Without stopping and in long marches, German and Croatian Battalions raced to the South and to the Southeast. DRVAR, BOS GRAHOVO, GLAMOC were taken. On 3 March the first soldiers, Croatians of the 369th Division were greeted in LIVNO by the jubilant population as liberators. In a final bitter battle around BUGOJNO, VAKUF and FROZOR broke the last noteworthy resistance power of the enemy. He hurried back in a Southeasterly direction with the remainder of his utterly defeated men.
But still the troops did not find their well earned rest. Meanwhile, disquieting reports from the area of Mostar caused the supreme German leadership to order German troops to occupy the Bauxite territory. Within a matter of hours this necessitated a thorough change of all plans of attack, and a renewed committment of troops for which rest had been intended. In hard fighting the Narenta and Rama Valley were forced. The exhausted regiments rested near Livno and eastwards in spite of utmost supply diffculties marched again toward the Southeast and in a wide front reached the West bank of the Narenta river. The Commander of the German troops in Croatia was able to report the completion of his mission on 17 March.
German and Croatian Battalions in closest cooperation have achieved a wonderful success. Large parts of the country have been liberated from a tyranny which has lasted for months. The Communist State and its organization are beaten, though unfortunately considerable units were able to withdraw in the direction of the Adriatic Coast and other parts could cross the Narenta River.
Croatian Sovereignty has been reestablished within the mopped up territory.
Success has been bought dearly. Approximately 650 officers, non-commissioned officers and men have sealed their oath with their death.
Their sacrifice must not be in vain. Symbolic of German and Croatian comradeship their death shall constitute a contribution towards a free Croatia and a new Europe.
(Signed)
Lueters.
MR. DENNEY: And then the enclosure to the communication, and it is submitted that this is the enclosure because it was found with it, and it also bears the same order number as does the original "1729/43". This is a "Compilation of losses, of enemy losses and booty." Own losses: dead, a total of 640, wounded, a total of 1472; missing a total of 376. "Croatian losses can be stated only as far as they were classified by Germar authorities." Enemy losses: 11,915 dead (partly counted, partly estimated) 616 shot to death as a result of summary court martial, 2,506 prisoners (of which 490 men and 285 women were evacuated to Semlin, the rest either turned over to Croatian authorities or released after investigation."
MR. DENNEY: And Your Honors will recall that we have prior documents indicating that Semlin is a concentration camp.
3.) Booty:
The greater part of the booty had been made unusable in good time by the enemy, rations were mostly destroyed. All usuable pieces were left with the troops for the purpose of filling in shortages which has arisen, captured cattle was sent to troop maintenance in proper amounts. The rest was given back to the returning population.
And then in the original there appears a list of various items of booty which is not in the German text. However, I shall read it. I have the German text here if any defense counsel want to check and follow me on it.
765 horses 83 Beasts of burden with equipment 1414 Heads of cattle 1678 Sheep Ration supplies - no numbers 17 Containers for cooked food.
And then follows the list of material destroyed or found destroyed.
120 Barracks camps 32 Other first camps 2 Hospitals 1 Wholesale bakery with electrical apparatus 1 Mill.
And the balance of the document which is from the Commander of German troops in Croatia dated 22 February 1943 - this details some experiences concerning the operation "Weiss I." The operation took place from 20 January to 15 February 1943.
Participating Units:
1) SS Volunteer Division "Prinz Eugen": well equipped to a large extent motorized Mountain Division.
2) 369th (Croatian) Infantry Division a well equipped German Infantry Division with German Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers. Croatian men.
3) 717th Infantry Division: insufficiently equipped Occupation Division with a small combat strength (3500 men) partly over-age.
4) 2nd and 3rd Croatian Mountain Brigade: Croatian Units equipped for mountain warfare with variable leadership and men, poor weapons and equipment.
And this is signed in draft. That is all typed and the certification over here is written.
Then on page 17 of the German and 19 of the English is Document NOKW-947 which becomes Prosecution's Exhibit 267 in evidence. This is a report from the SS Volunteer Division "Prinz Eugen", which is also the 7th SS Division to the Commander of German Troops in Croatia. We have seen earlier the reference to the fact that this unit was in this area at this time. The subject is an experience report with reference to an operation "Weiss II" and Mostar. This is a separate action from the one that was reported before which was "Weiss I" and this refers to a communication from the Commander of German Troops in Croatia dated 4 March 1943.
