Volume 4 — Introductory material (continued 6)

I am, Sir, etc. /S/ Yves de Boisanger.

[rubber stamp] The President French Armistice Delegation for Economic Affairs.

* * * * * * *

PART 20

Paris 11 Sep 1941

C 3 Del. W. No. 9659 P

1. Foreign BERLIN Del W. No. 443 of 11 Sep 1941

Teletype Secret

After extensive examination of the situation, I would like to suggest urgently, in reference to our dilatory treatment of the occupation costs, ordered by the telegram from there of 2 Aug 1941—No. 3863—and strictly complied with up to now, to make a new appeal to the Reichsminister for Foreign Affairs, to authorize me to sign the agreement over the reorganization reached with the French delegation, according to my telegram of 22 July 1941, Del. W. No. 372, and to put it into force.

In fact, it absolutely complies with Ambassador Abetz’s opinion, forwarded there in his telegram of 15 Aug 1941, paragraph 1, that our consent for a fundamental readiness to decrease the occupation costs has been given to Admiral Darlan on 7 May 1941 for the concessions, granted us in Syria. As it is reported to me, General Huntziger has represented the opinion to De Boisanger, that there may be a misapprehension or incomplete notification of German agencies, if now the settlement of the occupation costs are brought up in connection with the North African questions.

I further point out, that the present arbitrary de facto settlement of the payment of 15 instead of 20 million RM daily, already extends over 4 months, and that this represents for France the practically most favorable situation, and probably pleases more than the new regulation for 10 million RM credit plus 3 million RM transfer daily. It is still more important, that with a further delay of the settlement of occupation cost, a series of important questions, which are regulated with the reorganization simultaneously, remain further unsolved at the same time, and disadvantages for us come about from this:

1. The purchase of further French interests abroad is obligatory in most cases because of war-economical reasons. However, the reorganization, agreed to, cannot be taken up for that, as long as a total solution is still uncompleted. The Reichsministry for Economy reports that the negotiations are practically at a standstill at present for this reason. Therefore, the disadvantage lies with us alone in these subjects, while 60 million RM for the purchase of interests with the coming into force of the reorganization.

2. The execution of armament deliveries from France always presents to our armed forces authorities difficulties, which result from the payment. An immediate coming into force of the transfer of goods would directly result in favor of our war potential.

3. I can secure the final appointment of the German foreign trade commissioner at the same time, for which especially the Four Years’ Plan and the military commander show a lively interest.

But the stoppage also has a disadvantageous effect on the other work of the delegation. I am forced to approach the French government every week with new demands, mostly war-economically important, among them the construction of a German-French clay factory in France for deliveries of additional 100,000 tons of clay per year, the renting of several thousand trucks with French drivers, and the purchase of 15,000 French trucks, converted to wood gas for transports to Russia.

Everywhere the energetic cooperation of the French government and in part serious pressure by the government on its own economic circles are necessary for the execution of these problems. Because of the well-known tendency of the French government to hide themselves in case of such economic desires behind the general political situation, my efforts now ran against continually increasing difficulties. It is therefore desired to reinstitute the previous status as soon as possible, and to keep the field of endeavor of my delegation free and independent of the prevailing political constellations, as much as possible.

For these reasons, I recommend, that the present uncertain situation of the occupation cost question, which can only have a disadvantageous effect on us ourselves, be ended soon, and that the new settlement be ordered by us now.

[In ink] Ambassador Abetz has been informed of this telegram before it was forwarded.

/s/ Hemmen

1735 No. 23 one received foreign office KR

* * * * * * *

PART 22

FOREIGN OFFICE Ambassador Ritter C.3

“Westfalen”, 14 October 1941

[STAMP] German Armistice Commission

Wiesbaden 18 October 1941 Nr. 10628

Dear Mr. Hemmen,

I have received your letter of 29 September 1941—Del. W. No. 10093 P.

The Reich Foreign Minister does not consider it appropriate to approach the Fuehrer with the regulation of the occupation expenses at the present.

With friendly greetings

Heil Hitler Yours signed: Nitter

To The Ambassador Hemmen German Embassy Paris

PART 23

Paris, 4th November 1941 Place du Palais-Royal

French Delegation to the German Armistice Delegation for Economic Affairs

German Armistice Delegation f. Economic Affairs

Wiesbaden 5 November 1941 No. 11116 Enclosures

The President of the French Delegation for Economic Affairs,

To Monsieur Hemmen Minister Plenipotentiary President of the German Armistice Delegation for Economic Affairs

Sir,

In execution of the decisions taken by the German government with regard to the payment of the costs of occupation, the French government has, since August 1940 made periodic payments which, on the 31st October 1941, totalled 183,200,000 francs. It was also obliged to defray certain expenses (particularly the lodging of troops) directly—expenses which amounted at this same time, to nearly 8 milliards and to cover the deficit in the Franco-German clearing account, which is, at the moment, in the neighborhood of 11 milliard francs.

The French government protested several times against the size of this imposition, drawing the attention of the German Government to the grave dangers it entails, both from the financial and from the economic point of view.

Its fears on this point are unfortunately being shown to be better founded every day.

The expenses resulting to the French Treasury from the occupation alone are as high as the expenses of the State itself. The sums paid towards the costs of occupation are also often used to a large extent to defray expenses which have nothing to do with the maintenance of troops.

It is clear that such burdens are disappropriate to the present resources of France and that they can be covered only by treasury expedients.

The national revenue is diminishing continually. If the efforts made in the field of agriculture result in an increase in the productivity of the soil, industrial activity slows down. An increase in taxation would produce a hardly noticeable result, and one must, on the contrary, expect the product of these taxes to diminish more or less rapidly. One is therefore forced to borrow at short call, either from the Bank of France or from individuals and credit establishments, up to 70% of the needs. In this way the public debt and the advances from the fiduciary swell at an alarming speed, whatever the effects may be of the measures taken to manipulate certain elements of this debt and to make it less onerous (conversion, consolidation, reduction of rates of interest).

The mass of means of payment created to deal with the expenses resulting from the occupation, seriously imperils economic equilibrium. Inflation takes place in spite of the efforts of the government to limit its volume and its consequences.

The prices of foodstuffs of daily use and of industrial products are maintained by rationing and taxation, but nevertheless tend more and more irresistibly to rise, and each day it is harder to prevent too rapid a rise in the cost of goods and property.

The increasing abundance of money available is shown both by the increased circulation of bank notes and by the increase in stocks held in private and public institutions.

The monetary circulation, which was about 160 milliard francs in June 1940, has today reached the figure of 250 milliards, in other words, it has increased by over 56%. During the same period bank deposits increased by about 50%.

The smallness of the quantity of goods offered is at the same time accentuated by supply difficulties and by the extent of the requisitions carried out in the occupied zone.

This development is leading to a catastrophy like that suffered by Germany 20 years ago.

When the French government signed the Armistice, it firmly intended reestablishing the economic situation. All its efforts since then have aimed particularly at keeping the monetary situation under control, in spite of difficulties of all kinds and, particularly, in spite of the enormous costs of occupation.

The French government is resolved to persevere in this path, but it cannot do so usefully if the payments imposed by the German government continue to render all its efforts useless in advance. It wants to warn it once more.

I am, Sir, etc.

sgd. Yves de Boisanger.

[rubber stamp] The President French Armistice Delegation for Economic Affairs

* * * * * * *

PART 27

Telegram (Secret Ch V)

Berlin, 19 February 1942, 1343 o’clock

Wako Paris

Nr. 50 of 19 Feb. Citissime. Matter to be kept under lock C

Att: Mr. Hemmen

German Armistice Delegation for Economics

Wiesbaden 20 February 1942 No. 1309 Enclosures [Initials]

In answer to report of 3 and 11 February No. 736 and No. 189 of 16 February and telegram of the 18th No. 43.

1. Reich Foreign Minister has ordered on 16 February that you orally transmit to the Governor de Boisanger that the German Government considers the letter of Finance Minister Bouthillier to the Reich Minister of Finances only as a personal statement, not as an official communication of the French Government. In case the French government wishes to make a statement concerning the question of occupation costs this should be directed by the authorized French chief of negotiations to the authorized German chief of negotiations. In connection with this communication you are to warn Mr. de Boisanger regarding the end of Mr. Bouthillier’s letter emphatically against an arbitrary discontinuation of the payments for occupation costs by the French Government and to point out to him that such a discontinuation would create a serious situation and result in corresponding German counter measures.

2. The Reich Minister of Finance has on 17 February declared that he approves these steps and that he is not going to answer the letter. However, he has suggested an internal discussion of the question of occupation costs to which the Reich Foreign Minister also agreed regarding the report of the OKW on the actual daily expenditures. The discussion will take place soon in agreement with the competent department and your reports mentioned in the beginning will also be discussed.

3. Reich Foreign Minister, by the way, has issued for all your negotiations the general directive, considered at an earlier date, that you are to break off negotiations and depart for Berlin in case the French assume an attitude which is not becoming to them as the conquered ones.

Wiehl.

* * * * * * *

PART 29

French delegation to the German armistice delegation for economic affairs

Ref.: P 276/DE

Paris, 4 March 1942 Place du Palais-Royal

From: The president of the French delegation to the German armistice delegation for economic affairs.

To: Monsieur Hemmen, Minister Plenipotentiary, president of the German armistice delegation for economic affairs.

Sir,

I have the honour to inform you of the following by order of my government.

Ever since August 1940 the French government has continuously drawn the attention of the German Government to the extremely grave consequence which must necessarily accrue to French economics and finance from payments towards the costs of the occupation.

