even if they are not yet completely fit for work. Full achievement cannot, of course, be expected in that case (compare army high command of 19 February 1942, Az. 2f 24. 17 b prisoners of war Org. (III b) No. 678/42).
As far as possible, foreign _tobacco_ goods will be made available for Soviet prisoners of war in the camps. German tobacco is not to be given to Soviet prisoners of war.
The matter of _clothing_ was settled by decree army high command Az. 2f 24. 23a prisoners of war (II, 2) No. 5632/41 of 22 August 1941. According to this, the clothing debit of the Soviets corresponds to that of the other prisoners of war.
II. _Work_:
5. As a result of the general labor situation, the employment of the Soviet prisoners of war, including officers, derives decisive significance. In principle it is permitted everywhere, unless there are objections for reasons of defense in individual cases. (Compare enclosed statute Az. 2f 24. 17 b, chief of prisoners of war [organization?] III b No. 1474/42 of 1 April 1942, and No. 1396/42 of 9 April 1942)
In general labor columns of at least 20 men are to be provided for. In _industrial_ economy, however, it is permissible in cases of urgent business necessity to use smaller labor details down to 5 men in various departments of the * * * concern, even in "protected" concerns. However, in such cases the employment of smaller groups requires the special approval of the competent defense post and of the armament command. A prerequisite is the presence of an adequate number of reliable foremen who have been investigated in regard to defense as "auxiliary guards".
The employment of officers requires the special approval of the army high command in each case.
The responsibility for the orderly employment of the Soviet prisoners of war in the Reich rests exclusively on the bureaus ordering their employment:
_a._ Armed forces high command, chief of prisoners of war affairs;
_b._ Reich minister for armament and munitions;
_c._ General plenipotentiary for the labor supply in the four-year plan.
The borrowing of Soviet prisoners of war is regulated for the Reich by statute Az. 2f 24. 27a prisoners of war (II, 2) No. 6999/41 of 29 September 1941, and supplementary statutes:
Az. 2f 24. 27a prisoners of war (II,2) No. 7645/41 of 23 October 1941
Az. 2f 24. 27a prisoners of war (II,2) No. 8218/41 of 14 November 1941
Az. 2f 24. 27a prisoners of war (II,2) No. 9170/41 of 22 December 1941
Az. 2f 24. 17s prisoners of war (I,5) No. 8102/41 of 22 December 1941
Az. 2f 24. 17s prisoners of war [org.?] (III b) No. 512/42 of 18 February 1942
and for the territories of Ostland (Baltic countries and White Russia) and the Ukraine by statute armed forces high command Az. 2f 24. 17s prisoners of war [organization?]
(III b) No. 463/42 of 29 January 1942. For the rest of the eastern territories and the Gouvernement General the following decrees are in effect:
Army high command/general staff of the army/ general quarters/ IVa (III,2) Az. 961/42 No. I/ 5784/42 of 12 January 1942
Army high command/ general staff of the army general quarters/ IVa (III,2) Az. 961/42 No. I/ 5784/42 of 4 February 1942.
The employment and work of the Soviet prisoners of war are to be under the strictest control. Strong measures are to be taken in any case of refusal to work.
Poor or mediocre work not due to weak constitution, exhaustion, physical condition, or a similar cause must immediately incur appropriate punishment.
III. _Free time_:
6. Musical instruments can be obtained and distributed. Arts and crafts in the sense of statute AZ. 2f 24. 72g prisoners of war Ch 2 No. 5671/41 of 9 August 1941 are to be encouraged.
They are not forbidden to organize religious services among themselves, whether _by captured priests of the camp_ or by laymen. Spiritual consolation for the dying as well as the presence of a captured priest or lay-priest at burials are permitted. (see VIII).
It is forbidden to bring in members of the clergy who are not prisoners of war. No religious writings may be distributed.
IV. _Treatment of minorities_:
7. Special orders are issued according to need regarding the majority of the peoples among the Soviet prisoners of war; as far as such orders have been issued, they remain fully in effect.
_For all members of the most important Soviet minorities_
_a._ The delivery of musical instruments (balalaika, etc.)
_b._ The supplying of well-heated rooms during the winter months;
_c._ The supplying of appropriate literature chosen in agreement with armed forces high command/WFST/A Pr and armed forces high command/A Qusl Abw/Abw are permitted. The camp funds which have been accumulated by Soviet prisoners of war are available for necessary procurement.
The extent to which special food and a better tobacco supply are to be granted is determined in special orders.
_d._ An available barracks room is if possible to be placed at the disposal of the _Mohammedan_ prisoners of war, where half-hour prayer sessions may be held several times a day.
_e._ In addition they are to be permitted to select a Mullah or Iman (priest).
V. _Separation of prisoners of war and civilians of the Eastern campaign_:
8. _Deserters_: The peculiar circumstances of the Eastern campaign in many cases made it impossible to guarantee the special consideration in captivity promised to deserters. The result of this fact on the Soviet front has made itself felt in a most undesirable way, through Soviet prisoners of war who have escaped and managed to reach their homes. The German troops on the Eastern front have now been instructed, therefore, to give every _deserter_ a certificate that he has surrendered voluntarily and that special treatment in captivity was promised him.
For the most part, the deserters will be employed with the troops. When they are sent to the armed forces commanders and to the Reich, however, they are to retain their deserter certificates.
They are to be given preferential treatment in billeting in the camp, in feeding, and in the assignment of work places. It is urgently desired that they be kept together, segregated from the other Soviet prisoners of war, in labor commands.
9. For the segregation of Soviet prisoners of war and the civilians present in the camps, the following is in effect, besides the division by nationalities in the prisoners of war camps, according to figure IV:
To be segregated:
_a._ Politically undesirable persons,
_b._ Officers,
_c._ Politically harmless persons,
_d._ Politically especially reliable persons (who can be used in the reconstruction of the occupied territories).
10. While the first _separation_ according to figure 9 is undertaken, as far as possible, by the camp organs themselves, the Reichsfuehrer SS makes _special details of the security police and the security service_ available to segregate the Soviet prisoners of war by their political attitude. They are directly under the chief of the security police and of the security service and have been especially trained for their special task. They take their measures and make their inquiries _before_ the Soviet prisoners of war are put to work within the framework of the camp order, according to directives which they have received from the chief of the security police and the security service.
The special details are instructed to work in the closest cooperation with the commandants, and especially with their defense officers. If the Soviet prisoners of war are put to work _without_ previous examination in exceptional cases because of the necessity for hastened commitment of labor the special details of the security police and the security service will undertake the _segregation_ at the place of the labor detail. The head of the labor detail and, if the occasion arises, the contractor will be consulted before the segregation in doubtful cases. The special details will then request of the prisoner of war camps the surrender of those Soviet prisoners of war who are then claimed. The approval of the chiefs of the security police and the security service in Berlin is to be submitted to the camp commandants. The request for surrender of the prisoners is then to be met.
Prisoners of war who are put to work after investigation are to be constantly watched by the guards in regard to their sentiments. If in time a Soviet prisoner of war proves himself to be unreliable, he is first to be turned over to the prisoner of war camp which will take care of turning him in to the security service if the occasion arises.
If on the basis of the decree armed forces high command Az. 2f 24. 17b prisoners of war [organisation?] (II b) No. 678/42 of 19 February 1942, Soviet prisoners of war who are not fully capable of working are given special fare in order that they may gradually be made fully capable of working, the contractor is to receive full compensation if for political reasons it becomes necessary to turn them over to the security service.
