In Greece: On 13 June sabotage operations on the air field Iraklion (north Crete) carried out by English Commando troop probably with support of Cretans in preparation for English Naval Operations directed towards the purpose of supplying the island of Malta.
..... We have next the familiar paragraph on losses, again I call your Honors' attention to sub-paragraph:
Insurgents:
1748 shot in combat 15 wounded 713 taken prisoner or arrested (large majority held for transportation to northern Norway) 275 shot as reprisal Up to now 37,477 have been shot to death in Serbia and Croatia in combat or as reprisal measure.
D.) Greece . . . . . . . .
2.) Investigations of the Commander in Chief South revealed, that raid on air field Iraklion (see Daily Report of 20 June 42) was carried out by individual (English, Gaullic and Greek) soldiers and Cretans and apparently a further raid was planned. Apparently draconic penal measures applied directly after the first raid, have deterred the civilians from giving their support in the newly attempted raid against Kastelli.
. . . . . . . . .
Now, I ask your Honors to note that this report is signed in draft by the defendant Kuntze, Wehrmacht Commander Southeast. The Prosecution will have cause to interpret the fact that the defendant Foertsch signed the first report and the defendant Kuntze this report sometime later.
JUDGE CARTER: Mr. Fenstermacher, what is the meaning of this statement "signed in draft"? What is your interpretation of that?
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Your Honor, I am not very familiar with that military procedure.
Perhaps Mr. Denney can answer that question.
MR. DENNEY: May it please your Honors, I think we have had examples up to now bf the process of signing in draft on occasion; it is submitted that drafts which are signed go out. In short, an order is drafted at a headquarters. We can take just as an example Army, an Army or Corps or Division. The necessary officers who are to be consulted are given copies of it; a draft copy of the order is then completed, based on the information that is obtained from the various staff sources. Now, there are sometimes, when that draft is signed by the Commander approving it, and if the draft as such is complete and considered as a final order, it can be distributed in draft, that is copies struck off from that and sent on out, and that original draft order - it is a final order - but it does bear the draft, d-r-a-f-t-, the words will go into the order book. We have had one instance that I recall here and I believe I can find it for your Honors in an earlier book where a draft order was distributed, it being a matter of time to get it out and it prevents the extra time take for recutting an order. Now, most times, after an order is signed in draft, the chief of staff or perhaps some other person in the Headquarters Staff, it is more or less of a matter for the Commander himself to determine, and the different Echelons, will re-run a final
THE PRESIDENT: This statement on the side certified with the signature-
MR. DENNEY: And the certification with the signature is similar, if Your Honor please.
THE PRESIDENT: The certified copy?
MR. DENNEY: The certified copy in our army where an order comes out, and I think we had occasion to refer to one yesterday where an order went from the Wehrmachtsbefehlshaber Suedost (Army Commander Southeast) and had a division typed entry on the bottom from the 718th sending it down, and the original signature which appeared on the right and the certification were both typed and then added to that was a further certification by the division with a signature which appeared and the rank of the officer who was certifying to the order. But this signature here, if it is written and certified to, or in case it is a lower unit it can be typed, shows that the draft was signed or it wouldn't appear. The letters g.e.z. I believe appear before the typewritten letters of the person who has signed the draft. I believe that covers it.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: I turn next to page 42 of the English and page 37 of the German, Document NOKW-1063. This is offered as Prosecution Exhibit 206. The document consists of various extracts from the War Diary of the Commanding General in Serbia and relates to certain retaliation measures taken by the Brandenburg Company 800.
I call Your Honors' attention to the entry under paragraph 1b:
"Mopping up action Fruska Gora showed fairly strong enemy near Grgurevci (16 kilometers northwest Buma)on 4 June. 18 enemy dead, 2 dead of our own, 3 wounded of our own. 6 June. Area around Grgurevci mopped up with concentrated forces. 257 Serbs shot to death, 3 wounded of our own."
Now, if Your Honors will remember this entry "257 Serbs shot to death". It would appear from this entry that this may refer to certain combat losses. If you will just bear that in mind, we will see from another page of the document exactly what is meant by that reference.