The French delegation to the German armistice delegation for economic affairs has time and again made personal and written representations on this point; the question has also been taken up regularly by members of the French government and their representatives every time they had a chance to discuss Franco-German problems with the German authorities; lastly, the French finance minister considered it his duty, in view of the seriousness of the situation, to make a direct appeal to the German finance minister.

The French government declared, as soon as it was informed of the German Government’s demands, that it only agreed under duress to make payments out of proportion to the obligations accruing to it out of the armistice agreement; it has protested against the German refusal to differentiate between occupation and operational troops and against the rate of exchange imposed between the franc and the mark, which enabled the German army, by reason of the very low level of French prices, to effect enormous requisitions in the occupied territory. Finally, it has proved again and again that the daily payments of 20 million Reichsmarks exceeded the total requirements of occupation and operational troops, since the sums placed at the disposal of the German authorities were never sent in their entirety, although they were even used otherwise than for the expenses of the German army in France (purchases of goods by the Reich, purchases of stocks and shares, etc.).

These representations remained without effect, and those protests were never accepted. Only one series of discussions was opened in May 1941; it continued for over three months and had no other result than the reduction of the daily payments to 15 million Reichsmark and an admission by the German government that this amount could very well be reduced a lot more. Even these concessions were made dependent by the Germans on extremely heavy compensations in the form of transfers which the French Government only accepted for a limited period and in order to facilitate an agreement.

More than seven months have gone by and this question is still outstanding. It is now impossible to put off a decision any longer, since the effects on French economics and finance of the payments exacted under occupation costs are now fully visible.

On February 28th, in other words after 20 months of occupation France will have paid 219,200,000,000 francs and another 9,000,000,000 odd under the heading of military accommodation costs. Payments for the year 1942 based on present facts and exclusive of accommodation costs will reach 110,000,000,000, which is considerably more than the total fiscal receipts of the French state.

PART 30

Dir. Ha Pol Nr. Buero RAM with the request for further transmission.

Berlin, 10 March 1942

Notes Concerning occupational cost regulation

With the approval of the Reich minister for Foreign Affairs all the departments took up again the question concerning the occupational costs.

According to the opinion of all the ministries expressed unanimously, negotiations with France concerning the occupational costs have become necessary, because a suspension or diminution of the payments on the part of the French was to be feared on one hand (Bouthillier-letter) and because the OKW on the other hand protested again with determination against the, in July 1941, proposed reduction of the installments to 10 million RM’s per day because of its current needs in France.

After careful deliberation of the question, all departments, the Armed Forces included, took the point of view that the reduction to 10 billion RM’s should not be conceded to the French as a final settlement on the occasion of new negotiations, but that they should be granted a breathing spell of about 6 months, from 1 April 1942—1 October 1942, which should exclude any further discussion of that question until that date. This is insofar of tactical importance as in that manner the old amount of the installments of 15 to 20 million RM’s is being maintained and thereby the important concession of a reduction to 10 million RM as a political concession is left open.

It has been agreed upon, that:

1. A current transfer from the existing credit amounting to 2 million RM per day in merchandize and 1 million RM in securities (stocks) and participation must be insisted upon for the meeting of the so-called external occupation costs.

2. The French Government should see to it that the expenditures for the occupational costs figure in the budget in a lawful manner.

3. A general regulation of the absolutely necessary tax-, wage- and price-reform and other measures for the prevention of the danger of an inflation must be demanded simultaneously.

The decision proved indisputably that we had no real efficacious counter-measures at our disposal in the case of an arbitrary suspension or diminution of the occupational costs by France. To make ourselves paid by sequestering the bank-note reserve of the Bank of France or by sequestering French State- or private property would only be of temporary efficacy, not to mention the political effect of such a measure of force. This would direct itself very soon against the proper German interest, because the present efficacious French cooperation in the execution of great armament orders and the distribution of orders would suffer strongly by it.

Considering these viewpoints, I ask for the authority to instruct the German Armistice delegation for economy in Paris to conduct the negotiations with the French delegation in that sense.

Hereby submitted to the Foreign Minister of the Reich through the State secretary. signed: Wiehl

* * * * * * *

PART 32

Draft/KA

Final Copy

SR/17 Oct 1942 Paris, 16 October 1942 Del. W. No. 347 secret RS

1) To the Foreign office Berlin

(in ink) written in eight copies 3 copies of which to Berlin:

1 FRH v. Mahs 1 Int Ley (2) 1 Ambassador-Paris 1 Capt. Brandt 1 Qva

To the decree of 18 September this year—Ha Pol Frie 839/secret and in connection with the report of 24 August this year—Del.

W. No. 307 secret RS

Subject: Occupation costs in France

2 information copies

I. In addition to the suggestions of the German armistice delegation for economy in its above-mentioned report and for the preparation of the execution of the decision of the HPA of the 7 September 1942 in the question of occupation costs, the following suggestions are made:

If one starts out, that because of political and financial reasons the French government does not find itself ready for the continuous advance of the occupation cost account above the daily installment of 15 million RM for the purpose of retention of a minimum amount of the account, because it will mean an increase of the cost of occupation, then it will depend during the coming negotiation with the French government upon getting its agreement to the suggestion of the German armistice delegation for economy, to settle the expenditures, unrelated to the occupation, which have been paid thus (or from occupation cost funds, via the clearing, to retain the occupation cost funds for their proper purpose).

1. In connection with this suggestion, it must be attempted to solve two questions:

a. One single transfer of a larger amount via clearing to the occupation cost to equalize at least partly the expenditures, unrelated to occupation costs, already paid in the first half year of 1942 from occupation cost funds;

b. Continuous monthly transfer via clearing of funds from Germany, which are necessary for the settlement of expenditures, unrelated to occupation costs.

At first it will depend upon making it clear to the French that we are forced to make a difference between expenditures for occupational purposes, and expenditures, unrelated to occupation costs. It is yet to be considered in detail, which instances are to be mentioned to the French as examples of expenditures, unrelated to the occupation costs. Without doubt, these will include in the past the funds out of which the compensations were paid for the requisitioned horses, and in the future the expenditures for food and fodder deliveries consigned for Germany. However, there are strong doubts about mentioning the black market purchases here also. At the end, the only thing to do will be to justify the distribution to the French by generally military reasons, which cannot be described in detail. Of course, such a basis for negotiations makes the accomplishment of the new German demands for the transfer via clearing of the continuously necessary funds of 150 million RM monthly more difficult, because the French will recognize that therewith additional purchases of goods outside the contingencies agreed to are to be paid.

Since the costs of the occupation have increased greatly especially since the beginning of the year, there is a definite reason to demand from the French that they also agree for the past to the settlement of at least a part of the expenditures, unrelated to occupation costs, in such a form that an amount as big as possible, is paid in via clearing and transferred by France to the occupation cost account. In that manner, it could be accomplished that the occupation cost account will again be replenished by this amount. In the first half year of 1942, 280 million RM have been spent for the purchase of horses, and 600 million RM for the purchase of the Raw Material Trading Co. Ltd. (Roges). Of course, it will not be possible to get from France the consent for the transfer of an amount of that size.

In case of the one single payment as well as in case of the future continuous monthly payments for expenditures, unrelated to the occupation costs, the French authorities will neither be informed about the distribution of the accounts, the latter of which are to be paid as lump sum payments at the end of each month, nor about the purpose.

It is a prerequisite for the settlement, that the procurement of funds in Reichsmarks is secured in the past as well as in the future.

* * * * * * *

3. This type of settlement of the question of occupation costs secures the procurement of French funds in a simple practical form, and fits into the frame of the German-French financial transaction. Naturally, it amounts to a further considerable financial burden on French economy; but it does not appear in the form of an increase of the occupation costs.

The idea to balance this internal account at the final settlement of the occupations at the conclusion of the peace can be combined at the same time with the special internal bookkeeping of these expenditures, unrelated to the occupation costs, separate from other clearing transfers.

II. The fact that in the meeting of the HPA it was not finally given up to increase the amount of francs of the installments by change of the exchange rate, causes the German armistice delegation once more conclusively to take a standpoint to this question.

* * * * * * *

However, a new evaluation of the Franc by 50% does not lie in the German interest. The present economical situation of France can no longer be compared with the one of 1940, where the interior purchasing power of the Franc was about in the ratio of 1 RM=10 Francs.

* * * * * * *

The account has dropped since 1 July 1942 until 15 October 1942 from 2,476 billion RM to 1,532 RM.

* * * * * * *

/s/ Hemmen

PART 33

Received: 28 October 1942 at 9:40 o’clock from: A. A. Bln by: Buehler

Initials

Incoming stamp: German Armistice Delegation for Economics Wiesbaden 28 October 1942 no. 353 g. Rs. Enclosures

From Foreign Office, Berlin

To German Armistice-Delegation for Economics

Paris

Citissime!

Telegram (secret code) No. 307 of 27 October.

Matter to be kept under lock C.

1. For your information: Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs has ordered, as there might arise political objections against increased demands from France, more exact explanation how in detail the increase of daily expenditures for occupation has been brought about, in particular, who is responsible for the fact that from the account of occupation costs demands have been satisfied which do not represent actual occupation costs. OKW, Department of Wehrmacht Budget and Administration, declare themselves not to be in a position to explain more fully the use of occupation cost amounts and expenditures unrelated to occupation costs.

II. Therefore I ask you to contact the bookkeeper of occupation cost account, get the necessary documents and vouchers and wire back. What matters is to get a survey of amount and purpose of the issue of green checks to the various authorities entitled to make demands [Bedarfstraeger] since the beginning of this year which should easily appear from the books of the issuing office. Greatest speed is demanded as these documents are needed for another submission to Reich Foreign Minister.

