As defense counsel we must be able to determine from whom this material comes, the heading, and it must bear some kind of signature or nape and we would also have to see a date. Because all these essential prerequisites of a written document in order to have any probative value at all, since they are lacking, I must object to the introduction of this document and apply to the court before it passes ruling on the admissability of this document to look at the photostat copy.
MR. DENNEY: Your Honor, these are captured documents taken from the files. It is apparent from the numbering that we have on the left pages that the excerpts taken here are not seriatim. We skrip from 112 to 120, 127 to 136, and it is true that there are pages extracted from a complete report. As to their being signed, unfortunately we don't have anything to do with the way the documents are when they are captured. Certainly, if Dr. Laternser wants the pages in between, if the court deems he should have them, we can send over for them. I don't know what material is in there. They have been screened in Washington and of the seven or eight pages that we have here we have used perhaps half of the material. I believe it is apparent that these are just a compilation of reports based on the various units whose names appear.
DR. LATERNSER: Mr. President, in my opinion, there must be a limit. The indiscriminate picking out of documents and the mix up of documents, I want to point especially to the last page which is marked as No. 73 bears another note under it, 73a is to follow. At least the prosecution should have provided me with the last pages in order to see who signed this document, from whom it originates, also the heading is lacking, It is definitely possible and I maintain it is a private compilation. I don't know from whom it comes and the prosecution also will find no point in the document from whom this document originates.
MR. DENNEY: Obviously, your Honor, it is just a compilation of reports which was captured from their files and as can be seen from what is here the entries one above or below the other don't have anything to do with what went on before.
It is certainly true that there is nothing on it to show. I believe it is apparent from the contents of the document that it is a report which has to do with a military office in Serbia because there is a copy later of the daily report to the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast. There is a report from the SD Belgrade and from various sub-area Headquarters. As I say we are not responsible for the condition of the documents when we get them.
THE PRESIDENT: The Tribunal is conscious of the fact that the documents which have been presented or the translation of these documents which have been presented are fragmentary. If counsel for the defendants wish to make demand of the prosecution for the presentation of these parts which are not shown here, that is their privilege, and failure to produce them or to give counsel the opportunity to know what they show will be considered by the court in connection with its consideration of these particular matters which are shown in this exhibit.
DR. LATERNSER: (Counsel for the defendant List): I agree with you on this proposal, but I request that it should not be allowed until the missing parts have arrived. The prosecution should not be allowed to proceed with the reading of this document because we don't know where this document comes from, who issued it, who signed it. The prosecution does not know that, I do not know that, and for that reason, I ask that until the parts which are missing have arrived, that until then, the prosecution postpone the reading of this document.
THE PRESIDENT: The Tribunal is of the opinion that the consideration of this document and its admissibility, and the reading of it, should not be deferred at this time. I am wondering if counsel for the defendants understood my suggestion as to a demand for it -- on their part, not from us the Tribunal -- but on the part of the defendants of the prosecution. Do I understand the counsel to make such a demand? Dr. Laternser, if you will make such a record through the loud speaker so that it can go into the record rather than by some nod of the head, it would make a better record for the Court and the entire proceedings.
DR. LATERNSER: (counsel for the defendant List): I make the request that the prosecution submit the rest of this document and only then continue reading from this document.
THE PRESIDENT: The Court will make notice of the comments of Dr. Laternser as a request unto the prosecution for the submission of the remainder of these documents; however, the Court will not restrict the reading of these documents that is now before them, and the prosecution may continue with the reading. As the Tribunal previously stated, the failure to present such documents for the benefit of the defense counsel will be taken into consideration by the Tribunal in its consideration of this particular document.
MR. DENNEY: I take it that Dr. Laternser request has been directed to Document NOKW-/968, and the missing pages as shown by the pagination which appears in the document?
THE PRESIDENT: That is the understanding of the Tribunal.
MR. DENNEY: Then, there is a report from Administrative Sub-Area 610. "Yesterday at 1830 hours in Petrovgrad leading Communists were shot to death by the local police in the presence of the SD in reprisal for the arson committed last night."
And then there is the report of sabotage under the date of 26 July -
THE PRESIDENT: What page number are you now reading?
