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June
6, 1941
Staff
Command Secret Document
Chief
Only
Only
Through Officer
High
Command of the Wehrmacht
WFST
[Armed Forces Operational Staff] Div. L (VI/Qu)
No.
44822/41 g.K Chiefs
Guidelines
for the Treatment of Political Commissars
In
the fight against Bolshevism it is not to be expected
that the enemy will act in accordance with the principles of
humanity or international law. In particular, the political
commissars of all kinds, who are the real bearers of
resistance, can be expected to mete out treatment to our
prisoners that is full of hate, cruel and inhuman.
The
army must be aware of the following:
1.
In this battle it would be mistaken to show mercy or respect
for international law towards such elements. They constitute a
danger to our own security and to the rapid pacification of
the occupied territories.
2.
The barbaric, Asiatic fighting methods are originated by the
political commissars. Action must therefore be taken against
them immediately, without further consideration, and
with all severity. Therefore, when they are picked up in
battle or resistance, they are, as a matter of principle, to
be finished immediately with a weapon.
In
addition, the following regulations are to be observed:
Operational
Areas
1)
Political commissars operating against our armies are
to be dealt with in accordance with the decree on judicial
provisions in the area of "Barbarossa." This applies
to commissars of every type and rank, even if they are only
suspected of resistance, sabotage or incitement to
sabotage....
NOKW-484. |