/s/ Wiehl

decoded: Buehler

Pencil notes:

1. How large is the part administered by v. Lenz? How large is the part administered by Berlin? Who gives to Roges. To whom else does Berlin give allotments.

2. How far does Lenz know for that purposes the amounts are used which he allots to branches of the Wehrmacht, etc.

3. What are green checks?

PART 34

OKW

Berlin, 6 November 1942

2 f 32 Beih. 1A WV (XVI) 3145/42 secret

SECRET

To the Foreign Office

Subject: Occupation costs France

Reference: a. Note of the DWFW Del. W. 347 g of 16 Oct 42 b. Meeting of committee for trade policy of 22 Oct. 42 and 30 Oct 42

The Chief Intendant with the military Commander in France has reported that in the past deliveries have been made amounting to a total of 90,000,000 RM monthly which could have been paid by way of the German-French clearing system, because the procured goods were exported from France. The following figures have been obtained from the present monthly average of the year 1942 but they can only serve as a conjecture because the elimination of those goods which were not procured for the requirements of the units of the German Wehrmacht stationed in France is very difficult on basis of the available documents. The following items are involved:

1. Food supply and forage ca. 11 mill. RM

2. Spirits, wine and champagne ” 4 ” ”

3. Red wine for troops ” 0.6 ” ”

4. Canteen goods of all kinds ” 1 ” ”

5. Billeting utensils ” 16 ” ”

6. Tools for vehicles ” 3 ” ”

7. Procurements of ordnance staffs ” 0.4 ” ”

8. Procurements of air force ” 23.5 ” ”

9. Procurements of horses ” 15 ” ”

10. Purchases by Wehrmacht procurement office ” 4 ” ”

11. Procurements by the departments

North and Pas de Calais ” 5.3 ” ”

12. War risk premiums ” 2.5 ” ”

13. Navy ” 5 ” ”

ca. 91 ” ”

These procurements have been transacted at the prices resulting from the general increase of prices in France. As the procurements were made for service branches outside of France, payment by way of the German-French clearing system is permissible as a matter of principle. Funds of occupation costs have been claimed so far, because the final customer of the goods in most cases is not known at the time of procurement. The payment and final entry into the books of these expenditures is the duty of the procurement office in France.

The amount of 150 mill. RM provided so far for carrying out the flat clearing process [Pauschalclearingverfahren] with France can be reached only by including the purchases made by the Roges “Raw Material Trading Company Ltd.” [Rohstoffhandelsgesellschaft m k H] on the black market. Objections have been made hereto, because resale of the goods bought on the black market [“S-Markt”] is practicable only with subsidies to reduce the prices granted by the Reich Minister of Finances, and it is irresponsible to incur a commercial debt in the amount of these subsidies given by the Reich Minister of Finance, in order to procure goods which bring a considerably lower price than that expended. Payment of the procurements on the black market should be possible, however, at least to the amounts actually obtained by the Roges through resale. The amount of 150 mill. RM would almost be reached if the Roges were required to transfer by way of the German-French clearing the proceeds obtained by resale of the goods with exception of the Reich subsidies for price reduction.

If this settlement should not be practicable carrying out of the flat clearing process could be restricted to the amount of 90 mill. RM per month. In this case, the French Government in accordance with the suggestion of the Reich Minister of Finances of 27 October 1942 should be obliged to provide in form of occupation costs the surplus amount missing from the 150 mill. RM.

The excess consumption of occupation cost funds in 1942, as already thoroughly pointed out in the last meetings of the Committee for Trade Policy, is primarily due to the decrease in purchasing power of the franc, and it is to be assumed that this decrease compared with 1940 is at least one third. In addition, payments to a considerable extent had to be made from the occupation cost funds which were not allotted to meet the demands of those units of the German Wehrmacht stationed in France. On 15 January the B account of occupation costs was approximately 3 bill. RM. The reason for the decrease appears from the following compilation:

a for procurement of goods exported from France during the period of 1 Jan.-31 Oct 1942 an estimated 10 × 90 mill. RM 900 mill. RM

b to Roges Raw Material Trading Company Ltd. for purchases on black market 700 ” ”

c for procurement of foreign bills by the Navy (the purchase of foreign bills with French francs was necessary to buy and repair merchant ships in Spanish harbors. These merchant ships are to serve for supplying Rommel’s Panzer army in Africa) 40 ” ”

d Reimbursement to Foreign Office (account Syria) 4 ” ”

e Allotments in favor of families of French workers working in Germany 1.5 ” ”

f Special commissioner Rumania 1.3 ” ”

g Costs of building completions for directors of French powder factories 0.2 ” ”

1647 ” ”

Therefrom it appears that the decrease of reserves of occupation cost funds amounting to 3000 mill. RM on 15 January 1942 is primarily due to expenditures for purposes unrelated to the occupation. Also in the above compilation are not included the bills issued by the Reichskreditkasse imported into France. Of these probably a not immaterial part has been imported by troop units transferred to France, but to carry out procurement of goods destined for export from France. Consequently, it may be assumed that the requirements of the Wehrmacht units stationed in France up to now could have been approximately satisfied from the installments of 450 mill. RM made available every month by the French Government. It is further pointed out that a considerable part of the above-listed expenditures unrelated to occupation, in particular the expenditures for purchases on the black market (S-Markt) and for French food deliveries not destined for the occupation troops proper, have not been caused by the OKW.

The Chief of the OKW b. Dr. Kersten Del. W. 7479

PART 35

Received 4 December 1942 at 16 - - o’clock from AA Berlin by Mk.

[Rubber Stamp] German Armistice Delegation for Economy Wiesbaden 4 December 1942 No. 399 top secret

Telegram from Foreign Office, Berlin to German Armistice Delegation for Economy Paris

Citissime

Telegram (Secret, coded, Verf) No. 352 of 4 Dec.

Secret

Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs has ordered the submission of a vote with reasons, whether the French potential can bear the increase of occupation cost payments, demanded by us. One must if possible gain clarification before a decision, whether for instance as result of black market purchasing actions, a development would be started, which would lead to Greek conditions.

Request by return that documents and standpoint, necessary for vote, is wired, if necessary in connection with military commander and Embassy.

/s/ Wiehl.

decoded: Buehler

PART 36

Dir. Ha Pol 379

Berlin, 8 December 1942

Note re French occupation costs

Following the note dated 27 November—Dir. Ha Pol 371

According to instructions, I submit in the annex a note of delegate Hemmen about the financial capacity of the French to pay the increased expenditure rates of the occupation as well as about the dangers threatening French finances arising from the payments of occupation costs and about the methods to meet these dangers. Delegate Hemmen comes to following conclusion.

1. The increased payments of 25 million RM daily (yearly 182 billion francs) are bearable and by no means dangerous for the French finances. The yearly French national income amounted to 432 billion francs for 1942. The daily per capita war expenses are at present in Germany 2.90 RM and thus 6 times as high as in France with 0.40 RM.

2. The danger point for the French finances lies in the fact that the French government has done nothing until now to counteract the threatening inflation which is due to the war expenditures, so that a price increase of 50-60 per cent and a devaluation of the franc of about one third took place.

3. Therefore it is necessary to raise simultaneously with the demand for increased occupation costs the demand for effective French financial, monetary and price regulations and to secure their strictest execution under German guidance and control.

This result on the whole corresponds to the decisions of the HPA which were laid down in my former note. As suggested there, it can be demanded from the French to increase the daily part-payments from 15 to 25 million RM; however, as it has been also suggested there, it is to be insisted that the measures which are needed against further price increase should be carried out without delay and in an absolutely effective way. The investigations which were conducted by the OKW and by the Reich Ministry for Finance come to the same conclusion.

In doing so, it is not sufficient to leave this to the French government alone, but we ourselves have to intercede. The nomination of a special commissioner with similar tasks as in Greece will at present not be necessary and not even feasible in France, for the simple reason that it would be unwise to entirely unburden the French government of its own responsibilities to maintain the order of economics and finances. But it seems necessary to persuade the French government to accept a collaboration with one or more German advisors in order to introduce and carry out the necessary measures. This function could be assigned to the delegate Hemmen and to his delegation in such a manner that the negotiations they have conducted until now would be changed into a collaboration with the corresponding French governmental agencies. The necessity for this could be presented to the French government with the double motivation that, as an occupying power, our interest is not only in that further inflation should be prevented in France and that we can demand this in our capacity as receiver of the occupation costs on the basis of the armistice contract, but that we also have the same interests on account of the far-reaching interweaving of the French and German industries which was achieved through mutual free negotiations.

Furthermore, the German side has to do its share that nothing should happen in the further course which would enhance the inflationary tendencies in France. I have agreed with State Secretary Koerner that the Foreign Office and the Four Years’ Plan should most closely follow further development in this respect and intervene as soon as necessary. State Secretary Koerner has told me that the Reich Marshal announced his decision to curb and, if necessary, to stop the black market action if it should become apparent that it has undesirable consequences in this respect. Also, further liaison will be maintained by the Foreign Office with the OKW which has already taken provisions to reduce the military expenditures to the absolutely necessary minimum in order to observe permanently this point of view.

In this way both on French as well as on German sides everything will be done to prevent the possible dangers of the payment of increased occupation costs.