Turning next to the report for 18 June. 1942:
"In reply to the telegram of the German legation in Zagreb of 15 June 42 submitted to me by the Plenipotentiary of the Foreign Office in Belgrade I wish to state:
"The German general was informed 4 June 1942 of the intention to send Company 800 (Training Regiment Brandenburg) which has been especially trained for difficult situations to Fruska Gora. This decision was taken in order to create order in the Fruska Gora speedily in the interest of the Croatian state by troops which were especially trained for difficult combat. It is incorrect that the company has carried out the mopping up operation according to its own judgment. The carrying out took place on the basis of a commitment order issued by me. At first, the company contacted only the Home Defense company present in Ruma; (they contacted) Colonel Gvozdanovic only after Obergespan Dr. Elicker had called on my Chief (of Staff). This was a mistake; however, constant with the Croatian authority in Ruma was made on 10 June 1942.
Planned operations of the Croatians against the insurrection have not as yet become know to me. And in my opinion cannot be carried out either since according to Dr. Elicker suitable troops are not available. Thus, Company 800 was available for the combat. The Home Defense company in Ruma has a guard mission.
"The shooting to death of 257 Serbs was carried out because of the losses suffered at the forest edge north of Grgurevci and particularly because of the two sergeants killed in action. It is explained by the excitement of the company engendered by the loss of two particularly brave leaders.
"The company, which until a short time ago was committed in South Serbia, overlooked the fact it was not fighting in occupied territory but in our allied state of Croatia. That was clarified immediately. After the decisive action of the company no more enemy actions by the insurgents in Frusca Gora have been reported for days.
"I must reject as an insult to the German troops the comparison of the procedure of the German company with the atrocities of the Ustascha.
"I have issued an order that the Company 800 will depart from the area of the Fruska Gora on 18 June. It will be put at the disposal of Combat Group West Bosnia.
"The Home Defense company in Ruma is the only German troop left to guard the ammunition depot in Syrmia."
And the report is signed by Bader, Lt. General, Artillery.
Turning to page 45 of the English and page 39 of the German we see these entries in the War Diary of the Commanding General in Serbia:
"Major Rogoz, Croatian Liaison Officer intervenes concerning events in Grgurevci, reprisal measures and shootings to death by Special Missions Company Brandenburg 800."
Next the entry of 9 June 1942:
"Captain Muller, Special Missions Company Brandenburg 800, is again reminded that no reprisal measures of the troops are permitted to be carried out without approval of the Commanding General and Commander. During combat and immediately thereafter the troops have a free hand; however, reprisal measures at a later date are impossible."
The entry of 17 June 1942:
"Captain Muller, Special Missions Company Brandenburg 800, reports concerning results of mopping up operations Frusca Gora. He is informed that the company will be attached to Combat Group West Bosnia since the Fruska Gora operation has checked the activity of insurgents and Combat Group West Bosnia requires reinforcement."
Next on page 46 of the English and page 40 of the German is NOKW1390, which is offered in evidence as Prosecution Exhibit 207. This is a report of Combat Group West Bosnia, dated in the field 27 July 1942. It relates to insignia worn by the enemy against whom the combat group had been engaged.
"Evaluation of Situation and Proposals.
"Enemy in Samarica, partisan unit 'Banija', strength about five bat talions, in all about 1400 armed men in uniform."
I think we need not read the rest of the document, if Your Honors please. The report is signed "Stahl", the Commander of Combat Group West Bosnia.
Next on page 48 the English and page 41 the German document book, Document NOKW-1440, which is offered as Prosecution Exhibit 208. This document is a collection of situation reports sent by General Bader as Commanding General in Serbia to the Wehrmacht Commander S.E. The first report is dated 21 July 1942 and is a situation report to--- I think it should be 29 July 1942:
Under "Enemy Situation, Serbian Area":
"North Serbia remained quiet.
"In the Banat 50 communists were shot dead in reprisal for attacks committed on members of the SS."
Under Paragraph VI, "Administration Report":
"In the concentration camps there are 111 hostages, 1695 reprisal prisoners."
The report is signed "Bader, General of the Artillery".
Your Honors will note the distribution list, "Wehrmacht Commander Southeast", as well as "Senior SS and Police Leader", among others.
Turning next to page 49 of the English and page 42 of the German. The paragraph of the report beginning on "Own Losses during the Period from 16 to 25 June 1942". Your Honors will note the tabulation, "Germans in Serbia, Germans in Croatia, Racial Germans in Croatia, Croatians, Bulgarians, Italians, Serbian police (Chetniks), Russians," and the totals, 243 dead, 318 wounded, and 29 missing.