MR. DENNEY: On page 96, Your Honor, that is the second entry from the bottom; out to the left is "120". And in the entry below that they speak of setting fire to a grain silo by the Communists and then that 300 double hundred weights were destroyed. And then the "District Headquarters Petrovgrad...." on page 97, the first full paragraph that starts there about six lines down, they suggest "as a deterrent that 5 of the known Communists who are at present under arrest should be shot to death on this very day."
And then the next entry is a daily report 1-A, to the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast of 29 July 1941. "80 executions by shooting on 28 July in retaliation for attack on Police Patrol on the road of Uzice-Valjeva." And the next entry, "122 Communists and Jews shot to death in Belgrade on 29 July for acts of sabotage in Belgrade previously reported."
The next refers to Wehrmacht Liaison Officer's report with reference to the Serbian Lt. Col Mihailowitsch who is supposed to be the leader of bands, and the balance of the paragraph is an operation report. Then on 1 August '41 "Attacks of smaller bands on Serbian gendarmerie stations and Serbian Mayors' Offices without damage of any extent near Petrovgrad, Pancevo, Topola, and the District Uzice. In reprisal for unrest reported near Petrovgrad, 90 Communists were shot to death yesterday."
And then 6 August '41, "In Zagreb, 4 attackers and 98 Communists and Jewish hostages shot to death."
The next document which is offered as prosecution's exhibit number 30 is NOKW-1114. This bears the signature which is illegible of a Lt. Colonel and is in effect three reports, the second of which starts on page 105, and the third starts on page 109. The first report is dated 31 July 1941 and is directed from the Liaison Office in Belgrade to the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, List, and on the front page there is the receipt stamp on 5 August '41 of the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast.
"The widespread acts of sabotage during the last days may without doubt be ascribed to instructions given by the London and Moscow radio. It is certain, that news from foreign countries is still very often listened to and that the order against listening in to foreign countries has been without any essential effect.
Though nothing is said publicly about the shooting of Jews and Communists as reprisals for acts of sabotage, these shootings have however made a deep impression in Belgrade.
It is doubtful whether the shooting will prevent a repetition of acts of sabotage. The saboteurs are to be looked for in the camp of the former Serbian officers, of the Cetniks as well as of the Communists, who have the common interest of creating unrest in the country and stirring up the population to boiling point against the occupation authorities. For their purpose the shooting of people who did not directly participate in the acts of sabotage is actually welcome.
In opposition to the reporting of persons of draft age, there were also people busy trying to recruit for the Cetnici. Officers and men received the instructions not to conform to the duty to report, but to go to the Cetnik gathering places in the country. Persons of draft age who avoided reporting could be got hold of easier, if the local Serbian authorities would work for that purpose; for instance, if one made the proprietors and housekeepers in Belgrade personally responsible, under threat of severe punishment in case of failure, to draw up exact lists, and to submit them, of the inhabitants of the houses, one would certainly be able to seize a large amount of Yugoslavian soldiers who failed to report. Formerly, the police went very often from house to house, asked for the list of inhabitants and checked them in the individual apartments. In this way, too, quite a number of Serbian soldiers who did not report could be seized. In general the population does not understand that the Serbian officers were set free again and remained free, because the large majority of the population expects the officers to carry out operations for the liberation of the country. One often hears that it is good that the officers have got to a safe place, because in that way they can now work for the future liberation of the country.
Especially the younger officers, who have no judgment with regard to reality and what is possible, who have no longer any expectations and who have placed their hopes on a restoration of the old Yugoslavia and a victory of the enemy powers, form a lasting source of danger. Also the other unemployed youth is ready to follow the words of those men who lead the operations directly against Germany. This youth is strongly under the propaganda of the enemy which is extraordinary clever and attuned to the mentality of the Serbian people. Whispering propaganda goes on in every office. Many rumors actually come from state offices and thereby gain their credibility. Even policemen stir up unrest among the population, by promising aid to persons, against payment, in this or that imminent event or because they want to be considered as especially well informed or as important personalities. It is an open secret that in the offices there are often people, who have worked hard against the German Reich and even today are anti-German. In the offices it is even considered dangerous, to be considered friendly towards Germany, as pro-Germans are chased out of the civil service. It is equally an open secret, that University professors, physicians and teachers participate in anti-German and Communist propaganda."
THE PRESIDENT: May I interrupt, please? The Court will adjourn at this time but before we do adjourn I wish to make certain comments on certain requests.