Herewith submitted via the State Secretary to the Reich Foreign Minister with the request to approve the planned procedure.

signed Wiehl

Copies to:

Buero Reich Foreign Ministry St. S U. St. S. Pol Dir. Ha Pol Dg. Ha Pol Delegate Hemmen Ha Pol Frie Ha Pol II a

* * * * * * *

PART 41

12th February 1943

The Head of the Government

[Rubber stamp] German Armistice Delegation f. Economic Affairs Wiesbaden, 13 January 1943 No. Del. W. 165 enclosures:

To his Excellency, Monsieur Hemmen, Minister Plenipotentiary German Armistice Delegation for Economic Affairs

Sir,

On the 15th December 1942 the German government asked me through you to increase the payments towards the costs of occupation by 10 million RM (200 million French francs), which would bring the daily total of payments to 25 million RM, as against 15 millions, or 500 million French francs as against 300 millions.

During our conversation of the same day, the 15th December, at the German Embassy, I pointed out to you:

on one hand that these payments exceeded France’s ability to pay; that they would oblige the French government to cover this increase by advances from the Bank of France, and would in consequence risk compromising the French currency irretrievably;

on the other hand that the French payments exceeded the concept of occupation costs and really constituted a French contribution to the common defence of Europe;

that, wishing to collaborate and to render effective aid to the German war-effort under existing circumstances, I accepted these extra payments.

In formulating your request for an increase, you declared that close cooperation should be instituted between our two countries, with the purpose of seeking and applying common measures intended to ensure the stability of the French currency and of French economy. You mentioned, on this subject, that the German government would appoint a plenipotentiary to the French government, whose mission would be to advise the French government.

I declared myself ready to cooperate closely in the financial field as in all others, but I formally rejected the appointment of a financial adviser, as this would undermine the authority of the French government and risk ruining the confidence of investors.

It is in fact necessary to point out that the daily payments which are the object of your request of the 15th December for an increase, do not represent the total of the financial burdens on my country. Besides these payments, France bears the lodging and billeting expenses of the German troops in the occupied zone, as well as the advances made for the functioning of the Franco-German clearing agreement.

I had also pointed out to you, in our conversation of the 15th December, that a demand from the Italian Government could be expected. Since then, although the Franco-Italian Armistice Convention does not put part of the costs of maintenance of the Italian occupation troops on France, the Italian government has requested advances.

Finally, I consider that the daily payments should, from the day that they are raised to 25 million RM, i.e., 500 million French francs, include all obligations falling on France as a result both of the occupation and of the Clearing agreement, and should take into account any advances which may eventually be granted to the Italian government.

It has not been possible to hold any conversations since December; I consider that negotiations on these various points are essential and should be pursued without delay.

While waiting for these negotiations to end up the necessary agreement, I inform you that I accept from now, under the conditions I have just described, a provisional increase in the daily payments as from January 1943, to 25 million RM, i.e., 500 million French francs.

The French government will immediately take steps to meet, on this basis, the new payments which have been demanded from it, and particularly to make up the difference in the payment made on the 11th January 1943 at the old rate.

I am, sir, etc. [signature illegible]

* * * * * * *

H. Hartlieb I propose a note 2/Nov Received 2 November 1943 at 1630 o’clock from AA Berlin by Kn. [Rubber Stamp] German Armistice Delegation For Economy Wiesbaden, 2 November 1943 No. 4492 Inclo.

From S Berlin, Foreign Office No. 52 Nov 1617 Etat

To Delegation Hemmen Paris

No. 196=Secret Letter

Reference: written Decree HA POL FRIE 808 of 28 and 836 of 30 October [penciled note: not yet received] and 838 of 2 November.

All departments concerned attach the greatest importance to the continued payment of the French occupation cost payment, previously paid to Italy, because of the condition of the occupation cost and of the increased demand, which has been caused by the occupation of the Southern French area, which was up to now reserved for the Italian armed forces. I therefore request, to demand from the French government the transfer of all payments promised to Italy, to the Reich. If the French government should raise any legal objections then I request to point out without going into legal questions that the German Reich has taken over the protection of the areas occupied by Italy up to now. If necessary, certain concessions can be made, according to the suggestion by the Four Years’ Plan, to which the Reich Minister of Finance has also agreed, in the question of the additional payment of 2.8 billion Francs for the previous additional demands of the Italians in the connection with war and occupation damages. The Reich Minister of Finance requests to point out to the French government also that its representatives themselves, during the negotiations of the delegate of the Reich cabinet (Reichsregierung) for economic and Financial questions, always have entered the Italian occupation costs as debit items. Request report on the acceptance of your demarche.

Dumont * * *

No. 6 of 2 November 1943 1630 Rec’d Wako Paris Ka † †

* * * * * * *

PART 44

Paris 23 June 1944

Minister of Finance Minister’s Office

[rubber stamp] German Armistice Delegation f. Economic Affairs. Wiesbaden, 23 June 1944 No. 2126 Enclosures

[rubber stamp] Minister’s office Ministry of National Economy and Finance

Sir,

I have the honour to confirm the conclusions reached in our talk of the 21st June.

The payments towards the costs of occupation, which have till now been made every 10 days and in advance, will provisionally, to fit in with present circumstances, be made monthly and in advance, on the 21st of each month.

On the 25th of June next a settlement will be made, which will cover the monthly period from the 21st June to the 20th July, taking into account the payment made on the 21st June. From the 21st July, monthly payments will be made in advance at the rate previously agreed.

These new regulations for the payments were adopted owing to the exceptional circumstances which justify the request you addressed to me in the note of the 19th June. They impose new burdens on the French Treasury at a time when, as you know, the monetary situation fills me with the liveliest apprehension.

I therefore count on the system of making the payments every 10 days being reintroduced as soon as possible.

I am, sir, etc.

[signature illegible]

Monsieur Hemmen Minister Plenipotentiary

President of the German Armistice Delegation for Economic Affairs

* * * * * * *

PART 46

Konzept/Ss No. 2318

Paris, 11 July 1944

1. To the Foreign Office Berlin Teletype-C7-(only from to in secret cipher)

[In handwriting] “Citissime” No. 87 of 11 July 1944 after cabled order of 8 July No. 71.

I ask for the consent of the Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs to enter negotiations with the French government on the following basis:

1. The OKW demands an increase of the French occupation cost payments from 25 million RM a day or 750 million RM a month plus 50 million RM for Italian occupational costs to 33.3 million RM a day or 1 billion RM per month and proposed to the Foreign Office to instruct my delegation to enter negotiations with the French Government to that effect. The RFM (Reich Finance Ministry) and the Four Year Plan agreed to that demand.

The expenditures for occupational cost have since the beginning of the year constantly exceeded the income because of the increasing preparations on the Atlantic coast, made necessary by the war. Those excess expenditures were covered by using the remaining credits on the account of occupational costs and by a payment of one month of occupational costs in advance which we demanded a short time ago.

These expenses increased to an even larger extent during the last few months, especially since the beginning of the invasion. While they still amounted to 900 million RM in May, they increased to 950 million RM in June and will reach 1100 millions in July. All reserves which were available up to now will be exhausted by the middle of August at the latest. New means for the conduct of war in France must therefore be procured until then according to the demand of the OKW.

2. The income of the French Government from Tax-Sources, and mainly the raising of money through loans and short term bills of exchange has on the other side decreased considerably since the extensive paralyzation of the economic life, the industries and the transportation system in France. The French Government consequently has been forced for the last few months to use the advances of money of the Bank of France at an ever-increasing rate. Those advances increased from about 10 billions of F. Frs. to 18 billions of F. Frs. in May and 25 billions F. Frs. in June. The newly demanded payments will also have to be raised through the use of the bank-note credit, that means, through the printing of bank notes.

The French Government can on the other hand hardly be surprised, considering the actual circumstances, if we approach them with the demand for increased payments.

We know from confidential sources that Laval and Finance Minister Cathala already expect such a demand.

3. Considering, however, the political necessities and the already mentioned difficult financial situation of France, and in appreciation of the fact that the French Government has kept its financial obligations for 4 years without interruption, I propose the following:

1. to designate the new increase of payments which has now become necessary, as temporary and to leave open the possibility of our readiness to reopen negotiations for an eventual re-diminution, as soon as the military situation in France permits.

2. Not to designate that new demand as an increase of the occupational costs in the spirit of the Armistice treaty, because that demand, which was explicitly motivated by the OKW, as to cover the increased expenses for our conduct of war in France, could only with difficulty be reconciled with the obligation to pay the “cost for the maintenance of our occupation troops”, as based on the Armistice-treaty. I recommend rather to present it as special contribution of the French Government and the French people for the repelling of Bolshevism (original version reads: “repelling of the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Europe” but it has been changed in pencil to read as above) and the defense of Europe. Such a formulation lies in the political line of Laval and his repeated declarations. This does not change the fact, that those payments, like the previous increase, will also be made through the account of occupational costs and will thus continue to be treated as such.

3. In order to provide also an exterior character to that idea, I propose to negotiate about a single additional effort of 1 billion RM to be paid in monthly installments of 200 million RM each. At the expiration of 4 months a further contribution by France could eventually be negotiated again, according to the then prevailing military situation.

With the consent of the embassy. signed: Hemmen.

PART 47 Copy as concept/Ss

German Armistice Delegation for Economics

Paris, 31 July 1944

1. Note for the President of the French Delegation to the German Armistice Delegation for Economics, Governor de Boisanger.

Mr. President!

Following a special order of the Reich Cabinet, I have the honor to communicate the following to you:

According to Article 18 of the Armistice treaty the French Government has to defray the expenses for the support of the German occupation troops on French soil.

The daily occupation expenditures for the Wehrmacht in France are at present more than 35 million RM. Since 11 November 1942 the French Government has paid daily installments of 25 million RM to the occupation costs. Due to the deficit thus resulting every month the last reserves from the occupation cost account have been used up in the meantime as you repeatedly had occasion to notice for yourself. By my exchange of notes with Minister Cathala on the future monthly advance payments of occupation costs of 19 and 23 June 1944 the necessarily resulting insolvencies could be overcome, however, the existing deficit could not be removed. I therefore request the French Government now to increase the installments of occupation costs effective on 1 August of this year to 35 million RM daily.