"Enemy losses during the Period from 16-25 June 42."
In the Serbian area 230 dead, none wounded, 49 arrested; in the Croatian area 775 dead, 23 wounded, 395 arrested; reprisal measures in the Serbian area, 50 dead, none wounded, and 15 arrested. Totals of 1055 dead, 23 wounded, and 459 arrested.
On page 50 English, 42 German, the final sentence of the report which we have extracted:
"In Belgrade during the period from 16 to 25 June 1942, 119 arrests."
Next the report from General Bader, dated 20 July 1942. The report again is sent to Wehrmacht Commander Southeast. It is broken down into reports dealing with enemy situation. Another section dealing with activities of our own troops. Under that the next section, "West Bosnia":
"Mopping-up Operation Kozara - Prosara Pl. was terminated successfully after six weeks of combat. The strong enemy group which fought obstinately was destroyed. Total losses during the one mopping-up operation of the Kozara and Prosara:
"1. Germans: 63 fallen in combat, 144 wounded, 7 missing.
"2. Croatians: 426 fallen in combat, 492 missing (of these 45 returned to the unit, 7 prisoners in partisan hands).
"3. Enemy: 3406 dead, 7947 prisoners, in addition 250 insurgents arrested, who will be shot dead after interrogation according to martial law."
THE PRESIDENT: The Tribunal will stand in recess for 15 minutes.
(Thereupon a recess was taken.)
THE MARSHAL: Persons in the courtroom will please find their seats.
The Tribunal is again in session.
JUDGE BURKE: You may proceed.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: The Tribunal please, Your Honors will recall that prior to the adjournment - prior to the recess, rather - we were considering Document NOKW-1440, Exhibit 208, in evidence. The document, you will recall, is a series of reports from the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia to the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast and we particularly were concerned with the report of the 20th of July 1942 which appears on page 50 of the English and page 42 of the German.
We had just about finished the report of the 20th of July 1942 and we had looked at paragraph 3, the bottom of page 50 of the English and page 42 of the German.
"Enemy losses: 3406 dead, 7947 prisoners, in addition 250 insurgents arrested, who will be shot dead after interrogation according to martial law."
And that particular report was signed: "For the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia, the Chief of the General Staff, Colonel Geitner," the defendant Geitner in this proceeding.
Geitner became Chief of Staff to General Bader in July 1942. This is the first time we have met him in our documents. We will have occasion to refer to him at greater length later. I should like at this time, however, to point out to Your Honors the defendant Geitner's signature which appears in his own hand on the bottom of this particular report of 20 July 1942. It is on page 8 of the photostatic copy of the document.
Continuing on the bottom of 51 of the English and page 43 of the German, again the tabulation of German losses from 6 July to 15 July 1942: 43 dead, 99 wounded, 9 missing -- followed by the tabulation of the enemy losses from 6 July to 15 July 1942 -- the totals for the enemy losses: 1,454 dead, 144 wounded, 628 arrested.
"In Belgrade 103 arrests during the period from 6 to 15 July 1942."
Next, the Daily Report of the 18th of July 1942 from the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia, General Bader, to the defendants Kuntze and Foertsch at the headquarters of the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast in Greece:
"West Bosnia: Total enemy losses in mopping up of the Kozara Prosara: 8,406 dead, 7947 prisoners and arrested persons were sent on to camps; further 250 partisans under arrest who will be shot dead as insurgents after interrogation. A list of the total losses will follow separately."
The report is signed by the Operations Officer for the "Commanding General and Commander in Serbia".
I think we may skip the final two pages of this series of reports at this time and pass to the next document. Before passing on to the new document, however, my attention was called to an error in translation which appears on page 38 of the English and page 34 of the German in Document NOKW-927, which was Prosecution's Exhibit 205. This error was called to my attention by the official interpreters and I am glad to call it to Your Honors' and defense counsels' attention. It appears in paragraph 4, the line beginning, "In Athens--". It is on page 38 of the German and the bottom of page 34 -- page 38 of the English, rather, and 34 of the German.
"In Athens two explosive attacks on army cars. An attempt on railway line north of Athens. The guilty" -- this line should read: "The guilty or hostages were shot."
