10 Dec.
45
that this file, all relating to the same subject and
consisting of four letters, all of which I shall read or refer to, be
admitted in evidence as Exhibit USA-143.
The order itself reads as follows — it is the first item on the
English translation of 865-PS:
"I name Reichsleiter Alfred Rosenberg
as my commissioner for the central control of questions connected with
the east European region. An office, which is to be furnished in
accordance with his orders, is at the disposal of Reichsleiter
Rosenberg for the carrying out of the duties thereby entrusted to him.
The necessary money for this office is to be taken out of the Reich
Chancellery Treasury in a lump sum.
"Führer's headquarters, 20th April 1941. The Führer
signed, Adolf Hitler; Reich Minister and Head of Reich Chancellery,
signed, Dr. Lammers."
This
particular copy of the Führer's order was enclosed in a letter
which Dr. Lammers wrote to the Defendant Keitel requesting his
co-operation for Rosenberg and asking that Keitel appoint a deputy to
work with Rosenberg. This letter reads as follows — it is on the
stationery of the Reich Minister and the Head of the Reich Chancellery,
Berlin, 21 April 1941. I omit the salutation:
"Herewith I am sending you a copy of
the Führer's decree of the 20th of this month by which the Führer
appointed Reichsleiter Alfred Rosenberg as his commissioner for the
central control connected with the east European region. In this
capacity Reichsleiter Rosenberg is to make the necessary preparations
for the probable emergency with all speed. The Führer wishes that
Rosenberg shall be authorized for this purpose to obtain the closest
co-operation of the highest Reich authorities, receive information
from them, and summon the representatives of the highest Reich
authorities to conferences. In order to guarantee the necessary
secrecy of the commission and the measures to be undertaken, for the
time being, only those of the highest Reich authorities should be
informed on whose co-operation Reichsleiter Rosenberg will primarily
depend. They are: The Commissioner for the Four Year Plan" —
that is Göring — "the Reich Minister of Economics, and
you yourself" — that is Keitel — " Therefore, may
I ask you in accordance with the "Führer's wishes to place
your co-operation at the disposal of Reichsleiter Rosenberg in the
carrying out of the task imposed upon him. It is recommended in the
interests of secrecy that you name a representative in your office
with whom the office of the Reichsleiter can communicate and who, in
addition to your usual deputy, should be the