In accordance with the said exchange of notes of 19 and 23 June 1944—No. 2076—the installments are to be paid monthly in advance on the 21st of the preceding month. The additional amount of 200 million RM for the period of 1 to 20 August has therefore become due and is to be paid before 15 August 1944.

I request you, Mr. Governor, to acknowledge receipt of this note and to inform me of the orders given by the French Government in order to carry out the above demand of the Reich Cabinet.

Please accept, Mr. President, the expression of my deepest respect.

s. Hemmen President

* * * * * * *

PART 49

By special route via Altkirch

Belfort, 20 August 1944

No. 2739 IV

Teletype

Foreign

Berlin

No. 111 of 20 August 1944 In connection with No. 107 of 11 August.

As I reported on 12 August the 8 billion-rate promised by President Laval for 12 August has finally been paid on time after considerable difficulties had been overcome (compare my report of 16 August). There was an unmistakable tendency to put off this payment until after the approaching bank-holidays to the 16th in the hope that by that time the development of the military situation would prevent the payment (American tanks had already been reported in Chartres).

In addition to the increase of occupation cost payments I negotiated since 7 August upon suggestion of our military agencies with the Governor of the Bank of France, de Boisanger, about transport for safeguarding of the large reserves in bills in Paris (60 billion F. frs.) and Clermont Ferrand (80 billion F. frs.) to eastern France.

Readiness of the Bank of France to do so was undoubtedly present, the existing transport facilities and the requisite military protection however extremely slight. A first transport of 25 billion from Paris to Nancy was scheduled for 12 August; simultaneously also the installment of 8 billion due on the 12th was to be sent off because there would be no other transport opportunity for it. This transport was carried out. For a second transport of 25 billion the military could no more make available any trucks. Railroads are also out. Therefore, the German Bank commissioner tried to transfer 10 billion F. frs. on 2 trucks of the Bank of France in another transport about the completion of which there is no report yet.

Still greater were the difficulties of transport and protection for the transfer of 80 billion reserves in bills from Clermont-Ferrand to Dijon and Lyon, because there direct transport is being obstructed by Maquis and transport therefore had to be directed via Paris.

Ten billion of these did arrive. Further transports are improbable in view of the development in the meantime.

* * * * * * *

However, on the morning of the following day, 17 August, I again negotiated orally with Minister Cathala and Governor de Boisanger about our demand for increase of occupation costs. Cathala at this opportunity declared as per order of President Laval that the French government now definitely refuses the demanded increase for reasons already stated. I stated that therewith I had to consider our negotiations as definitely frustrated and therefore reserve subsequent decisions to my government. As I had learned in the meantime that the convention in the Bank of France necessary for the installment of 8 billion due on 21 August had not yet been applied for, i.e., that on the due date new difficulties for the payment had to be expected, I expressed the definite expectation of the Reich Cabinet that order to pay the balance will be issued on time by the Ministry of Finances, Cathala thereupon declared that the French Government for a period of more than 4 years always fulfilled its obligations promptly. As long as he functioned as Minister of Finances he always considered it his special duty to fulfill the obligations contracted by the French Government; he would act the same way now in case he should still be in office on the 21 August. By saying so he distinctly alluded to the pending plans for a change of government and the present serious situation of President Laval.

* * * * * * *

[Note: The original shows numerous corrections in ink. Translation followed the corrected version.]

* * * * * * *

PART 51

Copy

In the field 7 September 1944

The Military Commander in France To Distribution

The French government has not yet paid the 2nd September installment of the occupation costs which were due 21 August. For the securing of the French for the armed forces, stationed on French soil, I order the following.

The administrative headquarters [Feldkommandanturen; FK] mentioned in the distribution, will confiscate at once half of the cash amounts of francs at the branch of the Bank of France, located at their official station, and will cause the removal under military guard to the following Reichskreditkassen: Belfort, Colmar, Muehausen, Strassburg, Saargemund, and Saarlautern. According to the situation of end of July, the following cash amounts were with the branches of the Bank of France: Belfort 698 million francs, Besancon 642, Epinal 853, Luneville 93, Nancy 1,411, Nevers 1,016, Saint Die 181, Vesoul 227.

Furthermore, 2 billion francs in thousand-franc notes are in the vault of the Bank of France in Nancy or Epinal, which were brought via transport in the middle of August from Paris to Nancy. Those 2 billion francs are also to be confiscated and to be removed.

/s/ Kitzinger General of the Air Force

Distribution

(in pencil)

FK Belfort 698

Besancon 642

Epinal 853

Luneville 93

Nancy 1,411

Nevers 1,016

Saint Die 181

Vesoul 227

6,131 : 2 = 3 billion francs

+ 2 billion francs

5 billion francs were to be confiscated

Order was forwarded by telephone

* * * * * * *

PART 53

German Armistice Delegation for Economics

Wiesbaden 16 November 1944 No. 2971 Enclosures Berlin C 111, 7 November 1944

Chief Administration of the Reichskreditkassen

Journal No. 10906/44 Re: Your letter of 12 October 1944 No. II 2846

The French moneys in the amount of frs. 2,931,000,000 deposited with us by the military commander in France have been accounted for by us with the Bank of France, Belfort branch, as per our letter of 25 October 1944, photocopy of which is enclosed.

Chief Administration of the Reichskreditkassen

[initials illegible]

To the German Armistice delegation for Economics (12 b) Salzburg Hotel Osterreichischerhof

TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 1742-PS

The Reichmarshal of the Greater German Reich. V.P. 18727/6/3 Distribution:

Berlin, October 26, 1942 W8 No. 3, Leipziger Street

OKW W.F.St. OKW Wi Amt, OKH Gen.St.d.H. OKW Gen. Qu. Chef d. Gen.St.d. Luftw. Reichsfuehrer SS, Ostmin. Reichsernaehrungsmin. Chef wi Srab Ost Gen. Bev. f. d. Arb. Eins., Org. Todt, Reischsarbeitsdienst, Chefgr. Ernaehrung.

Simultaneously with the intensified combating of gang activities, [Bandentaetigkeit] ordered by the Fuehrer, and with the cleaning up of the Hinterland in particular that behind the Army Group Middle, I request that the following aspects are taken into consideration and that the deductions drawn therefrom are put into practice.

1. During combating of the underground and the combing through of the areas contaminated by them, all the available cattle stock there, must simultaneously be driven off to safe areas. Food supplies are to be evacuated and protected similarly, so that they will no more be accessible to the bands.

2. All masculine and feminine labour which can be considered for some kind of employment, must be seized by force and transported to the plenipotentiary Chief of the Labour Exchange who will employ them in the safe areas of the hinterland or at home. The accommodation of the children in the hinterland camps is to be regulated separately.

3. In the execution of the directives outlined under pars 1 and 2, no regard is to be paid to whether the agricultural or any other production in these areas will suffer or succumb owing to these measures. Since up to now these band infested areas have nothing to show in the way of production anyway, but were directly or indirectly useful to the bands.

I request all authorities concerned, in as far as it is necessary, in mutual agreement, to effect the requisites within their spheres of competence, in order to act according to the directives outlined by me.

About the detailed delimitation of areas an Agreement must be reached between the various head groups of agriculture of the Economy Offices [Wirtschaftsdienststellen].

(signed) Goering attested: Schwimpe Registrar of the Ministry.

PARTIAL TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 1743-PS

[Page 1] Economic Operations Staff East

TOP SECRET

Note: Up to mobilization day these instructions are to be treated as “Top secret”, as of mobilization day open for “Restricted”.

Guiding Principles for the Economic operations in the newly occupied Eastern territories

(Green portfolio)

Section I Assignments and organization of the Economy

Berlin, June 1941 Printed at the Armed Forces High Command

Introductory remark. [page 3]

The “green portfolio”, Section I, serves the military leadership and the Economic offices for orientation in the Economic assignments in the Eastern territories to be newly occupied. It contains instructions concerning the supplying of the troops from that land and provides the guiding principles for the troops to assist the Economy.

The instructions and guiding principles contained in the “green portfolio” correspond to the military orders issued by the armed forces high command and the branches of the armed forces.

The Major Economic Assignments

The following executions are first of all intended for orientation during the course of operations. But they contain simultaneously the guiding principles, which serve for the duration of the occupation as a fundamental principle. The Economic arrangements necessary in the further progress of the occupation will be released as soon as the great political aim is publicized, which will be determined in connection with the necessary improvement of the German war Economy.

I. In accordance with the commands given by the Fuehrer, all measures are to be taken which are necessary, to bring about the immediate and highest possible exploitation of the occupied territories in favor of Germany. On the contrary all measures are to be refrained or to be held back that could be harmful to this goal.

II. The Exploitation of the territories to be newly occupied must be executed first of all in the realm of food and mineral oil economy. To gain for Germany as much food stuff and mineral oil as possible is the main goal of this action. Aside of that order raw materials are to be transported from the occupied territories for the German War Economy, insofar as it is technically possible and with a view towards the production to be maintained outside. As far as kind and amount of the factory production to be maintained the occupied territory, to be reconstructed or newly ordered is concerned, this likewise is also in the very first line to be decided according to the needs, provided by the exploitation of the agriculture and the mineral oil Economy for the German War Economy.