Turning now to page 55 of the English and page 54 of the German, Document NOKW-1138 is offered in evidence as Prosecution Exhibit 209. This document again consists of reports from the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast to the OKW and OKH Higher Headquarters in Berlin.
The first report is the "Survey of the Situation in the Area of the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast (terminated on 8 July 42)." Paragraph 1 is the "Overall Situation in Serbia-Croatia":
"Good progress in the attack against the groups of insurgents encircled in the area Kozara-Planina whose complete destruction is impending.
Mopping-up operations still in progress especially in the northern part. Up to now the insurgents have lost 2080 dead. In the encircled area, starting from 5 July 1942, a mass flight of up to now 9591 refugees - of those two-thirds women and children - began. Some units of the insurgents hid their arms and fled also. Captured insurgents were shot dead. Male suspects were gathered as penal prisoners for Norway. Women and children ware brought into camps on account of danger of epidemics and in order to prevent unrest in other areas. The livestock was taken over for later pacification and was then distributed to the peace loving population."
Paragraph 2 of the report continues with the tabulation of losses in the entire area. I call Your Honor's attention to the losses of the insurgents: 4,963 dead, 150 - it should be 150 rather than 160 - wounded, 6,641 arrested, 346 shot to death as reprisal.
"In all up to now a total of 45,261 killed in combat or shot to death as reprisal in Serbia and Croatia."
And this report is signed in draft by Foertsch, the Chief of Staff to the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, the defendant Kuntze.
The next report begins on page 57 of the English, page 48 of the German, a report about the "Situation in the Area of the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, Terminated on 23 July 42."
Under "Enemy Situation":
"In Croatia increase of number of bands appearing in the Danube Save band west of Belgrade. The enemy propaganda slogan to destroy stocks of crops and harvesting machines had as a result an increased activity of bands north of the Save."
Again the table of losses in the total area - and again I call Your Honors' attention to the losses of the insurgents: 1,620 dead, 273 wounded, 8,849 captured or arrested, 431 shot to death as reprisal; and this report is signed in draft by the defendant Kuntze, Wehrmacht Commander Southeast Page 59 of the English and page 50 of the German - this is prosecution's next document, NOKW-1253, which becomes Prosecution's Exhibit 210.
This is a combat report of the 738th Infantry Regiment to the 718th Infantry Division, dated 3 August 1942. We have omitted to translate the various operational matters which is listed at the beginning of the combat report but begin with the next portion.
"During these combats on 28 July the enemy lost at least 450 to 600 dead and 2-300 bounded.
"The demoralized partisans who hardly defended themselves tried to escape in a completely disordered flight. Bloody losses were inflicted upon them. A great number of them were captured and immediately shot.
"The village on the mountain pasture land was well camouflaged with branches. In the huts, the interior of which had been set up as quarters in the best possible manner by means of plank beds fixed one above the other, the following was found:
"Fresh traces of blood, bandages, two egg-shaped hand grenades, SS ammunition strips, one old rusted revolver, one completely rusted Serbian Very pistol, two bayonet sheaths, one German gas mask box, one wounded horse complete with a saddle and one novel with a Soviet star on the front page.
"On the huts there was written in Serbian 'Long Live Stalin'. Lying around in the neighborhood were bones of animals recently and not so recently slaughtered, goat skins, pocket lamp batteries, and tubes of tooth paste "The huts were set on fire and destroyed, and a considerable amount of ammunition that was in them, was detonated."
"II Battalion reports the destruction of four huts and have handed over as booty to the Regimental Combat Post one sack containing medical (gynecological) instruments."