The Division encloses an experience report of the 2nd SS Mountain Regiment regarding operation "Weiss II" and Mostar for information.
The experiences and the deficiencies referred to are pertinent to all units of the Division and will be weighed and/ or remedied during the present interruption of combat.
And herewith is the report 26 March 1943 concerning the operation "Weiss II" and Mostar.
In the beginning of operation "Weiss II" the enemy showed considerable weaker resistance than before in operation "Weiss I". A contributive decisive factor may have been the entirely insufficient ration situation and judging from the statement of prisoners, the lack of ammunition on the side of the partisans as a result of preceding fights.
And considering the deplorable clothing of the bandits, the icy Northwind which started in the beginning of operation "Weiss I" has proved the breaking up of the enemy's power of resistance. It has again been demonstrated just as during operation "Weiss I" that artisans are unable to resist a powerful attack effectively supported by heavy Infantry weapons. The following incident mentioned as an example shows that the Partisans have the full support of the Serbian population: During the advance from Javarusa - and then it gives its location on the map - (9 kilometers Southeast of Petrovac) about 60 women and children with three old men were encountered on M. Satornica near the group of houses, 1 kilometer Southwest of Kosa. Then there is a map reference. They were refugees from Kolunic South of Petrovac. When asked they stated that they had not as yet seen any Partisans near the place where they were located at present. They assured us that the terrain was free of Partisans. Thereupon one of the three old men received a pass permitting him to lead the refugees back to Kolunic on the following day.
Notwithstanding the seemingly reliable information, the saddle East of M. Satornica was not approached directly but from the Western Heights. Then they suddenly opened enemy fire of three light machine guns and about 100 enemy rifle men which came from the heights West of M. Satornica saddle (Rodici) was robbed of its effect; the ambush of the Partisans was about 1000 meters removed from the refugee group mentioned above. The enemy was attacked and repelled under losses.
Subsequently, the entire refugee group was shot to death. A boy admitted that the Partisans had been with the refugee group shortly before. A crumpled up identification stamp identifying him as a Communist functionary was found on the man who had received the pass permitting him to lead the refugees back.
Prisoners and deserters alleged as a matter of principle that they had been deported by the Partisans even though the place of origin was Montenegro or Dalmatia and they had on them weapons, hand grenades or ammunition.
Regarding the person of "Tito" the prisoners were only able to make very indefinite statements. They all agreed that he spoke a poor Serbian so that they believed him to be a Russian. The Priest of Bila (8 kilometers Southwest of Livno) claims that he recognized a certain acquaintance, namely Dr. Ribnik of Laibach, in the picture of Tito. They all agreed in their statements that numerous Jews are to be found among the followers of Tito.
And that concludes that document.
Turning now to page 20 of the German and 23 of the English, Document NOKW-920, it is offered as Prosecution's Exhibit 268. These are some excerpts from the War Diary of the First Mountain Division and contain various excerpts with reference to their activities. The first entry is for the 25th of April; the period covered is from March 27 to 29 June in 1943.
District Headquarters Mitrovica reports the arrest of three civilians without travel identifications at the station of Orljane by a Serbian State Guard Patrol on the 10th of April. Their search resulted in the finding of enemy propaganda writings and 1 pistol. The three arrested were turned over to the SD-Mitrovica. They were probably D.M. Propagandists.
21,20 hours the 54th Mountain Jaeger Battalion reports: on 25 April at noon a Communist band identifiable by the Soviet Star on the cap attacked Trnavci with 150 men armed with machine guns.
About 20.00 hours 3 kilometers North of Banje a certain State Guard Patrol met a group of 9 bandits. Three bandits were shot to death, four prisoners were brought in and turned over to the SD.
Entry for the 21st:
Reconnaissance plane reports at 08.40 hours:
In upper Tata valley and in the Moraca valley no enemy movement detected.
In the forenoon, conference of the I-c with the Chief of SD Mitrovic regarding problems of evacuation and treatment of political suspects. It is agreed with the SD that the Division will send such elements immediately to the SD in Mitrovica. The Division Ic will always receive copies of the interrogations. The flare Signal of Red Troops for dropping by parachute of which we were informed by the chief of SD will be announced to the regiments.
For the 23rd of May:
Report by Dr. Wunsch via 4th Regiment Division Brandenburg regarding the situation in the Sandzak and in the area of ProzrenPristina- Pec.