11. _Further treatment of the groups segregated under figure 9_:
_a. Military personnel_: Military personnel includes those soldiers who were captured in civilian clothes. Concerning those segregated as "politically undesirable elements" (see figure 9).
_Officers_ will not always but sometimes be subject to segregation as "politically undesirable persons".
Should individuals first considered undesirable later prove to be _trustworthy_, they will, as far as they had already been turned over, be transferred to the labor details assigned to the Reichsfuehrer SS or to the nearest prisoner of war camp or officers camp.
_b. Civilians_: Concerning undesirable persons see figure 10. As far as they are not politically dangerous, their prompt return to the occupied territory is to be desired, except insofar as they do not volunteer for further work in Germany as civilian workers. The competent armed forces commander (or the commander of the army rear area) with the approval of the competent bureau of the chiefs of the security police and the security service, determines the time for possible return. A prerequisite for return is a guarantee of work at home in labor formations which are to be specially set up. The armed forces commander (or the commander of the army rear area) is responsible for guarding during the return journey. If possible the command posts are to supply escort details.
_c. Politically especially reliable persons_ (_see 9d_) are to be used for the segregation of politically undesirables and for work in the camp administration. (Racial Germans are especially pointed out; however, one must figure, that even among them there are elements, who must be considered "politically undesirable".)
Since the Reichsfuehrer SS for his own purposes must rely in the occupied territories on the conscription of natives, the conscription command will request from the ranks of the Soviet prisoners of war especially trustworthy persons for use and reconstruction in the occupied territory. Such requests for release by the conscription command of the security police and the SD are to be reported to the supreme command armed forces.
VI. _Procedure in case of escapes or punishable acts_:
12. Escaping Soviet prisoners of war are to be shot immediately _without previous warning_. Proclamation on the bulletin board and during roll call is necessary. Contrary directives of H Dv 38/11, Page 13, etc., are rescinded thus far.
No warning shots are to be fired. On the other hand, arbitrary use of firearms is forbidden. If a Soviet prisoner of war is shot by a guard, for the purpose of keeping up discipline and to prevent unjustified shooting, in every case a short description of the happening is to be presented to the camp commandant with the following details:
_a._ Whether anything is to be done.
_b._ Whether action appears necessary for disciplinary reasons.
_c._ Whether a report of the facts will be submitted.
13. The following order, published in the armed forces regulation, remains in force:
It is the duty of all soldiers to watch for every unguarded Soviet prisoner of war, to arrest him, and to deliver him to the nearest police station. If a prisoner of war camp is in the immediate vicinity, the prisoner of war is to be delivered there.
OKW Az 2f 24. 19m AWA/prisoner of war (I, 6) of 29 Oct 1941.
Civilians, as well as prisoners of war of other nations, who return escaping Soviet prisoners of war may be rewarded.
Compare:
OKW AZ 2f 24.20 PWs (II) No 4493/40 of 11 Dec. 40 OKW Az 2f 24.20a PWs (112) No 3572/41 of 26 May 41 OKW Az 2f 24.20a PWs (112) No. 8162/41 of 12 Nov 41
14. The recaptured Soviet prisoners of war, even if they were delivered to police stations, must be turned over by them to the nearest prisoner of war camp. Considering the danger of spotted fever, isolation is necessary.
The camp commandant must find out in every individual case the cause for escape. If the reason for the escape is only the longing for his family or hunger, and if the PW has not committed any crimes during his flight, then he is to be disciplined by the camp commandant and to be returned to work.
15. If a Soviet prisoner of war commits in camp on another prisoner of war murder, manslaughter or another crime, for which there is no punitive regulation in the German criminal code, which however demands the most severe punishment (for instance cannibalism, to bring about incapability to work by self-mutilation), then the criminal is to be turned over to the secret state police [Gestapo]. Also in the case of other crimes by a Soviet prisoner of war (for instance during flight), the camp commandant must turn over the criminal to the secret state police unless he is convinced a disciplinary measure or the judicial punishment which is to be expected after interview with the judge of the competent army court is sufficient to retain the discipline of the camp. Punishment for disobedience is only possible if the prisoner of war disobeys a _distinct_ order, given to _him_ and understood by _him_.
16. In the case of every transfer to the secret state police the prisoner of war is to be discharged from captivity, and the transfer is to be reported to the armed forces information bureau if a registration has already taken place.
VII. _Funerals_:
The following shall apply to funerals of deceased prisoners of war:
1. Funerals are to take place unobtrusively and in a simple manner. Treatment in the press radio or motion pictures is prohibited.
2. A German military delegation will not be provided. Participation by comrades of the deceased, who belong to the same prisoner of war enclosure is permitted. Civilians may not participate.
3. Gun salute will not be given.
4. Wreaths of Soviet prisoners, may, if allowed, only carry black or white ribbons; no wreath may be deposited by Germans.
5. Clergymen or their helpers may participate if they belong to the camp itself; in the case of Mohammedans, religious servants may be brought in if it is possible without special effort.
6. Coffins are prescribed; however each corpse (without clothes, if those are still in any way usable) is to be wrapped in strong paper or otherwise appropriate material.
In the mass graves, the corpses are to be placed next to each other at a depth of the grave, usual at the locality, and they are to be equipped with an identification tag as always, so that it can be determined later on, with the aid of a card file, which corpses are concerned.
7. In cemeteries, the graves are to be kept separate or at a proper distance from other graves; in camp cemeteries, the sequence of graves of other prisoners of war may not be disturbed.
8. If it is possible with special effort, cremation is permitted. In this case also, the camp must keep lists. However, corpses of Mohammedans must be interred in any case, and with the head facing East, the face South.
9. On the "Interment of corpses of Soviet prisoners of war by the communities", the decree IV e 10363/41, 3991 of 27 Oct 41 has been forwarded to them by the Reichsminister of the Interior.
10. The regulation, OKW Az. 29k AWA/W Allg. (II) No. 4470/41 of 29 July 41 on "Funerals for enemy military personnel, deceased or killed in action," will be synchronized in section D with the above regulation.
_Distribution_:
Armed Forces Command: I (21), II (21), III (22), IV (40), V (23), VI (26), VII (16), VIII (31), IX (25), X (17), XI (13), XIII (15), XII (18), XVII (13), XX (12), XXI (19),
with additional copies for: officer prisoner of war camps Base prisoner of war camps Interment camps Prisoner of war construction and work battalions Reserve hospitals (Prisoner of War) A S T E N (Branches?) Service command doctors Service command chaplains 345 Service Command administration with additional copies for the finance officers 34 Reichsminister for air and Airforce Supreme Commander/ LWEHR E with additional copies 40 Naval Supreme Command/N WEHR I with additional copies. For camp navy stations and finance officers 4 Armed forces commander OSTLAND, RIGA 1 Commander of prisoner of war with the armed forces commander Ukraine, ROWNO 1 Military commander of the Government General with 1 additional copy for each the chief quartermaster and the administration 4 Commander of prisoners of war in the Government General, Lublin 1 Armed forces commander, Norway Headquarters OSLO 1 Armed Forces Commander Norway Headquarters Finland 1
_By communications_:
Foreign office 1 Reichsminister for occupied Eastern territories 1 Inspector General for German roads 1 Inspector General for the Reich Capital 1 Reichsfuehrer SS and Chief of German police 1 SS Regulations administration in the SS High Command Berlin-Wilmersdorf, Kaiserallee 188 1 Plenipotentiary general for labor allocation in the Four Year Plan 1 Reichsminister for labor 1 Reichsminister for nutrition and agriculture 1 Reichsministry for Economy 1 Reichsministry for Interior 1 Reichsminister for church affairs, Berlin W 8, Leipziger Str. 3 1 The German General with the High Command of the Rumanian armed forces 3 Army high Command/ General Staff of the army/ Quartermaster General 1 Army administrator 1 Chief of the Army armament and Commander of the replacement army/VA (V I, V 9) 3 (V II, V 6) 1 (V, II, V 2) 1
For Army: officers (VII, V 10) 5 forestry (VII, V 3) 1 (V IV, V 4) 1 (V IV, V 7) 1 AHA/Staff 1 /AgEH/ Gr S 1 /Clothing 1 /S In 1 OKW/WFST/ Deputy Chief WFST 1 /Foreign 1 /C I II 1 /C I III 1 OKW/WR 1 /AWA/20 V Chief OKW 1 /Inspect of Prisoners of war 1 /T 1 /W Allg. 1 V A. OKW/Prisoners of War Major von Rosenberg, Paris 1 AWA/Prisoner of War Organisation 1 Ing. course Base camps II D Stargar 1 Reserve 68 ------ = 550 New Reserve (copies) 300 ------ 850
By order of the Chief, Supreme Command Armed Forces (OKW) /s/ REINECKE [Rubber stamp]: Certified v. Graevenitz Generalmajor
[in ink]
Certifying above copy Koerner (?) Captain
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 699-PS
Berlin W 8, August 25 39 Unter den Linden 13
Reich Minister Walter Funk
MY FUEHRER!
