 |
| Secret |
| |
Subject: Use of Prisoners of War in the War Industry
[Kriegswirtschaft]*
The lack of workers is becoming an increasingly
dangerous hindrance for the future of the German war and armament industry. The
expected relief through discharges from the Armed Forces is uncertain as to
extent and date. However, its possible extent will by no means correspond to
expectations and requirements in view of the great demand.
The Fuehrer
has now ordered that the labor of the Russian prisoners of war should also be
utilized to a large extent by large-scale assignment for the requirements of
the war industry. The prerequisite for production is adequate nourishment. Also
very low wages are to be paid for the most, modest supply of a few
consumers’ goods [Genussmittel] for everyday life, with possible rewards
for satisfactory work.
For the allocation of labor, the following may
be considered, for example:
I. Armed Forces
a.
Clearing and construction units of all kinds in the Occupied Eastern
Territories.
b. Work and construction battalions in the other
occupied territories and in Germany.
c. Closed units of all
kinds to relieve soldiers in labor service.
II. Construction and
armament industry [Ruestungswirtschaft]
a. Work units for
constructions of all kind, particularly for the fortification of coastal
defenses (concrete workers, unloading unity for essential war plants).
b. Suitable armament factories which have to be selected in such
a way that their personnel should consist, in the majority, of prisoners of war
under guidance and supervision (perhaps after withdrawal and other employment
of the German workers).
III. Other war industries
[Kriegswirtschaft]
a. Mining as under II b.
b. Railroad construction units for building tracks, etc.
c. Agriculture and forestry in closed units.
The
utilization of Russian prisoners of war is to be regulated on the basis of
above examples by:
To I. The Armed Forces.
To II. The Reich
Minister for Armaments and Munitions and the Inspector General for the German
Highway System, in agreement |
__________
* For further materials
concerning measures against prisoners of war and enemy belligerents of the
Third Reich by German military leaders, see pages 1-194, volume XI, this series
(The High command — Case 12).
399 |
. 