17 Civilian Prisoners are brought in by 99 Mountain Jaeger Regiment which had been taken in the area of the H.K.D. Only one of them could be proven to be a Communist while the others are to be considered politically innocent. Among other things, they state that Tito forces are alleged to be in the Jasopje Mountains about 5 to 6000 men strong.
For the 30th:
The Commander of German Troops in Croatia/Ic receives antiCommunists propaganda pamphlet of the Chetniks which has been found in sizeable quantities in Kolasin. The Division requests information as to whether this pamphlet may continue to be used for anti-Communist propaganda. The answer of the Commander of German Troops in Croatia Ic is negative.
On 1 June:
09.30 hours report of Mountain Signal Communication Detachment 54 concerning the wave of arrests carried out in the area of Kolasin.
The arrested persons will be sent to the SD via Field Gendarmerie troops 54. For details - see enclosure.
The Italian High Command Montenegro transmits to the Division a list of prices set on the heads of Chetnik and Communist leaders which is distributed as far as the companies.
THE PRESIDENT: We will take our afternoon recess at this time.
(A recess was taken.)
THE MARSHAL: Persons in the courtroom will please find their seats, The Tribunal is again in session.
THE PRESIDENT: You may proceed.
MR. DENNEY: If it please, Your Honors, turning to page -
First, Dr. Laternser has called my attention to page 12 of the German, page 15 of the English, which is Document NOKW-955, Exhibit 266 in evidence. At the bottom of the page under the paragraph numbered "2" the German word about which we have had some discussion, "standrechlich" appears and it appears in your Honors' document book as "summary court martial" and it should be "court martial". The word "summary" should be dropped.
Your Honors will recall it is on page 15 of the English, Document Book XI, page 12 of the German.
THE PRESIDENT: I think I should call to the attention of Dr. Laternser and to Mr. Denney a communication which this Tribunal has received from Noah J. Jacobs, Chief of the Translation Branch, and I am referring it to both of you gentlemen for your consideration. If Dr. Laternser and Mr. Denney will confer on this matter, perhaps you can make some statement into the record.
Mr. Denney, do you and Dr. Laternser care to have some conference on this matter?
MR.DENNEY: I am perfectly agreeable to accepting the interpretation of the Chief of the -
THE PRESIDENT: I beg your pardon?
MR. DENNEY: If Your Honor pleases, I am willing to accept the translation of the Chief of the Translation Branch. Perhaps Dr. Laternser would like to say something.
DR. LATERNSER: Your Honor the under figure "1" of the communication of the 25th of July, suggested translation is agreeable to me: that is, the suggestion of this translator.
THE PRESIDENT: May the Tribunal therefore suggest that this letter be read into the record?
MR. DENNEY: If Your Honor pleases -
DR. LATERNSER: I don't have anything to add. I am satisfied with the translation of the interpretor.
THE PRESIDENT: For the purposes of the record, it is stated that Dr. Laternser and Mr. Denney have agreed that the statement as incorporated in the latter which has been received by this Tribunal may be read into the record at this time as being a correct translation of the words in question.
MR. DENNEY: In order that it may be thoroughly clear on the record, I would suggest that both the German and the English be read into the record, if your Honors are agreeable.
THE PRESIDENT: It is so ordered.
MR. DENNEY: I shall read the English and I think someone more proficient than I am in German had better read that so perhaps Dr. Laternser will be good enough to do that after I finish this or, if he would like to precede me, it is perfectly agreeable to me.
THE PRESIDENT: The interpreters now have the letter and it is suggested they read first the English and then read the German.
Mr. DENNEY: This is a communication dated 25 July 1947 from the Chief of the Translation Branch of the Language Division of the Office of Chief of Counsel for War Crimes, APO 696-A.
"Memorandum. Subject: Translation of 'Standrecht." That's spelled S t a n d r e c h t. The communication is addressed to the "Honorable J. Wennerstrum, Presiding Judge, Military Tribunal Number V", and is from "Mr. N.J. Jacobs, Chief, Translation Branch":
"1. According to expert opinion, "Standrechtlich erschossen" s t a n d r e c h t l i c h e r s c h o s s e n", should be translated "shot after having been sentenced by a summary court martial".
Paragraph 2: "It ought not be translated" according to martial law" as there is a difference between "standrechtlich" and "kriegsrechtlich" -- and the last word is spelled "k r i e g s r e c h t l i c h".
Paragraph 3: "'Standrecht' may be a peacetime emergency measure. 'Kriegsrecht' is not."