Let me thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart for the good wishes you sent me for my birthday in such a friendly and kind manner. How happy and thankful we have to be to you that we are allowed to see these overwhelmingly great and world-shaking times and be able to cooperate in the mighty events of these days.
The information transmitted to me by Field Marshal Goering that you, my Fuehrer, have in principal approved last night the measures prepared by me for the financing of the war and for the shaping of wage and price conditions, and of the carrying out of an emergency sacrifice has made me extremely happy. Herewith I report most obediently that by the careful forethought of the last few months I succeeded in making the German Reichsbank so strong internally, so unassailable from the outside, that even the heaviest shocks of the international finance and credit system cannot touch us in any way. Meanwhile, I have quite inconspicuously transferred into gold all assets in any way available of the Reich Bank and the whole Germany economy abroad. Through the suggestions I have worked out to keep down ruthlessly any non-vital consumption and any public expenses and tasks of no importance to the war. We will be in a position to satisfy all demands to be made on the finances and economy without any serious shocks.
As the plenipotentiary general for economical affairs, called upon by you, my Fuehrer, I thought it my duty in this hour to submit this report and this vow.
Heil my Fuehrer WALTHER FUNK
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 701-PS
The Reich Minister of Justice 4410 b-Vs 1 379/43 g Berlin W 8, Wilhelmstrasse 65 1 April 1943 Telephone 11 00 44 Long Distance 11 65 16
To The Public Prosecutors of the Courts of Appeal,
To the Commissioner of the Reich Minister of Justice for the penal camps in Emsland.
_PAPENBURG_ (_Ems_)
Regarding: Poles and Jews who are released from the penal institutions of the Department of Justice.
Instructions for the independent penal institutions.
1. With reference to the new guiding principles for the application of Article 1, Section _2_ of the decree of 11 June 1940 (Reich Legal Gazette I S. 877)--attachment I of the decree (RV) of 27 January 1943--9133/2 enclosure I-III a_2_ 2629--the Reich Chief Security Office has directed by the decree of 11 March 1943--II A 2 number 100/43--176:
_a._ Jews, who in accordance with number VI of the guiding principles, are released from a penal institution, are to be taken by the State Police (Chief) Office competent for the district in which the penal institution is located, for the rest of their lives to the concentration camps Auschwitz or Lublin in accordance with the regulations for protective custody that have been issued.
The same applies to Jews who in the future are released from a penal institution after serving a sentence of confinement.
_b._ Poles, who in accordance with number VI of the guiding principles are released from a penal institution, are to be taken by the State Police (Chief) Office competent for the district in which the penal institution is located, for the duration of the war to a concentration camp in accordance with the regulations on protective custody that have been issued.
The same applies in the future to Poles who, after serving a term of imprisonment of more than 6 months, are to be discharged by a penal institution.
Conforming to the request of the Chief Office for Reich Security, I ask that in the future,
_a._ All Jews to be discharged,
_b._ All Poles to be discharged,
Who have served a sentence of more than 6 months be designated for further confinement to the State Police (Chief) Office competent for the district and are to be placed promptly at its disposal, before the end of sentence for conveyance.
2. This ruling replaces the hitherto ordered return of all Polish prisoners undergoing imprisonment in the Old Reich condemned in annexed Eastern territories. The decree (RV) of 28 July 1942--4410 _b_ Vs _1_ 1731--has lost its meaning. Imprisonment up to 6 months imposed within the incorporated Eastern territories, excluding exceptions, is to be carried out in these territories, and not in the Old Reich.
By order of
Dr. Eichler [Stamp: Reichministry of Justice, Office of the Ministry] Certified: [signed] Freyer Clerk of Justice
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 705-PS
The Reichsfuehrer SS Berlin-Grunewald 1. Feb 1943 SS Hauptamt, Office VI Hagenstrasse 45 VI/1--Ni-- VS--Tagbuch No 704/43 geh. VI-Tagbuch No 214/43 geh.
SECRET
[Stamped:] 000579 * 5 Feb 1943 Akt Z . . . G/S/23
To SS-Standartenfuehrer Sievers Ahnenerbe Office Berlin--Dahlem Puecklerstr 16
By order of SS-Obersturmbannfuehrer Dr Riedweg, Office VI--German Leitstelle--sends in the enclosed the minutes of the conference on the 12 Jan 1943 of the SS-Committee for General Labor in the German zone, with a request for acknowledgement.
By direction
BERGER [?] (SS-Hauptsturmfuehrer)
* * * * *
The Reichsfuehrer-SS Bln-Wilmersdorf 1, 20 Jan 1943 SS-Hauptamt, Office VI Hohenzollerndamm 31 VI/1--Dr. Schm/Ni.-- VS--Tgb Nr 704/43 geh. VI--Tgb Nr 214/43 geh.
SECRET
Minutes of the conference on the 12 Jan 1943 at 1200 of the SS-Committee for General Labor in the German zone, took place at the SS-Hauptamt
The following participated in the conference:
1. SS-Brigadefuehrer SS-Fuehrungshauptamt, Kommando Bauer Allgemeine-SS. 2. SS-Oberfuehrer Kommandeur der SS-Mannschaftshaeuser Ellersieck 3. SS-Standartenfuehrer SS-Wirtschafts-Verwaltungs-hauptamt Loerner 4. SS-Standartenfuehrer Fuersorge- u. Versorgungsamt Schmidt Ausland 5. SS-Standartenfuehrer Sievers Amt Ahnenerbe 6. SS-Obersturmbannfuehrer Dr Riedweg SS-Hauptamt, Amt VI 7. SS-Sturmbannfuehrer Dr Stier Stabshauptamt of the Reich Commissioner for the consolidation of the German nationality 8. SS-Sturmbannfuehrer Paulus SS-Personal-Hauptamt 9. SS-Hauptsturmfuehrer Dr Tesch Amt Lebensborn 10. SS-Hauptsturmfuehrer Dr Sichelschmidt Volksdeutsche Mittelstelle 11. SS-Obersturmfuehrer Harderer Race and Settlement Hauptamt 12. SS-Obersturmfuehrer Dr Schneider Amt Ahnenerbe 13. SS-Obersturmfuehrer Dr Schmidt SS-Hauptamt, Amt VI 14. SS-Obersturmfuehrer Ulrich SS-Hauptamt, Amt VI
As introduction SS-Obersturmbannfuehrer Dr Riedweg delivered a report on conditions in the German territories.
