10 Dec.
45
entrusted with "special tasks." This
assignment is discussed in Paragraph 2b, which appears on Page I of the
English translation and reads as follows:
"b) In the area of operations of the
Army the Reichsführer SS is, on behalf of the Führer
entrusted with special tasks for the preparation of the political
administration — tasks which result from the struggle which has
to be carried out between two opposing political systems. Within the
realm of these tasks the Reichsführer SS shall act independently
and under his own responsibility. The executive power invested in the
Supreme Commander of the Army (OKH) and in agencies determined by him
shall not be affected by this. It is the responsibility of the Reichsführer
SS that through the execution of his tasks military operations shall
not be disturbed. Details shall be arranged directly through the OKH
with the Reichsführer SS."
The order then states that in time political administration will be set
up under Commissioners of the Reich, and discusses the relationship of
these officials to the Army. This is contained in Paragraph 2c and
Paragraph 3, parts of which I should like to read:
"c) As soon as the area of operations
has reached sufficient depth, it is to be limited in the rear. The
newly occupied territory in the rear of the area of operations is to
be given its own political administration. For the present it is to be
divided on the basis of nationality and according to the positions of
the Army groups into North (Baltic countries), Center (White Russia),
and South (Ukraine). In these territories the political administration
is taken care of by Commissioners of the Reich who receive their
orders from the Führer
"3) For the execution of all military tasks within the areas
under the political administration in the rear of the area of
operations, commanding officers who are responsible to the Supreme
Commander of the Armed Forces (OKW) shall be in command.
"The commanding officer is the supreme representative of the
Armed Forces in the respective areas and the bearer of the military
sovereign rights. He has the tasks of a territorial commander and the
rights of a supreme Army commander or a commanding general. In this
capacity he is responsible primarily for the following tasks:
"a) Close co-operation with the Commissioner of the Reich in
order to support him in his political tasks; b) exploitation of the
country and securing its economic values for use by German industry."