"Survey: 1. Enemy Losses: Altogether the following losses were determined:
MR. FENSTERMACHER: I will call Your Honors' attention to the totals: 970 dead and 450 wounded; and to the German losses in contrast, a total of 9 dead and 7 wounded. And the report is signed by "Colonel and Commander of the Regiment." Next on page 61 of the English and page 52 of the German is Rosecution's Document No. NOKW-834, which is offered as Prosecution's Exhibit No. 211. This is a collection of activity reports and directives of the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, for the period from 1 February to 28 February 1942. The Wehrmacht Commander Southeast at this time, of course, was the Defendant Kuntze, and his Chief of Staff was the Defendant Foertsch. I will call Your Honors' attention to the Paragraph under Enclosure 47:
"Situation in Serbia and result of the penal expedition in southeast Croatia:
In a teletype to the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast dated 1.2.42 the Chief of OKW points out that the situation in Serbia according to reports of Wehrmacht Commander Southeast and the result of the penal expeditions do not as yet justify hopes that insurrections on a large scale will not start again in spring. Up to now we have been unable to break the backbone of the insurgents by draconic measures. The most effective means is by the use of an extensive system of informants by brutal measures on the part of the police and the secret police to detect and to burn down the formation of insurgents while still in the initial stage. After the appointment of a senior SS and Police Leader these methods must be employed to the utmost. The Chief of the OKW again points out explicitly that the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast will have to get along with the use of his remaining forces during the coming year also and that it is his duty to apply those methods which will guarantee success."
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Next on page 62 of the English and Page 52 of the German are extracts from the Daily Reports of the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, for the period 1st to the 15th of February 1942. The portion under "Serbia: In reprisal for German losses in the month of January 449 prisoners shot to death, the shooting of an additional 3434 has been ordered." And under the portion of the report dealing with Greece, "5.2: 3 attacks with explosives on motor vehicles in Saloniki, 20 Greeks shot in reprisal." And then the Activity Report for the period from the 1st of March to the 31st of March 1942:
"Losses during the period from 16.2. -20.3.42: Germans dead: 37, wounded: 67, missing: 45. Croatians: dead: 75? wounded: 205. Bulgarians: dead: - , wounded: 19. Serbian Police: dead: 15? wounded: 13. Insurgents: 1983 (shot to death in combat), 1552 (Reprisal measures) "Enclosure 125:
Directives for treatment of Insurgents in Serbia Teletype to Commanding General and Commander in Serbia:
Wehrmacht Commander Southeast agrees that Insurgents not seized in combat will be transported to Norway for labor employment. Insurgents captured during combat actions are as a matter of principle to be hanged or to be shot to death."
Next under Enclosure 127 for the 24th of March:
The Deputy Wehrmacht Commander KUNTZE - General of the Engineers celebrates on 24.3.42. his 40th anniversary in the service. Time table for the 24.3 and speech by the Chief of the General Staff, Generalmajor (Brigadier General) Foertsch, see file folder Commander in Chief and Chief (OB. - und Chef).
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Signed "For the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, (12th Army), The Chief of the General Staff."
Continuing on Page 64 of the English and Page 54 of the German, the report dated 30th April 1942, for the period from the 1st of April to the 30th of April 1942. The various headings of the report are set out as Serbia, Croatia, and finally, "Losses during the period from 21.
3 to 5.4.1942." I will call Your Honors' attention to the losses of insurgents, "1262 shot to death in combat, 66 shot to death or hanged in reprisal. Total since 1.9.41: 11,522 shot to death in combat, 21,809 reprisal measures." And then Enclosure 28 a, "Conferences of the Chief of the General Staff of the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast (12th Army) with the Commander in Chief South and Commando supreme in Italy. The Chief, Generalmajor (Brigadier General) Foertsch returned from his flight to Italy on 11.4.42 P.M. The purpose of this duty trip was a conference with the Commander in Chief South regarding the Fuehrer directive: 'Regulation of the Channels of Command on the Coasts' and conference with Italian authorities regarding the return of the Siena Echelon. Result of these discussions see file notes to the Chief Conference on 13.4.42." Next, on page 66 of the English and Page 55 of the German, the notation of the "Chief of Staff Conference in Headquarters Wehrmacht Commander Southeast on 28 and 29.4.42. "The Chief," and here the Chief of Staff Conference is meant, "The Chief Conference took place on 28 and 29.4.42 in Headquarters Wehrmacht Commander Southeast Arsaklo near Saloniki, operations section." And then the participants are listed. Skipping now to Paragraph "c" under "Participants," "From Wehrmacht Commander Southeast:
Chief of General Staff, Brigadier General Foertsch", attended. Turning next to Page 67 of the English and Page 56 of the German, report of the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, dated 31 May 1942, for the period from the 1st to the 31st of May 1942. There is a notation of a duty trip taken by the Chief of Staff, the Defendant Foertsch. "On 3.5. P.M. Chief leaves for Belgrade for conference with the Deputy Chief of the Operational Staff OKW/WFSt., (Wehrmachtfuehrungsstab), Generalmajor Warlimont". Warlimont, if Your Honors please, was General Jodl's immediate subordinate in the Planning Section of OKW, Berlin.