During the period covered by the report, hostile circles in the German territories have made themselves more actively noticeable. Various measures have had an aggravating effect on the political developments, primarily the compulsory labor and service conscription in Flanders and the Netherlands.
The development of the conscription situation makes it necessary to have larger procurement programs organized even in Germanic regions. All Germans--with the exception of the Flemish--are collected in one German association. The Flemish remain in the "Langemarck" regiment.
Meanwhile, the "Prinz Eugen" division has been transferred to Croatia. Furthermore a Croatian legion is to be activated here, which is to be under the command of SS-Gruppenfuehrer Phleps.
Of great importance is the fact that the Fuehrer has assented to the activation of an SS-Standart of French volunteers, which is to be called the "Karl der Grosse" standart.
_Norway_: Meanwhile in Norway Minister Fuglesang has succeeded the late Minister Lunde after the latter's unfortunate demise. In spite of promises made by the Quisling Party, one cannot count on Norway supplying a contingent of appreciable size.
_Denmark_: In Denmark the situation is especially favorable since SS-Gruppenfuehrer Dr Best has taken over the control. One can be sure that here SS-Gruppenfuehrer Dr Best will offer a good example of national Reich politics.
The situation in regard to Parteifuehrer Clausen has had unfavorable developments recently. Clausen agreed to the plan of activating a combat corps as introduction to the German Schutzstaffel in Denmark only on the supposition that membership in this corps would exclude membership in the Party. Negotiations for this very necessary collecting organization of the combat corps go on apace. The monopolistic position of the Party is not tenable; all recruits must be brought in, even if Clausen himself--however without his clique--is to stand in the foreground.
_Netherlands_: Meanwhile Reich Commissioner Dr. Seyss-Inquart has proclaimed Mussert leader of the Netherland people. This measure has had an extremely disturbing effect on the other Germanic countries, especially in Flanders. The decisive role devolves again on the General Commissariat, whose principle of using Mussert too much, in order to disregard him, must be rejected on the part of German Reich policy in the sense of the Schutzstaffel.
_Flanders_: In Flanders the recent developments of the VNV have become even more unfavorable. Even the very clever policy of the new VNV-leader, Dr Elias, has been a disappointment; Dr Elias, moreover, once stated the opinion that Germany was ready for concessions in the natural political sphere, only when matters were going very badly for her.
Recently the Walloon question has been particularly accentuated. Leon Degrelle, who was a lieutenant in the Walloon Legion and earned there the Iron Cross First Class, is at present in Belgium and uses this time in testing the political barometer in all quarters. Degrelle's intention of founding a Wallonian Allgemeine SS has been rejected. Judging by the connection between religion and politics, it appears in Degrelle's case that he is a Frenchman in his thinking.
A favorable development has occurred in the case of the Flemish Arbeitsdienst. The negotiations carried out by the Reichsarbeitsfuehrer and especially by Oberstarbeitsfuehrer Mueller-Brandenburg with the assent of the Reichsfuehrer SS have had as a result that on the 1 April 1943 labor duty becomes obligatory in Belgium, both in the Flemish and Wallonian sectors. To bridge the gap students and apprentice officials were inducted into the Labor Service on the 15 Jan 43.
_Finland_: In Finland Field Marshal Mannerheim has been proposed as successor to the national presidency.
In correspondence with General Talvela particular discretion is suggested.
Just now wounded Finns (Officers, NCO's, men and Lottas) are in Germany as guests of the Reichsfuehrer-SS. This caring for the wounded has proved itself quite essential.
_Southeast_: Meanwhile in the southwest all volunteers from the Germans residing outside the Reich have been assigned to the SS.
In Hungary, as has been previously stated, there are difficulties in regard to the procuring of the necessary bills of exchange for the maintenance of the families of inducted volunteers. The suggestions of the Hungarian government are always only patch-work.
In general a strong violence manifests itself in the southeast as a consequence of the general military situation, and doubtless one must count on the existence of a certain sympathy with hostile powers through the Vatican.
After the order of the 12 August 42 by Reichsleiter Bormann regarding the competence of the Reichsfuehrer-SS in all German matters and the strict supervision of all Party units had been issued, a similar decree was prepared by Reich Minister Dr Lammers for the sphere of the State, which is soon to be issued. The new formulation demands even in sectors of the state the right of the Reichsfuehrer SS to a joint stipulation in fundamental national questions, that is to say, the Reich commissioners are to consult with the Reichsfuehrer SS in all actually fundamental questions regarding the nation.
SS-Obersturmbannfuehrer Dr Riedweg reports again on questions of terminology which had been mentioned in the internal labor conference of the German Leitstelle in Copenhagen. Principally this terminology concerns the conceptions "Reich", "Nation", "Volk" and "Stamm", as well as "nordisch" and "germanisch".
In agreement with the Ahnenerbe office it was determined that the concept "Reich" is to remain reserved for the whole Reich of all German races and people. For Germany the official expression "Deutsches Reich" is to be used.
"Nation", being a concept stamped predominantly by liberalism, is no longer to be applied to the German peoples.
Difficulties arise also in differentiating between the concept "Stamm" and "Volk". The expression "Volk" is whenever possible to include the whole German area.
The word "Stamm", where it applies, is to be used for countries.
In regard to the definition of the term "nordisch" and "germanisch", the first expression must be used less and less. With the expression "nordisch", too high a position has been granted Norway, Sweden and Denmark at the expense of the west Germans.
SS-Standartenfuehrer Sievers of the Ahnenerbe office states again the importance of the December conference of Office VI and reports on the conference of the scientific committee, which has been concluded there. A conference on the German historical work took place in the RSHA.
SS-Standartenfuehrer Loerner reports on an inventory of finances and affirms that a new agreement has been reached between the Reichs Treasurer and the Economic Administrative Office.
SS-Standartenfuehrer Schmidt still wishes a condensation of the bureaus on Flanders for the simplification of the work, in particular shifting the Antwerp bureau to Brussels. In addition he reports on the continuous difficulties in the work of family maintenance especially in Hungary.
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 707-PS
SECRET!
The Fuehrer of the Reich Head of the main office VS-diary, number 507/44 secret CdSSHA/Be/We. Adjtr-diary, number 253/44 secret Please by way of reply give reference and date indicated above Berlin--Wilmersdorf 1, Hohenzollerndamm 31 Post office box 58
now: Berlin-Grunewald, 8 February 1944
Douglasstrasse, 7/11 001518 Feb. 14, 1944 Document Z G. IR 131 To the "Ancestral Heritage" leader of the SS Sievers Waischenfeld, Oberfranken
Dear comrade Sievers!
Enclosed herewith I transmit to you the attitude of the main leader of the SS group Jankuhn in regard to the evacuation of the museum of Charkow.
I have looked over the report hurriedly, I have not read it. It is superfluous to discuss it.
Heil Hitler W.G. Buegel SS leader
[Pencil note:]
It is a cheap method to do away with my report, which is supported by facts, by referring to matters that are not dealt with in the report because these matters do not pertain to the functions of the Sonderkommando Jahnkuhn, and were not within Jahnkuhn's jurisdiction. Transport space and transport facilities were not supplied by the Waffen SS but by the German Reich-Railroad. This opportunity was available to the opposing side, but was not utilized by them.