And the communication is signed: "Noah J. Jacobs, Chief, Translation Branch, Language Division."
MR. DENNEY: I thought this was a German copy but it is English. Perhaps we better have the translator read the translation in unless Dr. Laternser would like to try his hand at being a translator.
THE PRESIDENT: With all due respect to Dr. Laternser, possibly it would be better if we had the translator read it in the German, Is that agreeable with you, Doctor?
DR. LATERNSER: Yes, your Honor.
Your Honor, I would like to add something. It would be perfectly correct if, instead of under figure "2", the word "Kriegsrechtlich (marital law)" would be "kreigsgerichtlich." (Court martial)
THE PRESIDENT: Very well, we will give consideration to the Doctor's interpretation.
MR. DENNEY: In view of the letter which has just been read into the record, it would then seem proper to rechange the item on page 15 of the English and page 12 of the German, Document NOKW-955, which is Exhibit 266; and the word in the German "standrechtlich erschossen" so that should be "shot to death after having been sentenced by summary court martial. I believe Dr. Laternser is nodding his head in agreement.
THE PRESIDENT: Dr. Laternser has so indicated his approval and the record may so show.
MR. DENNEY: Turning then to page 22 of the German and page 26 of the English, NOKW-978, which becomes Prosecution Exhibit 269 in evidence, there is an order from the First Mountain Division to its various subordinate units, which appear on page 23 of the German and 28 of the English, with reference to reprisal measures against insurgents. It is dated 8 April 43, top secret -
THE PRESIDENT: Should that not be the 26th of the English?
MR. DENNEY: Yes, your Honor, I am sorry. The distribution list was on 28, Your Honor, that's what I was referring to.
Top Secret, 14 copies, of which this is the third copy, which went to the Anti Tank Detachment, which was part of the Division:
Subject: Reprisal measures against Insurgents.
1.) Whosoever is found
a) in Combat Actions with weapon in hand.
b) as helper of Insurgents or
c) in acts of sabotage is to be shot to death or hanged on principal on the spot.
Leaders, political commissars and couriers are to be delivered to the Ic Department of the Division and will be shot after interrogation."
I would like again to direct the Court's attention to the Political commissar item.
2.) Whosoever is suspected of belonging to an organization of Insurgents or of aiding and abetting or of having aided and abetted Insurgents is to be arrested and to be delivered to the Commander of the Security Police. This latter clears up the matter and takes the necessary further steps.
3.) If during a military operation ordered by the Division a person is found in unauthorized possession of arms (firearms and explosives of all kinds), he is to be regarded as an aid of the insurgents and is to be shot to death subsequent to an examin ation of the facts by the competent Company Commander.
In doubtful cases he is to be transferred to the Ic Department of the Division who, after clearing up the matter, decides on further steps - and depending on circumstances he decides for a court martial."
I should like to direct the court's attention here to the fact that a different staff officer is directed by the division commander as one who can determine whether or not someone will be court martialed.
4.) Burning down
a) The burning down of buildings during combat action may only be done on orders of an officer.
b) The burning down of houses after and outside of combat actions is a measure of reprisal. For the latter the authorization of the competent". Commander of Administrative Sub-area is necessary. In no case may entire villages be burned down senselessly, if the houses of the helpers of bandits or of the guilty are known. In this case only their houses, (i.e., the known malefactors) are to be burned down.
c) Before the houses are burned down all economic goods and supplies are to be secured by Special commandos and are later to be utilized appropriately. The impression of plundering must be avoided under all circumstance. The penal aspect of the measure must be expressly brought to the attention of the population and the local Serbian authorities.
d) The male population of the houses burned down are to be used either as reprisal prisoners or will be deported to work. In no case may they remain in the country as casuals.
5.) Principals respecting the execution of the reprisal law
a) Reprisal measures are being taken for:
aa) Any attempt against the body and life of a German or German national, a member of the Bulgarian Occupational Corps or any person in the service of the Occupying power, as well as the members of the Serbian government, and other leading Serbian officials and the officers of the Serbian State Guard, provided, that the perpetrators are not arrested inside of 40 hours and that the attempt (which must have caused wounds or deaths) was made for political reasons, bb) every attempt against installations vital to the war effort especially means of transportation and arteries of traffic, communications industrial organizations and supply plants presupposing that damage was caused and that the perpetrators could not be arrested inside of 48 hours.
b) Quotas of reprisal measures:
For 1 German or Bulgarian killed 50 reprisal prisoners are to be killed.