The same Jodl who was tried by the International Military Tribunal in the Goering Case. Under the section of the report dealing with Croatia: "Dead: German: 6, Croatian: 46, Serbian Auxiliary Police: 3, Wounded: German: 5, Croatians: 45, Missing, Croatians: 80. Insurgents: 321 shot to death in combat, 404 arrested, 82 shot in reprisal." Turning next to Page 68 in the English and Page 58 in the German, the report of the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, dated 30 June 1942, dealing with the period of time from the 1st to the 30th of June 1942. Under the portion of the report dealing with losses I will call Your Honors' attention to the comparison of the losses suffered by the Germans, the Croatians, and the Serbian State Guard, with those suffered by the insurgents: "1085 shot to death in combat." For the wounded here, Your Honors, the figure should read 79 instead of 19 in your Document Books. "1745 arrested, mass intended for north Norway, 3 shot in reprisal." Turning to Page 69 of the English and Page 58 of the German the report continues for the section on Greece:
"In Athens 2 dynamite attacks on Wehrmacht motor vehicles. One attack on railroad track north of Athens. Culprits and hostages respectively were shot to death. A sharp warning was published.
In Crete several mayors installed by the occupation authorities were murdered. Accomplices and a number of hostages shot to death."
Next under Enclosure 25, dealing with the Attack on airport Iraklion (Crete):
"Air district Crete and Commandant of Fortress Crete reports (tactical time 1305): During the night of 14.6 despite additional security sabotage and air attack on airport Iraklion. 16 planes damaged. Commandant of Fortress Crete has let 50 hostages shot to death."
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Next on Page 70 of the English and Page 59 of the German are the losses for the period 7 to 23 June 1942. And again the tables of losses invite the comparison between those suffered by the Germans and their allies with those suffered by the insurgents:
"Insurgents: 1748 shot to death in combat, 15 wounded, 713 captured or arrested (mass intended for Norway), 275 shot to death in reprisal."
"Total up to now of people shot to death in combat or in reprisal in Serbia and Croatia 37,477." Next, on Page 71 of the English and Page 60 of the German the notation for the 4th of July 1942, "General Field Marshall List: The Fuehrer has appointed General Field Marshall List to command an army group in Russia." Your Honors will recall that Field Marshall List became ill in October, 1941 and was replaced by General Kuntze, who was named as the Field Marshall's deputy, as Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, and Commander in Chief of the 12th Army. Returning now to Page 71 of the English and Page 60 of the German:
"The former Commander in Chief of the 12th Army remembers all soldiers subordinate to him in an order of the day and expresses to them his gratitude and appreciation. Simultaneously the Field Marshall remembers all members of the Army High Command in a staff order.
The General of Engineers Kuntze Deputy Wehrmacht Commander Southeast and Deputy Commander in Chief of the 12th Army was transferred to Fuhrerreserve OKH (peacetime Garrison) effective 3.7.42. General of the Engineers Kuntze will continue as Deputy Wehrmacht Commander and Deputy Commander in Chief of the 12th Army until the arrival of the new Wehrmacht Commander and Deputy Commander in Chief of the 12th Army, General Loehr."
Continuing with the Total situation Serbia/Bosnia:
"Losses of the Insurgents 24.6.-8.7.42; 4963 dead, 150 wounded, 6641 prisoners, 346 shot in reprisal.
Total up to now of people shot to death in combat or in reprisal in Serbia and Croatia 45261."
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Next, on page 72 of the English and page 61 of the German is the entry for the 13th of July, referring to a Chief of Staff Conference.
13.7:
Chief of Staff Conference:
Personal report by Chief (of Staff) on the situation in the area of Wehrmacht Commander Southeast:
Croatia: Operation Westbosnien proceeding according to plan. Insurgent losses 24.6.-8.7.42: 5000 dead, 150 wounded, 6600 prisoners. 350 shot to death in reprisal. Up to now in Serbia and Croatia Insurgents over 45,000 dead! Insurgents are burying arms and taking to flight. Insurgents captured are either being shot to death or transported to Norway. Armed women are participating in the fighting.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: And, if Your Honors please, that is a personal report by the Chief of Staff for the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, the Defendant Foertsch. Continuing with the entry of 20 July 1942, another Chief of Staff Conference took place on 20 July.