* * * * *
SECRET
The Ancestor's Heritage The Secretary for the Reich Organization [Der Reichsgeschaeftsfuehrer]
Berlin-Dahlem, 30 Oct 42 Diary # G/h/7 Wo/Bg
To Dozent Dr. Franz Hancar! Wien III/40, Hiessgasse 4
_Subject_: Commitment in Russia [Russland-Einsatz]
Dear Dr Hancar!
In order to secure the possessions of important museums and discoveries in the combat zone in the East, the Reichsfuehrer SS has ordered the creation of a special unit under Captain of the SS, Professor Dr. Herbert Jankuhn which has been operating together with an SS division very successfully for quite some time.
In the course of the execution of the order, the collections from Maikop, Pjatigorsk and Woroschilowsk have already been secured, besides other important scientific collections from the four important museums in Northern Caucasia. Work may already be done in these museums, and Professor Dr. Jankuhn proposes to set up a complete registration, by way of drawings and photography, of all prehistoric findings.
I am following a suggestion of Professor Dr. Herbert Jankuhn in asking you whether you would be willing to take over this job, mainly regarding Eastern European prehistoric problems, which ought to be of particular interest to you. In case you would accept, I would like you to let me know when you could start working, and what should have to be done in order to secure your leave.
SS-Captain Professor Dr. Herbert Jankuhn shall return to Germany by the beginning of December. Therefore it will be possible without difficulties to discuss then all pertinent questions during a personal meeting.
Heil Hitler! signed: Sievers Lt Col of the SS
* * * * *
Leader of the Staff
Entered Jan. 20, 1944/185 Berlin, Jan. 14, 1944 H.A. II-Dr. Z/Do.
File note for the Leader of the Staff.
Subject: Reply with regard to the letters of the captain in the SS Jankuhn to the Personal Staff of the Reich Fuehrer of SS Office for the Ancestral Heritage, dates August 12, 13, and 22, 1943, respecting the evacuation and destruction of the Charkow Museum.
The criticism, which the captain in the SS delivers against the Special Purpose Staff for very evident reasons, can readily be answered, because he states things without any closer investigation, that should disparage the work of the Special Purpose Staff and the Office devoted to pre- and early historic research, because this latter work is apparently inconvenient to him.
In his letter of 13 August 1943, J. had forgotten to mention that the captain who had rebuilt the museum for prehistoric art was in fact a deputy of the Special Purpose Staff, namely, First Lieutenant Mueller, who by means of truly untiring and objective work during his free time had set up the museum to such an extent that it could again be opened to the public. The museum was visited by numerous officers and men, also by units of the Armed SS and the police. A thorough inventory had been taken, also many photographic copies were on hand. Thus First Lieutenant Mueller had performed a gratifying task in time of war which was generally recognized by the leaders of the units stationed in Charkow. The report of Jankuhn does not make any reference at all to this work of the Special Purpose Staff.
On 6 February 1943, the command was given for the first evacuation of the city. The Special Purpose Staff had then through untiring effort brought out the most valuable prizes of the museum; on 9 February it was necessary for the last members of the office to leave the city, which already had been almost abandoned by German troops. It was impossible at that time to bring out all the material, because the transportation situation did not permit this. It was not really necessary for SS leader Jahnkuhn to point out that these objects were important and worthy of being brought to safety. On the other hand, however, one must also consider the transportation problems that arise at the time of the evacuation of a city. It is evident that at such a time military transports receive unqualified priority, that even the most valuable possessions of culture cannot take precedence over them. Yet the Special Purpose Staff was able to salvage the most important articles of the museum. The remainder was entrusted to the care of the former curator of the museum, Professor Rudenski. Of this balance, again the most valuable was walled up within the enclosures of a bomb-proof cellar. For several days Professor Rudenski succeeded in saving the building from being blown up as intended. Finally, however, on the evening of February 14, 1943, as related by Professor Rudenski, by an oversight of a command of the Waffen SS, a fire broke out in the building and it burned down to the ground. Yet, later on, a large portion of the valuables from the cellar was salvaged again. However, a Gothic sword was missing. Now, as alleged by Jankuhn, it turns out that this sword was preserved by a unit of the Waffen SS.
Captain of the SS J. could have easily learned of these facts, if he had taken the trouble to contact the competent labor group Ukraine of the Special Purpose Staff and not Prof. Hornung, who had been installed in an entirely different district and who knew nothing about the developments in Charkow. At least he would not have exposed himself to the charge that he frivolously and without closer examination of the circumstances had claimed "that the Special Purpose Staff had not done the least for the preservation of the things that were found." The contrary is true.
After the recapture of the city, the valuables were reclaimed from the wreckage and the museum was opened again to the public on July 19, 1943. Thus it was proved anew that the Special Purpose Staff had done everything in the way of securing possessions of great cultural value and preserving them in the interests of the German administration.
Unfortunately, the second loss of Charkow in August 1943 rendered the work of restoration null and void. On August 6 the working staff received an evacuation summons with the order to leave Charkow immediately and without delay. Conditions affecting transportation were the same as in spring. If, indeed, valuable military installations had to remain behind, it is clear that, above all, objects from a museum had to remain behind. If the SS command had trucks at its disposal and could use the transportation facilities without consideration of military needs for the objects of the museum, then this is certainly a matter of very great appreciation. On the other hand, however, it cannot be charged to the Special Purpose Staff that it did not possess adequate transportation facilities. Nevertheless, the co-workers of the working staff have done what they could in order to preserve the most important part of the picture collection. In two days, already under hostile action, a large portion of museum collections was examined for the purpose of qualifying for transportation and then the selected assortment of 300 pictures of Western-European masters and Ukrainian painters and twenty-five costly Ukrainian carpets was packed and shipped. As already at an earlier date the most important collections of the museum, dealing with prehistoric art, had been carried off, the special command Jankuhn could only preserve third and fourth grade pieces of which several could be found in Kiev and other places.
The Special Purpose Staff under these circumstances sees no occasion for making any reproaches against the Special Command Jankuhn. If one was able to have at one's disposal transportation facilities and manpower in a more liberal manner, then it was easy to carry off larger collections. That the Special Command J. had done this is gratefully acknowledged by the Special Purpose Command; since it is being taken for granted that the collection was saved for the owner, namely, the Reichminister of the occupied Eastern districts and that correspondingly it is handed over to the Special Purpose Staff as the deputy of civil affairs. The Special Purpose Staff asks for the necessary action.
The staff command cannot rid itself of the impression that the Captain in the SS Jankuhn submitted his report frivolously on the basis of one-sided information. If he had made inquiries at the proper places without doubt he would have arrived at a different conclusion. At this juncture it is necessary to take a firm stand for the protection of the co-workers of the Special Purpose Staff and to ward off strongly every attack of a bureau that does not clearly understand the conditions.
Moreover, it could have been expected that Captain in the SS J. would have used the opportunity to get acquainted with the bureaus of the Special Purpose Staff and effected some cooperation. With the cooperation of both certainly more material could have been salvaged than had been done regardless (of the handicaps).
signed: Utikal
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SS "Ancestral Heritage" _Research Organization_ Waischenfeld/Oberfranken, October 6, 1943 To the Chief of the SS Central Bureau SS Leader Berger, Berlin
Dear SS Leader!
Already on July * * * of this year the need arose to inform you about frictions that developed between co-workers of the SS "Ancestral Heritage" Research Organization and the Special Purpose Staff R.R. in Dnjepropetrowsk. In this connection I did not neglect to mention that Reichminister Rosenberg complained that we had removed prehistoric discoveries from the Caukasus.