For 1 German of Bulgarian wounded 25 reprisal prisoners are to be killed.
For 1 otherwise protected person killed 10 reprisal prisoners are to be killed.
For 1 otherwise protected person wounded 5 reprisal prisoners are to be killed.
c) For the carrying out of measures of reprisal the Administrative Sub-area Headquarters are competent, and after the decision of the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia, they will take the necessary steps. All officers having to do with the carrying out of measures of reprisal are to address themselves to the competent Administrative Sub-area Headquarters."
This is type signed in draft by von Geitner, and the certified copy is signed with an illegible signature who is a major in the General Staff Corps.
The distribution continues over on to the next page.
Then on page 24 of the German, and page 30 of the English, NOKW-866which becomes Prosecution Exhibit 270, these again are more instructions of the First Mountain Division with reference to the turn over of captives and others.
This is dated 20 April 1943, and is entitled, "Special Directives Pertaining to Intelligence Work Ic - Gobiot":
1.) Cooperation with officers:
The following maintain constant contact . . . . . . . . . . .Group Dauner:
With SD branch Office Counter-Intelligence office in Nowi Pazar, with all frontier guard stations along the line of demarcation, with the local police offices (simultaneously Serbian State Guard) as well as with the 24th Bulgarian Division in Kraljevo.
. . . . . . . . . . .
2.) Counter Intelligence:
a) Relation to the civilian population:
In the present operational area of the Division, the enemy has an excellent net of confidential agents at its disposal. The majority of the population sympathizes with our enemies and with the various insurgent groups. The Serbian Administrative apparatus and the legal Serbian security formations (Serbian State Guard, Serbian Volunteer Corps) are only hypothetically reliable. That is why secret protection assumes increased significance!
In relations with the whole indigenous civil population, the greatest reserve and mistrust is suitable. Any contact with civilians is to be avoided. Volksdeutsche also are not absolute ly reliable."
. . . . . . . . . . . .
b) Authorization by the Division is required for (1) Disarming of Serbian Legal units (Serbian Volunteer Corps Serbian State Guard) (2) The arrest of Serbian officials (mayor, district president, area president).
c) Prisoners and captured material.
After a telephone communication with the Divisional Ic., all arrested bandits and suspected civilians are to be transferred to the competent SD for further interrogation after having been interrogated regarding tactical measures. In important cases, an officer is to attend the interrogation by the SD. Copies of all interrogations are to be requested, and be sent immediately to Division/Ic. Executions arc permissible as a matter of principle only after the interrogation since otherwise valuable ressources of interrogations will be lost!
Leaders, political commissars and Russians are always to be transferred to the SD."
And there again we have another reference to the political commissars.
"All prisoners are to be searched thoroughly for captured documents. These are to be handed over the SD with the arrested person.
. . . . . . . . . . . .
3.) Propaganda:
All units are to receive thorough instructions regarding the order of the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia dated 30 March 1943, "Basic order regarding active propaganda" and "Basic principles of propaganda, Apr. 1943" Unification of propaganda must be guaranteed so that each Serbian always hears the same from every German soldier. The main attack of the pro paganda is to be put on the territory settled by Serbs.
The allotted posters and leaflets are to be distributed as quickly as possible as far as the remotest villages.
Experiences, suggestions, requests pertaining to propaganda, confirmations regarding enemy propaganda, as well as particular observations regarding the morale of the civilian population, are to be reported currently to the Division/Ic. Summarized report on the 15th of each month (Regiments and independent Battalions)" Typed at the bottom is:
"Signed in draft von Stettner" Then the enclosures contain an order regarding the active propaganda in April, and propaganda with reference to an absence without leave and desertion, and the distribution:
"Regiments and Independent Battalions" and the note to the first distribution, -- the enclosure rather, - it is to go down to the companies, and the illegible signature of a First Lieutenant is signed.
Then on page 34 of the English, and 26 of the German, NOKW-1395, which become Prosecution Exhibit 271, these are a series of orders from the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia, for early April, 1943. Here is one about the middle of April.
The first one is dated 2 April, to the Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters 610.
"Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters 610 As reprisal for the raid on 27 to 28 March on the Station Barosava, for the destruction of the telephone installation and the switches, 10 Communists are to be shot to death.
The execution is to be reported and a copy of the publication is to be enclosed."