Chief (of Staff): Farewell Lieutenant Colonel GSC Macher who was hitherto Ia.
Reception of the new Ia Schipp von Branitz, Colonel GSC who took over the functions of Ia and head of the operational section on 20. 7. 42.
Lieutenant Colonel GSC Macher transferred to OKH Fuehrerreserve effective 15.7.42 Schipp von Branitz transferred from OKH Fuehrerreserve to 12th Army effective 15.
7 Subject of Chief of Staff Conference:
Croatia: Operation Kozara-Prosara concluded with great success. 7947 prisoners of which 1590 were transported to Germany, 2774 to Norway, 3000 children and women.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Continuing on page 73 of the English and page 62 of the German is reference to the Visit by Deputy Chief of the WFST.
Generalleutnant Warlimont (Major General) (Wehrmachtfuehrungsstab) On 24.
7 the Deputy Chief WFST Generalleutnant Warlimont paid a visit to Wehrmacht Commander Southeast in Saloniki/Arsakli.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: The next report, dated 28 July 1942, is on the situation in the area of Wehrmacht Commander Southeast up to and including 24.7.1942:
Mr. Fenstermacher: Again they report the losses in the total area, "Insurgents: 1620 dead, 273 wounded, 8849 captured or arrested, 431 shot in reprisal." Page 74 of the English and page 63 of the German, the Activity Report of Section Ia, of the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, for the period from the 1st to the 31st of August 1942, "On 8.8 arrival of the new Wehrmacht Commander Southeast General Loehr. Orders for the reception will be issued. General of Engineers Kuntze will leave Sedes on 9.8." Next, on page 75 of the English and page 63 of the German is the entry for the 8th of August 1942, 8.8:Commander in Chief:
1230 hours landing of General Loehr the new Wehrmacht Commander Southeast also charged with the command of the 12th Army. 1700 hours transfer of duties of General of the Engineers Kuntze to General Loehr. 1800 hours farewell of General of Engineers Kuntze from the Staff and troops of the 12th Army before the Headquarters building in Arsakli. 1820 hours introduction General Loehr addresses the Staff and the troops. 1840 hours inaugural conference of General Loehr with the Department Chief.
9.8:
0900 hours departure of General of Engineers Kuntze and farewell at the airport.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Your Honors will recall from the Prosecution's Opening Statement that General Loehr was the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast for the period from 9 August 1942, when he replaced the Defendant Kuntze, until August, 1943.
It was General Loehr who was executed as a war criminal several months ago by the Yugoslavian Government. General Foertsch stays on as Chief of Staff to General Loehr, the new Commander in Chief of the 12th Army and Wehrmacht Commander Southeast. Continuing on page 75 of the English and page 63 of the German, the "Report on the situation in the area of the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast up to an including 9.8.42". Paragraph III of that report,
III. Losses in the total area 24.7. - 3.8.42 Own:
German dead 24, wounded 32, missing 5 Croatian:
dead 80, wounded 137, missing 136, Serbian State Guard:
dead 2, missing 3 Insurgents:
2268 dead, 152 wounded, 4817 additionally captured of arrested, 677 among them 3 Englishmen shot to death in reprisal.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Next, the entry for the 14th of August, Commander in Chief:
By He 111 starting from Sedes 0720 hours.
Accompanied by: Ia fon Schipp, Colonel GSC, IIa Colonel L'Estocque and O.O. Major von Schenk. Landing airport Tatoi. In Athens conference with report: Air District Headquarters Southeast, Lieutenant General (Air Force) Mayer, Commander Southern Greece, Lieutenant General (Air Force) Felmy Admiral Aegean Vice-Admiral Foerste. Visit with Italian Army General Geloso, with German Ambassador Altenburg and Italian Ambassador Ghigi 1220 hours to 1400 hours. Conference and report Lieutenant General (Air Force) Felmy and his experts. At the same time personal report by Colonel Krause, Commanding officer of the Army Coast Artillery. 1814 hours start and return flight to Sedes. Landing there 1915 hours. File notes pertaining to this visit of General Loehr in Athens see Enclosure 20.