During the course of this day's deliberations, Dr. Laternser has made all comments on behalf of the defendants and the other counsel, I believe has, not spoken, but I want to suggest to all counsel that in appearing before the desk and the Court and the Tribunal that they identify themselves, so that the record may be properly shown as to who they are and for whom they are speaking. There has been no violation today because the reporters know Dr. Laternser but in other cases they may not know who counsel are and who they represent.
The Tribunal also wishes to make this request and ask that it be complied with. The assistant secretary has certain information that he desires to present to defense counsel. I take it you wish all the defense counsel to remain. I therefore ask that all defense counsel remain for a conference with the assistant secretary general.
It is also requested that one German court reported and interpreter remain for the assistance of the deputy secretary general.
It is also requested that one German court reporter and interpreter remain for the assistance of the deputy secretary general.
The Court will adjourn until nine-thirty tomorrow morning.
THE MARSHAL: The Tribunal will recess until nine-thirty o'clock tomorrow morning.
(The Tribunal adjourned until 17 July 1947, at 0930 hours.)
Official Transcript of the American Military Tribunal in the matter of the United States of America against Wilhelm List, et al, defendants, sitting at Nurnberg Germany on 17 July 1947, Judge Wennerstrum presiding.
THE MARSHAL: Persons in the courtroom will please find their seats.
THE HONORABLE: Judges of Military Tribunal V.
Military Tribunal V is now in session. God save the United States of America and this honorable Tribunal. There will be order in the Court.
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Marshal, will you assertain if the defendants are all present in court?
THE MARSHAL: May it please your Honors, all of the defendants are present in the court.
THE PRESIDENT: The Secretary General will note for the record the presence of all of the defendants in court.
SECRETARY GENERAL: May it please your Honors, all of the defendants are present in court.
THE PRESIDENT: Before we proceed, Mr. Denney, may I make some comments? The Tribunal wished to state to counsel for the defendants that their motion and request concerning the manner in which the defendants are being confined in the prison have been submitted through channels to the proper authorities for consideration, and will later be reported back to this Tribunal.
The Tribunal wishes also to call to the attention of all parties concerned, that the communication which undoubtedly has been brought to the attention of defense counsel, and perhaps to the prosecution concerning the matter of translations, -in order that there may be no question as to all parties concerned being advised as to this particular matter, I wish to read the following communication, which has been sent out by L. Wartema, Defense administrator: Dated 14 May 1947:
"Subject: Document Books to be submitted to the translation department.
To Defense Counsel:
1. Some defense counsel have failed to realize the amount of time which is necessary to have document books translated, stencils mimeographed and assembled. As a result, the court has been delayed.
2. It is absolutely necessary that defense document books be turned over for translation and reproduction at least two weeks in advance. A careful check is being made on each document book submitted to defense centers. Individual lawyers will be held responsible if sufficient time is not provided for translation and reproduction.
For the secretary general.
(Signed) L. Wartema, Defense Administrator" I am reading that in order that all parties concerned may be advised and guide themselves accordingly.
I realize also that there is a lot of work to be done in connection with the preparation of this case, both on behalf of the prosecution and the defense, and the Tribunal asks the cooperation of all parties concerned so that we may proceed as promptly and as effectively as time and circumstances will permit.
The Tribunal would like to have a conference with two representatives of the prosecution and two representatives of the defense. counsel at the morning recess, and if the defense counsel will select some members of their group to meet with us at that time it will be appreciated if you will kindly come to my office.
MR. DENNEY: Your Honor, perhaps we might have Mr. Jacobson, one of the interpreters, come in too.
THE PRESIDENT: That is a very good suggestion, and we will ask Mr. Jacobson to come with us.
You may proceed further then, with the presentation of the matter on behalf of the prosecution.
MR. DENNEY: May it please your Honors, to sum up what we had yesterday, the first documents showed the initiation of the war in the Southeast.
We had several orders which were introduced to show the manner in which the people were treated there, followed by the 100 to 1 order late in April, issued by the Second Army, to gather with the poster which was sent out to be placed in the various villages this order having been issued by the defendant Weichs, before he left the theatre, and we have seen nothing to indicate that order was sent to him from a higher headquarters; rather was it something that he initiated and passed down himself.
Following that, early in May, on the 10th, the defendant Foertsch came into the theatre and became Chief-of-Staff to the defendant, List, and remained there as Chief-of-Staff to List, both for the 12th Army and for the Armed Forces Command Southeast from that time, May, 1941, until May, 1944, when he left the theatre.
