. NMT04-T0120
Volume IV · Page 120
| Berlin, I would like to point out once more
that the total measures planned (i. e., the final aim) are to be kept
strictly secret. A distinction is to be made between, 1. The final aim (which will take some time), and 2. Sections of the carrying out of this aim (which can be carried out within a short space of time). The measures planned require the most thorough preparation both from the technical and the economic point of view. It goes without saying that the tasks in this connection cannot be laid down in detail. The following instructions and directives simultaneously serve the purpose of urging the chiefs of the Einsatzgruppen to practical consideration. |
| I |
| The first necessity for the attaining of
the final aim is the concentrating of the country Jews in the big towns.
This is to be carried out immediately. A distinction is to be made (1) between the territories of Danzig and West Prussia, Posen, Eastern Upper Silesia, and (2) the remaining occupied territories. As far as possible the territories enumerated under (1) are to be cleared of Jews, but the very least to be aimed at is the formation of very few "concentration" towns. In the territories mentioned under (2) as few "concentration" points as possible are to be established in order to facilitate later measures. Care must be taken that only such towns be chosen as concentration points as are either railroad junctions or at least lie on a railway. It is laid down on principle that Jewish communities of less than 500 persons are to be dissolved and to be sent to the nearest "concentration" town. This decree does not concern the territory of Einsatzgruppe I which, lying east of Krakow, is bordered by Polanico, Jaroslav, the new demarcation line and the former Slovak-Polish frontier. Within this territory only a temporary census of Jews need be taken. The rest is to be done by the Jewish Council of Elders dealt with below. |
| II |
| Jewish Council of Elders |
| 1. In every Jewish community a Jewish Council of Elders is to be set up which, as far as possible, is to be formed from persons in authority and rabbis who have remained behind. Up to 24 male Jews (according to the size of the Jewish community) are to form the Council of Elders. It is to be made fully responsible, within the meaning of the word, for the exact and punctual |