In order to complete the picture, I am turning over to you as supplement two reports from Captain in the SS (F) Jankuhn. They refer to the Museum in Charkow and they reveal with full clarity that the men of the Special Purpose Staff R.R.--insofar as we have met them heretofore--lack the simple prerequisites for the work in the East, namely, an unobjectionable, manly behavior.
I am summarizing the two reports and, briefly, I am able to conclude: 1. When the evacuation of Charkow became necessary in the winter of 1942, the Special Purpose Staff R.R. left the city without having done anything for the salvage of the museum.
2. On August 8, 1943 it became known that the possibility of a surrender of Charkow existed. On August 11 at nine in the morning the last man of the Special Purpose Staff R.R. left Charkow. Before August 15 no one considered any evacuation possible. In reality, Charkow was not evacuated until August 24. Not the least had been done for the salvaging of the collections of the museum, even though the care for the museum is in the hands of the Special Purpose Staff R.R. There were even documents on the desks, which leads one to believe that the men concerned abandoned their work as quickly as possible. Captain in the SS Jankuhn thereupon packed up the treasures and ordered them to be shipped.
This behavior of the men of the Special Service Staff R.R. could obviously be described by the most appropriate terms, and we are not at all surprised, if just these people "take a shot at" the men of the SS Reichsfuehrer, who really do nothing but fulfill the duties neglected by the former.
Heil Hitler! SS Leader
* * * * *
Copy
To the personal staff of the Reich Fuehrer of SS
Office of the SS "Ancestral Heritage" Research Organization, Berlin
Command Post Division Std., September 25, 1943
Concerning the evacuation of the museum of Poltawa
When it became known that the evacuation of the city of Poltawa by September 21, 1943, was anticipated, I intended to examine personally the condition of the museum there and to order the necessary measures for preserving them, should the need arise.
Since the 03 of the division, SS Leader Daltweiler, had learned during a stay in P. that the salvaging of the museum through a specialist officer of the armed forces on the basis of a command from the O.B., already had begun, a trip to Poltawa was abandoned.
Heil Hitler! Signed: H. Jankuhn Captain in the SS (F)
For the correctness of this copy: SS Leader
* * * * *
Copy III Special Command, Fp. 16284 Command Post Division, Std., August 22, 1943 To the personal Staff of the Reich Fuehrer of SS
Office of the SS "Ancestral Heritage" Research Organization, Berlin
Regarding the destruction of the museum in Charkow.
On August 21, upon my suggestion, Sergeant in the SS, Dr. Zarp, from KB unit 5, visited the museum in Charkow. He found that the museum building had been burned down completely.
Since the more valuable pieces had been salvaged--as was pointed out in the report of December 8, 1943--no loss of more important objects of culture was sustained through the destruction of the museum.
Signed: H. Jankuhn Captain in the SS For the correctness of this copy SS Leader
* * * * *
Copy I Special Command Jankuhn, 16284 Command Post Division, Std., August 13, 1943 To the personal Staff of the Reich Fuehrer of SS
Office of the SS "Ancestral Heritage" Research Organization, Berlin
Regarding the destruction of the museum in Charkow in the spring of 1943.
Through the interrogation of Prof. Hornung, the curator of the museum in Dnjipropetrowsk, chosen by the Special Purpose Staff and on the basis of information that was supplied by the commander of the F.K.V. of the secret police and of the security service, the following could be brought to light concerning the fate of the museum of prehistoric art in Charkow in the spring of 1943.
In 1941/42 the museum of prehistoric art in Charkow was re-established anew in the main street of the city, the Sumskaja, by a captain, who for this purpose had been given a furlough. The exhibition is said to have been good and well arranged. Besides collections of prehistoric character there were to be found in the museum articles referring to folklore. When, during the winter campaigns of the months of February and March, the Special Service Staff R.R. left the city without having done the least for the saving of the collections. Merely a Gothic sword and a gold-plated handle are said to have been taken along by one SS unit. Since the salvaging of the piece was not effected through the Security Service Command in Charkow, it must be assumed that a unit of the II SS armored corps took this gorgeous weapon along.
After the retreat of the German troops, the museum was destroyed, apparently by explosion of fire. The Ukrainian collections stored there were destroyed almost completely.
Recent excavations undertaken in the ruins of the building have yielded only insignificant pieces of the material formerly stored there.
Thus one of the most important museums of Russia with collections of great cultural value was given over to destruction through the agencies of the German civil administration.
Signed: Jankuhn Captain in the SS For the correctness of this copy SS Leader
* * * * *
IIa
Exhibit i
To the report of 12 August 1943
This Institute of Culture is confiscated by the Charkow garrison!
It is secured for the Special Command R.R. and is placed under its professional supervision.
Outside of the rules for visit and use, it is forbidden to enter the institute, the taking of material is considered looting and will be punished as such.
Special permits through the Special Command R.R. Charkow, Sumskaja 48.
In the field, June 20, 1943 For the Commander of the garrison O.K.V.Rat
[Handwritten draft]
Copy 5 times
Special Command Jankuhn 16284 II
Command Post Division, August 12, 1943
* * * * *
SS "Ancestral Heritage" Research Organization, Berlin 034482 x-Oct. 9, 1943, Copy Z B/4r/r22 To the personal Staff of the Reich Fuehrer of SS
Office of the SS "Ancestral Heritage" Research Organization, Berlin
Subject: Evacuation of the museum in Charkow.
On August 8, '43 in the evening it became known that the possibility of an evacuation of Charkow until August 14 existed. On August 10, 1943, I went in the company of an interpreter, SS Sergeant Jacobsen to Charkow. In the afternoon I reported to the commander of the D.K._V_. of the SIPO and the SD, Major Krauebitter, and informed him that I was entrusted by the Reichfuehrer SS with the salvage of the museum in the field of operations of the Waffen SS on the Southern front. In this connection I learned of the fate of the museum in Charkow during the evacuation of Charkow in the beginning of 1943; a separate report on that subject is being prepared. At the same time Major Krauebitter informed me that the KVR with the garrison of Charkow, who was responsible for the museums had already left the city days ago. A further inquiry in the buildings of the bureau of the Special Purpose Staff R.R. revealed that this bureau already had left Charkow on the morning of August 10. A survey of the museum in the company of Major Krauebitter revealed the following picture:
The Museum contains a small prehistoric department after the really prehistoric museum had been destroyed in the winter after failure of evacuation. Moreover, it contained a good collection of Ukrainian art of folklore character, small objects of ecclesiastical art, particularly, however, mostly paintings of Ukrainian painters, as the pictures of central- and west-European masters had been transported to Germany by the SD in 1942. The storehouse of the museum contains still numerous pictures. The key to the museum was given to the Ukrainian lady superintendent by the Special Purpose Staff R.R., who also related that at eight o'clock in the morning on October 8 a gentleman of the Special Purpose Staff R.R. had been in the museum and with several pictures had quickly departed at 8:30 o'clock. As a matter of fact, some pictures of the collection were missing, approximately 1%.
After no one had taken steps toward any real preservation of the museum, neither among the garrison nor among the Special Purpose Staff R.R., which according to the poster, referred to as Exhibit I, was responsible for the care of the collection, the packing was begun.
The prehistoric findings--almost exclusively ceramics of the bronze age--were packed in two wooden boxes and shipped by a truck of the EKV; they were to be sent from Kiev to Berlin.
The exhibit of Ukrainian popular art contained textiles, ceramics, glass, costumes, and objects of wood. The greater part is packed in two large wooden boxes and was shipped with the evacuation material of the EKV by rail to Dnjepropetrowsk. Among it was a large tapestry, which on account of its size could not be packed.