For the Economic leadership in the occupied territories the main points are to be clearly outlined in accordance with this. This is valid with regards to the main aim as well as for the individual assignments and those that serve to aid their execution. From that it can be further concluded, that these assignments, that cannot agree with the given basic direction toward the goal, respectively those that may make their retention difficult, must be left out of consideration, no matter if their individual compilation does appear desirable. The conception would be totally off the track, if it would come to the point to uniformly pursue the idea in the occupied territories, that it can be directly restored to order and reconstructed with the greatest expediency. The treatment of the individual districts of the country will have to be on the contrary, entirely varied. Only those territories must be economically promoted and urgently kept in order in which considerable food and mineral oils can be rendered accessible for us. In other sections of the country, which cannot feed themselves—therefore in big sections of north and middle Russia—the economic operations must be limited to the available supplies.

Which mobilization factories are to be maintained or reconstructed, is reserved for later decision.

III. The individual fields consist of the following [Page 4]:

a. Food and agriculture:

1. The main assignment to be accomplished as soon as possible, is the uninterrupted supply of the German troops, in order thereby to relieve the supply situation in Europe and to ease the burden on the means of transport. The entire need of oats for the armed forces is to be taken care of from middle Russia, the main section for the growth of oats, insofar as it cannot be obtained from other occupied territories. In South-Russia it is to be achieved to feed barley and corn instead of oats.

2. The main weight in procuring of food stuff for the domestic economy has to be placed on grain and oil fruits. The surplus of the crop that can be obtained and stocks in the southern territories are to be secured by all means, the proper handling of the harvest is to be watched, the removal into agricultural deficient Middle and North Russia has to be stopped ruthlessly, insofar as exceptions are not ordered or made necessary in order to feed the troops.

b. The main weight as far as industrial raw materials are concerned, is to be placed on mineral oil. Under these measures, which do not serve the food management, all tasks connected with the production and shipment of mineral oil, will have first priority, by all means. For the execution of the decrees in the mineral oil field, especially to be issued for the Caucasus, the Continental Oil Company will be appointed. * * *

c. The industries which provide for the functioning in the German interest, of agricultural production in surplus territories, the production of mineral oil and raw material production, are to be put into operation immediately.

d. In order to tackle the transportation problem in the German interest, particular attention is to be paid to

1. Street buildings in South territories and the thoroughfares,

2. The extension of the railroad tracks, especially the building of two track lines in the most important traffic districts,

3. The improvement of canals, unloading facilities in the inland waterways, especially in the North and South traffic,

4. Rebuilding of harbor facilities. * * *

Organisation of the Economy [Page 5]

A. General.

The Reichsmarschall has formed the “Wirtschaftsfuehrungsstab Ost” which is under his immediate jurisdiction and which will be run by Staatssekretaer Koerner, as his representative, for the uniform management of the Economy administration in the zone of operations and in administration districts, to be established later. For the representation of the military interests, for the preparation and for the duration of the military operations, the Chief of the War Economy and Armament Office, General of the Infantry Thomas, has the authority which he exercises as a Member of the Wirtschaftsfuehrungsstabes Ost.

The directives of the Reichsmarschall include all phases of the Economy incl. food and agriculture. They will be carried out by the subordinate economy agencies (see B).

The orders of the “Wirtschaftsfuehrungsstabes Ost” will be transmitted by the Chief of the Wi Rue office to the advanced “Wirtschaftsstab Ost” in the occupied territory which will be located during the operations in the vicinity of the OKH/Gen Qu.

B. Organization of the Economy in the zone of operations.

The subordinate Economy agencies of the “Wirtschaftsstab Ost” are, as far as they are active in the zone of operation, assigned to the Command agencies of the Army and militarily under their jurisdiction, namely:

a. In the rear area of the army:

One each economy inspection team with the Commanders of the army rear area,

One each of several economy Commands with the security divisions,

One group IV Wi each with the field administration headquarters.

b. in the Army zone:

One each group IV Wi [V.O. Wi Rue Office] with the AOK’s [Army high commands]

One each group IV Wi with the field administration headquarters, who have advanced into the Army zone and who are under the jurisdiction of the AOK’s, also in case of need, economy commands advanced into the Army zone militarily under the jurisdiction of the AOK’s. * * *

C. Organization of the Economy for the political Administration districts.

Regulation will follow later by the Reichsmarschall.

The execution of the economic detailed tasks [Page 9].

1. Within the food economy, the procurement of grain and oil containing plants is the foremost task. All measures for this will be taken with a view of long duration (bringing in of the harvest, safe storage, preparation and cultivation of the fields for autumn, to make available manpower and machines, the seed, fertilizer, throttling of the consumption of the domestic population. As much use as possible, is to be made of the setting up of simple community kitchens.)

The supplying of the troops from the land [Page 14].

As far as the troops have to be supplied from the land, attention is called to the following:

I. Food, Clothes, housing needs and consumer goods.

* * * * * * *

2. The food, housing, consumer goods and Clothes found in the zone of combat and in the rear areas, are in the first place at the disposal of IVa in order to satisfy the immediate needs of the troops (notice par. 3).

3. In order to facilitate the possibility of transfer of food stocks at a later date, the required supplies for the immediate needs of the troops, are if possible not to be taken from stocks which are in a general favorable locality for the shipment to Germany. (At railroad stations and waterways, in harbor, especially baltic harbor, the border states, in the vicinity of the German borders.)

4. All food, housing, consumer goods and Clothes stocks which have not been taken over in the zone of combat and the Army rear areas by IVa and its agencies for the immediate use of the troops, will be put at the disposal of IV Wi, who thereby will be responsible for the care and Transfer to the economy agencies next in line.

5. In the Army rear area the economy agencies who are taking over the preliminary work done by IV Wi will be charged with reconnaissance, security and care of the food, housing, consumer goods and Clothes stocks. The assignment to the troops will be made through the Wi agencies to the permanent local food supply agencies, who will determine the requirements of all troops of the different branches and report them to the local competent economy agencies. These will regulate the supply demands. * * *

II. Fuel and tires.

a. The troops will resort to the stocks found by them.

Only in an emergency can be used:

a. stocks of the gas, water, electricity and mine facilities

b. gasoline and lubricants for farm and vital Industries

c. stocks of the motor tractor stations.

* * * * * * *

War-Booty, Services for pay, Army booty, prize [Page 19].

I. General.

1. Although according to the Hague Convention the entire movable property of the enemy country can be taken away without compensation, however for the time being only the movable property of the enemy army shall be treated as booty. Other movable property of the state may however be used by the troops in case of need, it is however to be treated as private property and to be paid for in case of use or acquisition.

2. The payment is to be made in case of values up to 1000 RM in Reichskassennotes, amounts exceeding 1000 RM by issuance of receipts.

Receipts may be issued by every agency in the rank of battalion or higher, unless exceptions have to be made due to a situation of the fighting or in case different directives have not been given by the OKH.

3. When taking over property for which there is no owner a receipt will be given to the Senior member of the community or a report will be made to the field administration headquarters.

4. With the establishment of the Field administration headquarters [Feldkommandanturen] and the permanent local economy agencies, the latter will be charged, in connection with the military agencies, with the procurement and making available the requirements of the troops from the Economy. In urgent cases the troops may even then secure their immediate needs independently. If possible, the local competent Field administration headquarters will be notified in such a case.

Raw materials, Management of goods [Page 23].

An exact regulated production and distribution of goods by interpolation of special merchandise pools will be out of question as far as the new territories to be occupied are concerned, with the exception perhaps of the Baltic states.

* * * * * * *

C. All raw materials, processed and half processed goods, useful to us will be withdrawn from the market. This will be initiated by IV Wi’s and the economy agencies through suitable measures such as appeals and orders, through decrees for confiscation or through military guard or both.

Money and Credit system [Page 24].

* * * * * * *

2. Gold reserves and foreign currency are to be secured. Further action will be taken by the Economy command upon notification.

* * * * * * *

5. Reichskreditkassen will be established as soon as possible. They are personally and in fact under the jurisdiction of the Chief administration of the Reichskreditkassen in Berlin. The Reichskreditkassen are charged with the regulation of the Money and Credit system. They will discharge their duties with Reichskreditkassen notes which will be issued in 50, 20, 5, 2, 1 and 0.50 RM denominations. The Reichskreditkassen notes are legal tender along with the currency of the country. The ratio of the Reichsmark in relation to the currency of the Country will be fixed through decrees by the authorities in charge.

The Reichskreditkassen notes serve as well the purpose to keep the economy of the occupied country intact, as far as this is important for us in the interest of peace and order, as well as to satisfy and balance the money requirements of the German troops. The first will be achieved by granting credits to industrial and other enterprises also to financial institutions or also to state and district administrations, if the granting of credits is in the German interest (compare 3).

The financial institutions of the occupied countries are also to be induced to open accounts with the Reichskreditkassen.

The Army has been ordered to pay its troops, after they cross the border, only with Reichskreditkassen notes or with the currency of the country and to use German change only in the smallest denominations of 10, 5, 2 and 1 Reichspfenning if the foreign change is not available. The money in the hands of the soldiers at the time of the invasion, in the amount of more than 0.50 RM, has to be exchanged into Reichskreditkassen notes at the nearest Reichskreditkasse by the Finance office of the troops.

6. The Army has the order to see to it that the soldiers on their part pay in the occupied territory only with Reichskreditkassen notes or in the currency of the foreign country at the established rate of exchange. A decree will be issued in due time to the effect that in the occupied territory along with the currency of the foreign country, the Reichsmark in the form of Reichskreditkassen notes will also be a legal tender and what the rate of exchange will be.

