7 Jan. 46
"2. Number 5 of the order is to be
clarified to the effect that the order is not valid for those enemy
soldiers in uniform who are captured in open combat in the immediate
combat area of the beachhead by our troops committed there, or who
surrender. Our troops committed in the immediate combat area means the
divisions fighting on the front line as well as reserves up to and
including corps headquarters.
"3. Furthermore, in doubtful cases, enemy personnel who have
fallen into our hands alive are to be turned over to the SD, upon whom
it is incumbent to determine whether the Commando Order is to be
applied or not.
"4. Supreme Command West is to see to it that all units
committed in its zone are orally acquainted in a suitable manner with
the order concerning the treatment of members of commando undertakings
of 18 October 1942, along with the above explanation."
The final document on this episode, or inquiry, is 551-PS, which becomes
Exhibit USA-551, and this is the actual order of 25 June 1944,
constituting OKW's reply to the inquiry from the Supreme Command West,
signed by Keitel, initialed by Warlimont and Jodl. I will read beginning
with:
"Subject: Treatment of commando
participants.
"1. Even after the landing of Anglo-Americans in France, the
order of the Führer on the annihilation of terror and sabotage
units of 18 October 1942 remains fully in force.
"Enemy soldiers in uniform in the immediate combat area of the
bridgehead, that is, in the area of the divisions fighting in the most
forward lines, as well as of the reserves up to the corps commands,
according to Number 5 of the basic order of 18 October 1942, remain
exempted.
"2. All members of terror and sabotage units, found outside the
immediate combat area, who include fundamentally all parachutists, are
to be killed in combat. In special cases, they are to be turned over
to the SD.
"3. All troops committed outside the combat area of Normandy are
to be informed about the duty to destroy enemy terror and sabotage
units briefly and succinctly, according to the directives issued for
it.
"4. Supreme Commander West will report immediately daily how
many saboteurs have been liquidated in this manner. This applies
especially also to undertakings by the military commanders. The number
is to be published daily in the Armed Forces communiqué to
exercise a frightening effect, as