From the collection of paintings the most valuable pictures were selected and shipped by rail in the direction of Dnjepropetrowsk.
The documents that remained lying on the desk of the Special Purpose Staff R.R.--a work plan of the Special Purpose Staff R.R. signed by a section chief Schmidt and a report on Ukrainian art--were saved and turned over to the EKV of the SIPO and the SD.
Signed: Jankuhn Captain in the SS For the correctness of this copy SS Leader
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 710-PS
The Reich Marshal of the Greater German Reich Commissioner for the Four Year Plan Chairman of the Ministerial Council for National Defense Berlin, 31 July 1941
To: The Chief of the Security Police and the Security Service; SS-Gruppenfuehrer Heydrich
Complementing the task that was assigned to you on 24 January 1939, which dealt with the carrying out of emigration and evacuation, a solution of the Jewish problem, as advantageous as possible, I hereby charge you with making all necessary preparations in regard to organizational and financial matters for bringing about a complete solution of the Jewish question in the German sphere of influence in Europe.
Wherever other governmental agencies are involved, these are to cooperate with you.
I charge you furthermore to send me, before long, an overall plan concerning the organizational, factual and material measures necessary for the accomplishment of the desired solution of the Jewish question.
signed: GOERING
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 728-PS
Copy
SECRET
DRAFT Ambassador RITTER No. 444, SALZBURG, 20 June 1944
1. To Chief of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces With reference to your correspondence of 15 June 1944, Nr.
WFSt/Qu. (Verw.) Nr. 771793/44 gKChefs. II. Ang., concerning the treatment of enemy terror-aviators.
In spite of the obvious objections, founded on international law and foreign politics, the Foreign Office is basically in agreement with the proposed measures.
In the examination of the individual cases a distinction must be made between the cases of lynching and the cases of special treatment by the S.D. [Security Service].
I. In the cases of lynching, the precise establishment of the circumstances deserving punishment, according to points 1-4 of the communication of 15 June, is not very essential. First, the German authorities are not directly responsible, since death had occurred, before a German official became concerned with the case. Furthermore, the accompanying circumstances will be such, that it will not be difficult to depict the case in an appropriate manner upon publication. Hence, in cases of lynching, it will be of primary importance correctly to handle the individual case upon publication.
II. The suggested procedure for special treatment by the S.D. including subsequent publication, would be tenable, only if Germany, on this occasion simultaneously would openly repudiate the commitment of International Law, presently in force and still recognized by Germany. When an enemy aviator is seized by the Army or by the Police, and is delivered to the Air Forces (P.W.) Reception Camp Oberursel, he has received, by this very fact, the legal status of a prisoner of war. The Prisoner of War Treaty of 27 July 1929 establishes definite rules on the prosecution and sentencing of the Prisoner of War, and the execution of the death penalty, as for example in Article 66: Death sentences may be carried out only three months after the protective power has been notified of the sentence; in Article 63: a prisoner of war will be tried only by the same courts and under the same procedure as members of the German Armed Forces. These rules are so specific, that it would be futile to try to cover up any violation of them by clever wording of the publication of an individual incident. On the other hand, the Foreign Office cannot recommend on this occasion a formal repudiation of the Prisoner of War Treaty.
An emergency solution would be to prevent suspected fliers from ever attaining a legal Prisoner of War status, that is, that immediately upon seizure they be told that they are not considered Prisoners of War but criminals, that they would not be turned over to the agencies having jurisdiction over Prisoners of War; hence not to go to a Prisoner of War Camp; but that they would be delivered to the authorities in charge of the prosecution of criminal acts and that they would be tried in a summary proceeding. If the evidence at the trial should reveal that the special procedure is not applicable to a particular case, the fliers concerned may subsequently be given the status of Prisoner of War by transfer to the Air Forces (P.W.) Reception Camp Oberursel. Naturally, not even this expedient will prevent the possibility that Germany will be accused of the violation of existing treaties and maybe not even the adoption of reprisals upon German prisoners of war. At any rate this solution would enable us clearly to define our attitude, thus relieving us of the necessity of openly having to renounce the present agreements or of the need of having to use excuses, which no one would believe, upon the publication of each individual case.
Of the acts deemed crimes listed under 1-4 by the letter of 15 June, we note that those listed under 1 and 4 are legally unobjectionable. Those under 2 and 3 are not. The Foreign Office, however, would be willing to disregard this. Perhaps it would be preferable to combine Nos. 1, 3, and 4 to the effect that all strafing attacks on the civilian population by an aviator will be dealt with as crimes. The various facts under 1, 3 and 4 would then be significant only as especially outstanding examples. The Foreign Office sees no reason why such attacks should not be expiated, when they are directed against the civilian population in ordinary dwelling houses, in automobiles, on riverboats, etc.
The Foreign Office bases its opinion on the fact that it is altogether forbidden to German fliers to strafe the civilian population during their attacks in England. According to information received by the Foreign Office, such an order was issued some time ago by the Supreme Commander of the Air Forces. In case of general publication, the existence of such an order could be pointed out.
III. It follows from the above, that the main weight of the action will have to be placed on lynchings. Should the campaign be carried out to such an extent that the purpose, to wit: "the deterrence of enemy aviators" is actually achieved, which goal is favored by the Foreign Office, then the strafing attacks by enemy fliers upon the civilian populations must be stressed in a completely different propagandist manner than heretofore; if not in the publicity for home consumption, then certainly in the propaganda directed to foreign countries. The pertinent German local departments, most likely the police, would have to be informed immediately to submit a short, truthful report to a central depository in Berlin giving particulars as to place, time, number of dead and wounded.
This central depository would at once forward these reports to the Foreign Office for exploitation. Since similar strafing attacks upon civilian populations have occurred in other countries, for example, in France, Belgium, Croatia and Rumania, the pertinent German departments or the governments in these countries are to be directed to collect the instances of such strafing attacks against the civilian population in the same manner and to exploit them propagandistically in foreign countries, in collaboration with German offices.
IV. In the letter of 15 June the intention was communicated that until further notice, an understanding with the Foreign Office would have to be reached prior to any publication. The Foreign Office attaches particular value to this point and also to the fact that this understanding be reached, not only until further notice, but for the entire duration of the campaign.
By order
(signed) RITTER [crossed out]
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 729-PS
[Handwritten note:] 20 June Chief of Supreme Command of Armed Forces (Chef/OKW) K [Keitel] Supreme Command of the Armed Forces Nr.771793/44 gKChefs.II.Ang., WFSt/Qu. (Verw.1)
Fuehrer's Headquarters, 14 June 1944
Secret 2 Copies, Copy No. 2 Top Secret By Officer Courier only
Subject: Treatment of enemy terror aviators [hand written note: mailed 17 June]
To the Supreme Commander of the Air Force, Attention: Col. of the General Staff von Brauchitsch
1. On the basis of preliminary discussions and after consultation with the Foreign Minister and with the Chief of the Security Police and of the Security Service, the following activities are to be considered the acts of terror, which are to be taken into consideration upon the publication of an instance of lynching and which will justify the transfer of enemy aviators from the Air Forces (P.W.) Reception Camp Oberursel to the S.D. [Security Service] for special treatment:
1. Low-level aerial attacks upon the civilian population--upon individuals as well as upon groups.
2. The shooting of our own downed (German) air crews, while parachuting to earth.
3. Low-level aerial attacks upon passenger trains engaged in public (civilian) transportation.
4. Low-level aerial attacks upon Army and Civilian Hospitals and upon hospital trains, which are clearly marked with the Red Cross:
It is requested to secure the approval of the Reichsmarshall for this draft of prohibited acts, and if he does approve, orally to instruct the commandant of the Air Force (P.W.) Reception Camp Oberursel to proceed accordingly.