7. The maintenance of the rate of exchange of the Reichskreditkassen notes is especially important. The way of their acceptance by the population is therefore carefully to be observed. Should any difficulties arise of the kind that the population refuses to accept Reichskreditkassen notes at all or only to another than the fixed rate of exchange, so if necessary it must be counteracted by punishment. The Economy agencies will report about such incidents.

To the maintenance of the rate of exchange pertains also that in case of subscription to forced loans and also when selling merchandise to the population not only the currency of the foreign country is demanded, but also Reichskreditkassen notes will be accepted at the rate of exchange by us.

* * * * * * *

9. The Reichskreditkassen will work in closest cooperation with the Economy agencies. They have, notwithstanding the fact that they are under the jurisdiction of the Chief administration of the Reichskreditkassen, to bring in line their measures with the intentions of the Economy inspector with regard to the Money and Credit system.

Foreign Trade and Exchange [Page 25].

1. General.

With regard to the question of Trade and Exchange between the occupied territories and third countries is to be taken into account, that all surplus of goods are in principle destined for German consumption. So far as removal is not possible, the goods will be, for the time being, stocked and secured, and be held ready for later removal. Therefore trade between the occupied territories and third countries is for the time being, fundamentally not possible. Directives for carrying on trade at a later date, with third countries in the interest of Germany, will be given as soon as the situation is clearer.

* * * * * * *

Price Control [Page 26].

A decree or announcement of a most simple character will prohibit the raise of prices and other compensations (also wages) and make it a punishable offense. This is only a temporary solution. A change of prices which are subject to political conditions will have to be considered.

For agricultural products, the following rates are fixed, which may not be exceeded in the occupied territories.

The IV Wi and the economy agencies will take care of their publication. Food purchases for the troops as well are to be made at the established prices only.

1. Field products, prices for 1 dz:

Wheat 140 Ruble

Rye 120 ”

100% Grain 145 ”

Barley 110 ”

Oats 120 ”

Corn 100 ”

Peas 160 ”

Millet 100 ”

Buckwheat 130 ”

Potatoes 50 ”

Hay 30 ”

Straw 15 ”

2. Processed Products, prices for 1 dz:

80% Wheat flour 200 Ruble

85% Rye flour 155 ”

Sugar 400 ”

3. Animals (living)

Cattle (for each dz.) 500 Ruble

Hogs (for each dz.) 600 ”

Calves (for each dz.) 250 ”

Sheep (for each dz.) 200 ”

4. Dairy products

Milk (each 1.) 1 Ruble

Butter (each kg.) 44 ”

PARTIAL TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 1746-PS

Conference between Field Marshal List and Representatives of the Bulgarian General Staff

(Agreement between Germany, Bulgaria and Rumania for attacking Greece and eventually Turkey). dated February 8, 1941

[Page 1, Line 5-14:]

Minutes of questions discussed between the representatives of the Royal Bulgarian General Staff and the German Supreme Command—General Field Marshal List—in connection with the possible movement of German troops through Bulgaria and their commitment against Greece and possibly against Turkey, if she should involve herself in the war.

[Page 1, Line 19—Page 2, Line 24:]

1. During the operation of the German troops against Greece or Turkey, the Bulgarian army will not be committed in an offensive way against the two mentioned countries, according to an agreement between the two governments. It will be reinforced, in order to safeguard the new order on the Balkan.

2. Up to the arrival of German troops on the Bulgarian South and Southeast border, the Bulgarian army will alone defend its territory with its own troops for the beginning, with about the following deployment:

at least 6 Bulgarian divisions on the Bulgarian-Turkish border sufficient forces for the protection of the border, on the Greek border, reinforced border protection on the Yugoslavian border

Later on, the Bulgarian army is also responsible for adequate protection along those fronts where German forces will not become offensive.

The mobilization and the deployment of these forces may start immediately in a camouflaged way. However, in order that these measures will have the desired effect, the deliveries to Bulgaria must be fulfilled immediately by Germany (enclosure I).

The German supreme command will do everything in its power, so that its troops will appear on the Bulgarian-Turkish and Bulgarian-Greek border in sufficient numbers in the shortest time.

For this purpose, from the beginning a sufficient amount of German forces—mainly armored and motorized divisions—will be moved in the shortest time behind the Bulgarian border protection troops. This move will start with the deployment of the two armored divisions which already are in the Dobrudscha as well as with the armored and motorized divisions which are in Walachia. The other forces provided for the operations, that means more infantry and armored divisions, will follow behind, depending on weather, road, and bridge situation.

[Page 3, Line 3-12:]

3. The Bulgarian and the German general staff will take all measures in order to camouflage the preparation of the operations and to assure in this way the most favorable conditions for the execution of the German operations as planned.

The representatives of the two general staffs consider it to be suitable to inform their governments that it will be good to take the necessity of secrecy and surprise into consideration, when the three-power treaty is signed by Bulgaria in order to assure the success of the military operations.

[Page 3, Line 13—Page 4, Line 27:]

4. In order to protect Bulgaria from any possible enemy before and after the beginning of the operations, the German supreme command will take the following measures:

a. Against Turkey: From the beginning, sufficient German forces, mainly armored divisions, will be thrown against the Turkish border behind the Bulgarian defensive front. At the same time, the German air force will stand ready for active defense.

If Turkey should attack Bulgaria, while the German operations against Greece are being carried out, the Bulgarian army will defend itself, supported by sufficient German forces. The German supreme command will take all necessary measures immediately, in order to beat and throw back the Turkish army with German troops, so that an extended defense by Bulgarian troops will be avoided on the Turkish front.

The same also goes for Greece, if the Greeks should attack Bulgaria during the German operations against Turkey.

b. Against Greece: Motorized advance units shall thrust immediately against the Greek-Bulgarian border as fast as possible, in order to stand there as support for the protection of the Bulgarian border.

c. Against Yugoslavia: If Yugoslavia should attack, the columns of the German infantry divisions would take over the protection against the West, at first, which are deployed on the right flank to the rear. Other German forces would get at Yugoslavia from another side, too. It is assumed in this case, that a reinforced Bulgarian border protection exists also along the Bulgarian-Yugoslav border.

d. Against Russia: Sufficient German forces are ready on the German Eastern border, to be used for any purpose. Moreover, German instructor troops are available in Rumania, in addition to the Rumanian army.

e. Against landing attempts: The German troops are in a position to take a hand at any time in the defense against a possible landing on the Black Sea coast, in cooperation with the air force. Besides, the supreme command of the army List will make its suggestions at the competent German navy office, in order to strengthen the protection of the two ports Varna and Burgas, according to the already known wishes of the Bulgarian supreme command.

The Bulgarian army will also do its part to guarantee the protection of the two ports by providing forces there.

[Page 4, Line 32—Page 5, Line 27:]

6. The supply of the German troops on their march through Bulgaria and during their operations against Greece or Turkey will be provided from their own German stocks. However, in order to relieve the railroad and transportation system, especially with regard to feeding facilities, assistance from the Bulgarian side is necessary. This assistance will only be within the limits of the so-called “Contingents” [Kontingent]. The details about the installation of the necessary dumps, about purchases, payment of work, etc., as well as export and import control, will be regulated by a special commission.

[Remark in pencil] (L IV Is taken care of)

7. It will be necessary to use the Bulgarian national installations (railroad, postal system, etc.), for the purposes of the German armed forces, as far as it will be bearable for the Bulgarian economy. The details about it will be regulated by the special commissions which are already in Sofia. It is presumed that especially the railroad net and the rolling stock will be placed at the disposal of the German army for its requirements. For that purpose it is necessary that the Bulgarian railroad receives an extra allowance of about 100 locomotives, 1500 freight cars and 30 km rail material, in order to satisfy all requirements of the Bulgarian army, the Bulgarian economy and the German army. Operation and management of the Bulgarian national railroad, postal and telegraphic service are to remain in Bulgarian hands. Transportation required by the German army will be organized by the Bulgarian general staff. The details about the service of the railroads, postal and telegraphic systems will be discussed and regulated by a special commission.

[Page 6, Line 6-11:]

10. The activity of the counter intelligence service [Abwehr Dienst] of the German and Bulgarian general staffs is already regulated by a special commission.

11. The question of command function in Bulgaria could not yet be finally settled. The German high command will come back to this question in the near future.

[Page 6, Line 15-26:]

13. Questions which might come up later will be taken care of by further conferences.

14. The conditions laid down above, as far as political questions are concerned, will be in effect only after the approval by the German supreme command of the armed forces. Nevertheless, the preparations for the execution of the operations will be made with all energy, regardless of the above fact.

In order to enable the Bulgarians to carry out in time the last preparations for the deployment, it is necessary that the Bulgarian general staff should be informed of the crossing of the border by the Germans 10 days ahead of time.

Finis

PART II Conference of Hitler and the German High Command on the situation in Yugoslavia. Dated March 27, 1941

[Page 1—Page 4, Line 13:]

W F St

Berlin, March 27, 1941

Top Secret

1st copy W F St 2nd copy L 3rd copy W Kr G

Only for general officers

To be transmitted by officers only.

Discussion about the situation in Yugoslavia

[stamp] [several pencil marks and initials] OKW/W F St Dept L (I M I) 29 March 1941 No 44391/41 top secret

Present:

Fuehrer Reich Marshal Chief OKW Chief W F St Major General Bodenschatz Colonel Schmundt Commander von Puttkamer Lieutenant-Colonel Scherff Major von Below Major Christian

Later on the following persons were added:

Supreme commander of the army (Ob.d.H.) Chief of the General staff of the army (Chef Gen St d H) Colonel Hensinger Lieutenant-Colonel Sieverth Reich Foreign Minister Ambassador Hewel Brigadier General (Gen.Maj.) von Waldan Colonel Schmidt Brigadier General (Gen.Maj.) von Rintelen.