Then we have the Hitler order of 9 June, setting up the Southeast Command, and putting the defendant List in charge, with complete executive powers in Greece, Serbia, and the Agean Islands. Then in the months of May and June, when the troops were being withdrawn from the Southeast, in order that they might be regrouped and re-equipped to enter the campaign against Russia which was to start late in that month, we find resistance breaking out.
The S.D. reports and the Wehrmacht reports showing how this resistance was treated, also showing how they collaborated the report the execution of 100 Jews for a young girl throwing gasoline at a car, and we are in the middle now of a document, Exhibit No.30, OKW 1114, which is a report showing that the methods that were being used were not being effective; that the resistance was increasing.
The Army was undermanned here. There is nothing show that these measures were militarily necessary, actually, they were militarily unwise because as this report has shown up to now and will show later, the resistance instead of being calmed, as a matter of fact was made the more fierce by reason of these reprisal measures which were being practiced in the southeast.
At page 103 of Document Book I, continuing Exhibit 30 NOKW 1114, this report continues:
It is to be regretted that the German propaganda is not attuned to the people and is not to be heard during the most favorable hours. In Belgrade the workers are already at work in the factories at 0700 therefore radio propaganda should begin earlier, already at about 0530 hours in the morning, so that the workers are subjected to propaganda in the early morning when they are rested and are more inclined to listen. The broadcasts should be given in Serbian language only and should be kept in a popular character. It was also striking, that radio Belgrade announced the shooting of Jews and Communists as reprisal for acts of terror in the German news transmission only and not in the Serbian, where by the deterrent effect among the Serbian population remained questionable. The propaganda should also reach the Serbian woman who naturally is especially appreachable. Reasonable arguments appealing to the woman as mother and builder of the people would probably be very successful.
The reports of the enemy stations London, Moscow, which unfortunately are still often listened to, are to be commented on by propaganda. One would have to prove to the people that the reports are false and made up of lies. The Serb loves discussion, therefore propaganda broadcasts in the shape of discussions would be an advantage.
Another source of false news and rumors comes from the prisoners of war dismissed from the Reich as Croats, Slovenes and so forth. Former Yugoslav officers dismissed from captivity have also said, that the food in the German prison camps in the Reich was very bad, that the civilian population was war-weary and that on account of the numerous air raids they flee into the prison camps and there loudly express their war weariness.
Then there is a signature which is illegible, and then the report continues with a report from the Wehrmacht Liaison Office, Belgrade 8 August 1941, directed to the Commander in Serbia and an information to the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, and on the first page of that report, which is page 4 of the original, page 104 in the Document Book, there are two stamps showing that the report has been received by the 12th Army on 12 August, 1941.
The report also recites the enclosures.
We then turn to page 150 where the report commences.
Handwritten Yes! Then they should help!
The week now reported on brought a renewed deterioration in the attitude of the population. Among the Serbs the acts of sabotage that became known caused terror and excitement, because it is feared that the consequences of these acts of force might affect the population. A large part of the Serbian population disagrees with these acts of sabotage of the Communists, which hinder the building of the country. On the other hand however it can be seen that among the Serbs a certain malicious pleasure appeals, when they believe themselves unobserved, because the German authorities have, up to now, not succeeded in preventing the acts of sabotage. There is also a tendency amount them, to spread the news that these acts of sabotage were not committed by indigenous Serbs, but by Croatian Communists or by Serbs who do not originate from old Serbia.
(Handwritten) The whispering and atrocity propagands flourishes as before. It said, *that the German war reports are lies and that the war pictures are posed, that the German losses in Russia are enormous and that the German troops are already being pushed back in numerous places. In Serbia the Russians are supposed to have landed parachutists, who have established contact with the Cetniks and Communists gathered together in the mountains. These insurgents together with the parachutists were going to start an offensive in the near future. These insurgents were supplied in arms and ammunition by the English and Americans. The German soldiers on the other hand were war-weary, part of them leaned towards Communism and some acts of sabotage are even said to have been committed and some acts of sabotage are even said to have been committed by German soldiers.
The Serbian police has little authority over the majority of the population. Again and again it happens that the public takes up an attitude opposed to the intervening police. The opinion amongst the population about the Serbian authorities is bad. On the one hand, especially in combatting the high prices of food, the authorities show extreme weakness according to the opinion of Serbian circles, on the other hand, they are guilty of allegedly provoking arbitrary acts. As an instance, in cases of complaints......