It is further requested that the approval of the Reichsmarshall be obtained, for the method intended to be used in the procedure of publication as expressed in the enclosed communication to the Foreign Secretary.
A written confirmation is requested, if feasible, by the 18th of this month.
Chief of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces [initialed] K [Keitel] 16 June 1 Enclosure
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 730-PS
MOST SECRET
Draft
The Chief of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces Fuehrer Hq, 15/6/1944 WFSt/Qu. (Verw.1) No. 77193/44 Most Secret S.O. only II.Ang. 3 Copies, 2nd Copy _Subject_: Treatment of enemy terror aviators S.O. only access only through officer Pencil note: dispatched 17/6 =1030.
To Foreign Office, for the attention of Ambassador Ritter, Salzburg.
For the announcement of such cases as have led to lynch justice being taken by the population or--in the case of capture by the armed forces or the police--to special treatment by the SD, it is necessary to determine clearly what facts should be regarded as evidence of a criminal action in this sense.
In agreement with the Commander in Chief of the air force, I intend to establish the following formula. It may also serve as instruction to the commandants of the reception Camp for Aviators at Oberursel in these cases, where investigation in that camp shows that it would be appropriate to segregate the offender owing to confirmation of the suspicion or to hand turnover to the SD.
1. Attacks with aircraft armament on the civilian population, whether on individuals or crowds;
2. Firing on our own (German) air crews while suspended by parachute after having been shot down;
3. Attacks with aircraft armament on passenger trains, if the public service.
4. Attacks with aircraft armament on military hospitals, hospitals and hospital trains which are clearly marked with the Red Cross.
Prior to any announcement of a case in the press, over the wireless, etc., it must be assured that name, unit, place of occurrence and other relevant particulars form a convincing picture, by whose publication the intended deterrent effect to further acts of murder could be achieved. In drafting the publications, it will have to be borne in mind that protests on the part of the enemy are to be expected from all quarters. It is therefore intended, in agreement with the Chief of the Security Police and the SD, and with the Commander in Chief of the Air Force, that, prior to each publication, until further notice, agreement should be reached between the Supreme Command of the air force, the armed forces Ops Staff, the Foreign Office and the SD., to determine the facts, time and form of the announcement.
I would ask you to confirm, if possible by the 18th of this month, that you are in agreement with the above formula and with the intended procedure for the announcements.
3/96 K [initialled by Keitel] 16/6
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 731-PS
Chief of the Command Staff of the Armed Forces Chef WFSt Please direct drafting of order W [Warlimont-?] K [Keitel] 21 May Deputy Chief of Command Staff of the Armed Forces. [note apparently written by Keitel] Must * * * go to the Reichsfuehrer SS
After a report of the Reichsmarshall [Goering] General Korten makes the following statement:
[Note: All the above remarks are handwritten.]
Memorandum
The Fuehrer has rendered the following decision in regard to measures to be taken against Anglo-American air crews, in _special instances_; downed enemy airmen are to be shot without court martial proceedings in the following instances:
1. In the event of the shooting of our _own_ (German) downed air crews while they are parachuting to earth;
2. In the event of aerial attacks upon German planes, which have made emergency landings, and whose crews are in the immediate vicinity;
3. In the event of attacks upon railway trains engaged in public (civilian) transportation;
4. In the event of low-level aerial attacks upon individual civilians (farmers, workers, single vehicles, etc.). [Note--this paragraph was amended to read: In the event of low-level aerial attacks upon civilian population, single civilian vehicles, etc. The words "civilian population" are in Jodl's handwriting.]
[Note on bottom of page referring to item 2: "I consider this point dangerous. For, to attack an airplane which has made an emergency landing, can not be classified as Gangster Method but is in complete agreement with the strictest standards of civilized warfare."]
J. [Jodl]
[Note on left margin: The order should be preceded by a preamble in which the disregard of the most primitive laws--civilization--(balance unintelligible).]
J. [Jodl] 22 May
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 732-PS
The Reichsmarshall of Germany Adjutant's Office
Berlin W8 the Leipziger Str. 3
Teleph 120044 Headquarters June 19, 1944
_Adj. Nr. 1605/44 secret_
_Concerns_: Treatment of the Enemy Terror Aviators.
_Reference_: Letter Nr. 771793/44 top secret II Ang. WFST/Qu. Command Staff of the Armed Forces/Supply. (Verw. 1) June 15, 1944.
2 copies, Copy No. 1
To The Chief of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces, Generalfieldmarshall Keitel.
Mr. Reichsmarshall remarked to the above letter: "We cannot control the reaction of the population any way. Adequate _precaution_ has to be taken that the populace does not react in the same manner against _other enemy aviators_ not belonging to the category mentioned above. In my opinion facts of the above cases can be handled any time _by a court_, the acts being _murder_, forbidden by the enemy to its aviators."
Feske Lieutenant Colonel in the General Staff 3/91
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 733-PS
WFSt/Qu. (Verw. 1) Supreme Command Staff of the Armed Forces; Supply Section 26 June 1944
Subject: Treatment of Terror-aviators
Telephone Memorandum
Telephone call by Captain Breuer from the Adjutant's Office of the Reichsmarshall:
The Reichsmarshall agrees with the communicated wording of the definition of terror-aviators and with the proposed procedure. He asks that he be instructed today about the measures taken.
[signature illegible]
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 735-PS
TOP SECRET
Access only through officer Fuehrer Headquarters 6.6.1944 _Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces Ops Staff_ No. 771793/44 Top Secret, S.O. only
_Subject_: Treatment of enemy terror aviators
Minutes of a meeting
1. Obergruppenfuehrer Kaltenbrunner informed the deputy Chief of WFSt in Klessheim on the afternoon of 6.6, that a conference on this question had been held shortly before between the Reich Marshall, the Reich Foreign Minister and the Reichsfuehrer SS. Contrary to the original suggestion made by the Reich Foreign Minister who wished to include every type of terror attack on the German civilian population, that is, also bombing attacks on cities, it was agreed in the above conference that merely those attacks carried out with A/C armament, aimed directly at the civilian population and their property, should be taken as the standard for the evidence of a criminal action in this sense. Lynch law would have to be the rule. On the contrary, there has been no question of court martial sentence or handing over to the police.
2. Deputy Chief of WFSt stated the following:
a. First and foremost, following the lines of the generally distributed declaration made by Reich Minister Dr. Goebbels and numerous press notices written in the same vein, it is essential to announce any definitely established incident of this kind giving the names and units of the aviators, the place the incident occurred and any other relevant facts. The purpose of this would be to make clear the serious intentions of the Germans in the face of disbelieving enemy propaganda and especially to discourage effectively any further murderous action against our civilian population. Therefore the question is whether the SD knows of such a case or whether the necessary proof is available from which to construct a case like this with the required statements. Obergruppenfuehrer Kaltenbrunner replied to both in the negative.
b. Deputy Chief of the WFSt mentioned that, apart from Lynch law, a procedure must be worked out for segregating those enemy aviators, who are suspected of criminal action of this kind, until they are received into the Reception Camp for aviators at Oberursel; if the suspicion was confirmed, they would be handed over to the SD for special treatment.
For this purpose the WFSt would cooperate with the Supreme Command of the Air Force to set out the necessary regulations for the use of the head of the camp at Oberursel.
Obergruppenfuehrer Kaltenbrunner expressed his complete agreement with this view and that the SD take charge of those aviators segregated.