The Fuehrer describes Yugoslavia’s situation after the coup d’etat. Statement that Yugoslavia was an uncertain factor in regard to the coming Marita-action and even more in regard to the Barbarossa-undertaking later on. Serbs and Slovenes were never pro-German. These governments never sit securely in the saddle, because of the nationality problem and the officers caste (Kamarilla), which is always inclined to start a coup d’etat. In the present time, the country had only one strong man, namely Stojodinowitsch, and Regent Prince Paul had him thrown over, to his own disadvantage.

The present moment is for political and military reasons favorable for us to ascertain the actual situation in the country and the country’s attitude toward us, for if the overthrow of the government would have happened during the Barbarossa-action, the consequences for us probably would have been considerably more serious.

The Fuehrer is determined, without waiting for possible loyalty declarations of the new government, to make all preparations in order to destroy Yugoslavia militarily and as a national unit. No diplomatic inquiries will be made nor ultimatums presented. Assurances of the Yugoslav government which cannot be trusted any how in the future will be taken note of. The attack will start as soon as the means and troops suitable for it are ready.

It is important that actions will be taken as fast as possible. An attempt will be made to let the bordering states participate in a suitable way. An actual military support against Yugoslavia is to be requested of Italy, Hungary, and in certain respects of Bulgaria too. Rumania’s main task is the protection against Russia. The Hungarian and the Bulgarian ambassador have already been notified. During the day, a message will still be addressed to the Duce.

Politically, it is especially important that the blow against Yugoslavia is carried out with unmerciful harshness and that the military destruction is done in a lightning like undertaking. In this way, Turkey would become sufficiently frightened and the campaign against Greece later on would be influenced in a favorable way. It can be assumed that the Croats will come to our side when we attack. A corresponding political treatment (autonomy later on) will be assured to them. The war against Yugoslavia should be very popular in Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, as territorial acquisitions are to be promised to these states; the Adria coast for Italy, the Banat for Hungary, and Macedonia for Bulgaria.

This plan assumes that we speed up the schedule of all preparations and use such strong forces that the Yugoslav collapse will take place within the shortest time.

In this connection, the beginning of the Barbarossa-operation will have to be postponed up to 4 weeks.

The military operations are to be carried out in the following way:

1. Begin the operation Marita as early as possible with the limited aim to capture Greek-Thracia and the basin of Saoloniki and to win the high terrain of Edessa; for that purpose march [Ausholen] across Yugoslav territory.

2. Push from neighborhood South of Sofia in direction Skoplje in order to relieve the flank of the Italian front in Albania.

3. Push with stronger forces from the area around Sofia in direction towards Nis, then towards Belgrad, in cooperation with

4. Stronger German forces penetrating from the area around Graz and Klagenfurt in direction South-East with the aim to destroy the Yugoslav army.

[Page 5, Line 3-9:]

5. The main task of the airforce is to start as early as possible with the destruction of the Yugoslavian airforce ground installations and to destroy the capital Belgrade in attacks by waves; besides the air force has to support the advance of the army.

For this purpose, it is possible to make use of the Hungarian ground installations.

[Page 6, Line 7-12]

The Fuehrer orders the immediate starting of all preparations. He expects the plans of the different parts of the armed forces during the evening of March 27th. General von Pintelen is ordered to receive the message and verbal orders from the Fuehrer during the night of March 27.

[illegible pencil initial]

* * * * * * *

PART V

Subject: Tentative plan for the coordination of the German and Italian operations against Yugoslavia. Dated: March 28, 1941

The Chief of the operational staff of the Armed Forces of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces.

Berlin, March 28, 1941

[in pencil] Handed over to Gen. von Rintelen on March 28, 1941 at 4 P. M.

Only for general officers

To be transmitted by officers only

KW/W F St [Stamp] [several pencil marks]

Tentative Plan for the coordination of the German and Italian operations against Yugoslavia.

1. In the event that the political development requires an armed intervention against Yugoslavia, it is the German intention to attack Yugoslavia in a concentric way as soon as possible, to destroy her armed forces, and to dissolve her national territory.

2. For this purpose, the following units are being formed:

a. One assault group South of Sofia for the advance in direction Skoplje and South, in order to occupy the Southern part of Yugoslavia as basis for the combined attack against Greece and to remove the danger for the rear of the Italian front in Albania.

b. One assault group which will be deployed around Graz and under certain circumstances also in the Southwest Hungary, in order to penetrate into Yugoslavia later in the direction Belgrad and Westward.

c. Probably an Hungarian attack group reinforced by German forces which will be committed in the general direction towards the Danube on both sides of Belgrad.

3. If the weather situation permits, the operation against Greece will start on April 2nd or 3rd. In this operation, the right flank will move across Yugoslavian territory. In the beginning, its aim will be limited to the occupation of the basis of Saloniki and the high terrain of Edessa.

4. Therefore, the following tasks result for the participation of the Italian armed forces:

a. Flank protection for the German attack group Graz by advancing towards the line Split-Yajele, with forces as strong as possible.

b. Shifting to the defense on the Greek-Albanian front and deployment of an attack group, in order to join with the German forces committed around Skoplje and South.

c. Elimination of the Yugoslav naval forces.

d. Later on, resumption of the attacks against the Greek front in Albania.

For the inner-political integration of the Yugoslav national territory it is especially desirable to favor the Croat independence movements in every respect and to treat the Croats as friends of the Axis. It will therefore be opportune to avoid any air attacks against Croat territory, as long as it is not a question of commitment against enemy troops fighting there.

5. The following chronological schedule of the German operations may be expected:

a. Attack against Greece: April 2nd-3rd

b. Attack from the area South of Sofia on April 3rd or April 4th

c. Attack from the area around Graz and East of it: April 12th.

[illegible initial]

PARTIAL TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 1751-PS

SECRET

SS Main Office Economy Administration [SS Wirtschafts-Verwaltungs Hauptamt]

Department Chief [Amtsgruppenchef]

Concentration Camps

Dramenburg, 12 May 1944

DI/Az,:14 h 2/Na/s- Geheim Tgb-Nr. 605/44 Re: assignment of prisoners for experimental purposes

To the Camp Commanders of Concentration camps Da, Sah, Bu, Mau, Flo, Neu, Au.I III, br-Ro, Natz, Stu, Rav, Herz, Aufenth, Camp Bergen, Belsen

Group leader D Riga, one copy each for KL Riga, Kauen, Vaivara

SS Wirtschafter Ost, Krakau with one copy each for KL Lublin, Warschau and Plaszow.

There is cause to call attention to the fact that in every case permission for assignment has to be requested here before assignment of prisoners is made for experimental purposes.

To be included in this request are number, kind of custody, and in case of aryan prisoners, exact personal data, file number in the Main Reich’s Security Office and reason for detainment in the concentration camp.

Herewith, I explicitly forbid assignment of prisoners for experimental purposes without permission.

[signature illegible] (Waffen) SS Lt Gen and Lt Gen of the SS

TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 1752-PS

SECRET

Preparations already made for the International Congress

Reichsleader Alfred Rosenberg received the order from the Fuehrer to stage an anti-Jewish congress. The date for this congress was fixed for 11.7. after a discussion, and after the corresponding preparations had been made.

The following preparations for the congress have been undertaken:

1. In Germany.

2. abroad.

1. Preparations in Germany.

a. The financing of the congress has been taken on by the Reich Treasury of Chief, Schwarz. Further, after the Fuehrer had decided on Cracow as the site of the congress, Reich Minister and General Governor Frank has taken over all the costs that arise within his General Government.

b. The site of the meeting.

All negotiations concerning billeting, feeding and welfare of the guests, the lecture rooms etc. have been readily settled with the offices of the General governor. (Instead of Cracow, a place that is safe from air raids, for instance Zakopane, can be selected at any time.)

c. The program of lectures has been discussed with the appropriate offices,

1. Foreign Office

2. Propaganda Ministry

3. Head Office for internal security

and has met with general approval. The Reich Foreign Minister as well as Reich Minister Dr. Goebbels have given their assent to the program.

d. German speakers and lecturers have been visualized, among others three German Ministers. The promise of these three gentlemen to attend seems certain. Some lectures are already on hand.

The final preparations, those for the cultural extra items on the programme, have been taken in hand. (See the letter from Reichsleader Rosenberg to Reichsleader Bormann concerning the appearance of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, with Furtwaengler as conductor.)

Even the formation of international organisations for investigating and combatting Jewry, which have been provided for in connection with the congress, have been brought about, and scientific presidents of the organisations have been earmarked. Some individual personalities have already been approached. Amongst others we already have the promise of Geheimrat Professor Dr. Eugen Fischer to be president of the European organisation for the “racial-biological questions of Jewry”.

e. The following have been entered as honorary members:

Reich Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop

Reich Minister of the Interior and Reichsleader of the SS Heinrich Himmler

Reich Minister Dr. Goebbels

Reich Minister and Governor Dr. Frank

2. Preparations abroad

The Foreign Office has accepted the task of contacting the prominent European people, with the exception of a few of the occupied territories in Europe, via its representatives abroad.

The German representatives abroad have received several official instructions, according to which they are

a. to propose delegates to be invited,

b. nominate lecturers,

c. approach the representatives of governments with a view to their participating at the congress.

In the course of these instructions being carried out, the following have promised their participation, or membership of the congress-committee and membership of the honorary committee:

Italy: Minister for National Enlightenment Mezzasoma (honorary committee)

The former Minister of State Preziosi (congress-committee and congress lecturer)