DR. LATERNSER: I believe, as I have established, something has not been translated here. I admit the possibility that I am in error here. ...my views are not expressed in the translation. I am sorry; I have made a mistake.
.......concerning housing the courts are said to force people to move without consideration, or without taking into consideration * Counter propaganda.
the distress of the individual in question. The population does not have much confidence in the Serbian authorities and often the wishes are expressed that other people be put at the head of the administration and the police.
Many insecure elements are said to have penetrated into the police force.
(Handwritten)
Pay attention to arms!
It was to be observed that individual Serbian policemen and police patrols showed complete disinterest in the occurrences in their proximity. They prefer to frequent well lighted streets, whilst in the dark side streets no policemen are to be seen.
Attention must be drawn to the fact that the designation of the Serbian police by black numbers printed on a red arm band is insufficient, as these numbers can hardly be read by day and not at all at night. In case of encroachments committed by members of the (Handwritten) Concentration Camp police there is no possibility to identify the guilty person.
Often it could be determined that Jews walked about without the prescribed yellow arm band. Also the Jews who were baptised "Christians", and who have besides changed their names are not yet taken care of.
It would be advisable to find out at the ecclesiastic matriculation offices which Jews are baptised in recent years.
In the last period many unpleasant contacts of German Nationals were to be determined. Threatening letters also have been sent repeatedly to German Nationals.
German Nationals can be heard complaining about the officials of the food distribution offices of the people's welfare organization. The auxiliary helpers who are German Nationals are said to distinguish themselves by rudeness and coarseness in their behavior towards the customers of their own nationality.
(Handwritten)
As in Germany!
Particular discontent is caused among the population on account of the great difficulty in procuring articles necessary for living, as for instance oil and fat.
These articles are not distributed to the merchants, though there are supposed to be large enough quantities of them in the community warehouses.
These articles are only distributed through the community stores where the consumers have to queue up for a long time and many do not have time enough for this. There are also complaints about the supply of bread. On the other hand, in the restaurants there is bread of the best quality for those who have the necessary means. These discrepancies lead to discontent among the poorer classes of the population. Also, with regard to the tobacco supply, it is found that at the tobacco shops either nothing or only very little is to be bought of better qualities, whereas in the coffee houses and restaurants the waiters sell good tobacco at considerably higher prices.
MR. DENNEY: And herewith is the enclosure No. 3496-7, which is recited on page 104 as being an enclosure. It is a report on the resistance movement in the area of the former Yugoslavia, state of development in general, especially during the period from 1 to 7 August 1941; and it gives the source of their own researches, their own, not of confidential agents and not of confidential agents of the Local Administrative Headquarters in Zagreb.
Summing up it can be said that the general attitude has deteriorated.
(Signature Illeg.)
Enclosure to Wehrmacht Liaison Office Belgrade No. 3496/7 41 Secret L. of 8 Aug. 41.
(Stanp)
Secret.
Belgrade, 8 Aug 41 IH Report on the resistance movement in the area of the former Yugoslavia, state of development in general, especially during the period from 1 to 7 Aug 41.
Source: Own researches, own not of confidential agents and net of confidential agents of the Local Administrative Headquarters in Zagreb.
Present general state of affairs Insecurity and unrest in the entire Serbian area, furthermore also in the north Banat, Bosnia, Montenegro, Herzegowina, Lika, and Croatia south of the Save.
The areas south of S Uzico-Nis, which are listed as gathering areas of Cetniks, and furthermore Croatian areas north of the Save are to be regarded as comparatively quiet in the recent period. Reprisal measures, as for instance the severity of the shooting of 81 persons collected haphazardly did not bring about pacification nor did it serve as an intimidation. On the contrary the feeling of being plundered chased away or slaughtered with wife and child either by criminal Ustaschi people in Bosnia or Herzegowina or by robber elements, or to lose life and property as the casual object of reprisal at the hands of the Germans has embittered and made desperate the otherwise quiet and politically indifferent and loyal parts of the Serbian population, who are automatically driven into the ranks of some kind of Insurgent groups."
MR. DENNEY: It is submitted, Your Honor, that it is clear from this report that the measures of pacification which they were attempting were not working, that, if anything, it was designed to cause more unrest, the upset people who were paying attention to their own business and not bothering the occupying forces. But rather they were forced to flee to the mountains because of the senseless killing of people, which is recited in the document. And, of course, it is to be noted from the stamps that the document was sent to 12th Army Armed Forces Commander Southeast, commanded by List. The next document is No. NOKW-1034, which we offer as Exhibit 31. This is a teletype which goes to the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, from the general in Zagreb. It is dated 10 August 1941, and the receipt stamp of the 12th Army and Wehrmacht Commander Southeast appears in the upper right-hand corner. And just above that is the initial of the Defendant Foertsch, as Chief of Staff The telegram reads: "Reports of English.....
To be filled out by Teletype Office Teletype Office 31 e Jr Foertsch Teletype Code Address Receipted for:
Sent: (stamp) Wehrmacht Commander Southeast Received:
Date:
(12th Army Command)
Time: 2045 To: Ic/ Army Command Department From:
LTCS By:Through:
Received on; 10Aug 41 2200 hours Through:
Re Reel:
No. 6058/41 Secret Enclosure; 0 Wu: (initial illegible) Army Command Chief 03 07 06 and For special Headquarters Army Command Remarks:
Secret very urgent Sch R----Purpose----Teletype:
Postal Telegram:
from: ................................
Telephone:
................................
(handwritten) To the files.
................ Date of Transmission .............. Time of Transmission To: ....................Remarks for transmission:
(to be filled out by sender) ........................WAGN 1296 10/8 0940 To Wehrmacht Commander Southeast Ic Department Athens To No. Ic/AO.
VG 5 Aug 41 Reprots of English radio correct.
Besides the 98 Insurgents mentioned an additional 85 following the first incident in Zagreb and a great number, not yet exactly known, of Insurgents shot to death in these last days.
German General Zagreb Ia No. 0613/41 Signed Signature Captain 10 Aug 41 5869 (initials illegible) 2135 initialed by Foerstsch 12th Army Command 18171/5 CERTIFICATE OF TRANSLATION I, Thomas Desmines, French Civilian, AGO # 434, hereby certify that I am thoroughly conversant with both the English and German languages; and that the above is a true and correct translation of document No. NOKW - 1034.
Thomas Desmines # 434
MR. DENNEY: This is apparently a reply in answer to an inquiry by 12th Army. It is to be fairly assumed, I believe, that the inquiry is similar to the one which we saw made earlier by 12th Army, concerning a Russian radio report. However, the only document that we have on this is this reply. Next, we have the report of a Battalion Commander of the 724th Infantry Regiment, which is part of the 704th Infantry Division. This document is NOKW-1216, and we offer it as Exhibit 32. The 704th Infantry Division was part of the 65th Corps which was serving in Serbia. And the 65th Corps was under the Supreme Commander Southeast, the Defendant List.
3rd Battalion 724th Infantry Regiment Ia In the field 16th August 1941 5257 Initial illgbl.
Stamp: Stamp:
704 the Infantry Division IVa 704th Infantry Division Received 17 Aug 1941 IVb Received:
18 Aug 41 Letter No. IVc Department Ia IVd Commander IIa IIb Ia Ib Ic III Initial illeg.
To the 704th Infantry Division.
On 16 Aug 1941 the Commander in Serbia made known by radio that a village in which a car of the Wehrmacht had been shot at, had been leveled to the ground and that the inhabitants "had been shot to death and hanged".
The inhabitants had seen the preparations for the attack and had omitted to notify the police post situated nearby or to warn the occupants of the car.
Therefore they became accessories to the crime. A similar case occurred in Bela-Crkva, which is shown by the behavior of the inhabitants, especially of the priest and the mayor who left the village already in the morning.
A part of the village was set on fire by the 12th company, however it is likely that there are still houses left into which they inhabitants have returned. Perhaps the priest and the mayor have also come back. The battalion suggests sending another penal expedition to Bela-Crkva, to destroy what is left of the village and to have the priest and the mayor arrested.
(signature) illgbl.
Captain and Commander of the Battalion For Information:
724th Infantry Regiment (Handwritten note:
17 August Ask in Krupanj) Initial illegible I, Thomas Desmines, French civilian, AGO # 434, hereby certify that I am thoroughly conversant with both the English and German languages; and that the above is a true and correct translation of document No. NOKW - 1216.Thomas Desmines