The next one 2 April 1943, again from the Commanding General in Ser bia to the same Administrative Sub-area Headquarters:
"On 24 March the frontier guard detachment Mocioci was disarmed by the band of Javorski. From the interrogation of members of the frontier guard who have returned in the meantime it has been learned that the villages of Mocioci and Praseka gave quarters and food supplied to the band of Javorski and also in other matters showed them definite signs of sympathy.
Le Liaison official of the customs border guard suggests,
1.) The arrest of the persons who as a result of the statements are known to be helpers of the bands,"
2.) Burning down of the houses of the persons in question,
3.) Evacuation of the entire male population of both places and their utilization as reprisal prisoners or for labor.
In agreement with the 24th Bulgarian Division, the proposed measures are to be examined and the intention to carry them out is to be reported.
For the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia The Chief of General Staff Signed "Geitner" Here is a signature of the defendant, Geitner, and I would also direct the Court's attention to the first page, and the small mark to the right of the last typed material there.
The signature appears on the second page, if your Honors please.
MR. DENNEY: Now, here's a signature of the Defendant Geitner, and I will also direct the Court's attention to the first page and the small mark to the right of the last typed material order. The signature appears on the 2nd page, if Your Honors please. (Sending copy forward). I would like to have it back if I may, when you get through with it, Dr. And it's to be noted here that the information goes to the Liaison official of the Customs Border Guard. The body of the letter itself makes these suggestions to the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia, and these are being passed down by his Chief of Staff to an Administrative Sub-area Headquarters. And the next communication is one dated 3 April 1943; and this again is from the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia, and its subject is "Burning down of villages and houses. The burning down of villages and houses in the course of combat actions may only be carried out by order of an officer." Now, I don't think there's any reason to read the rest of this because this is the same order that appears, in substance, on Page 26 in this book for the 1st Jaeger Division; the 1st Mountain Division passed this down. And, if Your Honors will look on the distribution list, which appears on Page 36, the second item appearing there is the 1st Mountain Division 3 x. I assume that the "3" means three copies; and, therefore, I don't think that there is any need. The material quoted here is identical with that which is quoted on Page 26, starting on the bottom of the page where it talks about burning down. Maybe it's on the top of the page. No, it starts at the bottom. And it goes on down to Paragraph 4, "The male inhabitants...". And then the quotation is the same. This is signed "Bader". Turning then to Page 28 in the German, Page 36 in the English, 5 April 1943, a communication from the Commanding General and Commander in Serbia, with reference to reprisal measures, to the Administrative Sub-area Headquarters 809. "Cancelling the teletype orders - Ia No. 286/43", that, if Your Honors please, is Page 4 of this book, "of 3 March 1943 and Ia No. 342/43", --this is on Page 8 of this book. The first one is dated 3 March and the other is dated 19 March 1943.
"the shooting to death of 30 Communist reprisal prisoners is authorized for the destruction of the cable car line Majdanpek and the raids on the dairies near Zajecar. The execution is to be reported by 15 April 1943". And the earlier references--the first is a communication which is part of Exhibit No. 264, and the second one which appears on Page 8 is the diary entry for 3 March 1943, which is part of Exhibit No. 265.
"Care must be taken that at all times sufficient reprisal prisoners are available in the reprisal camps. In case the delivery of reprisal prisoners from the current operations is not sufficient, operations for the purpose of bringing in reprisal prisoners in definite bandit areas are to be prepared by the 1st Royal Bulgarian Occupation Corps or by the Police. I reserve to myself approval in the individual case."
MR. DENNEY: And it is signed "Bader".
"Distribution: Commander of the Security Police, German Liaison Officer, 1st Royal Bulgarian Occupation Corps".
MR. DENNEY: Then the 5th of April 1943.
"To Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters 610: For the destruction of the community post office in Rudnik, as well as for the blasting of the railway line near Kriva Reka in the night of 1 April, a total of 30 Communist reprisal prisoners are to be shot to death. The execution is to be reported here and a copy of the publication is to be enclosed."
MR. DENNEY: And then on Page 29 of the German and Page 38 of the English:
"To the Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters 809 Nis of 5 April 1943. As reprisal measure for the murder of the mayor Stojkovic Dobrosav on 25 March and of the village elder Ilica Svetozar on 23 March, the shooting to death of 10 Communists or band helpers for each one is authorized. Commanding General and Commander in Serbia" MR. DENNEY: And then turning to Page 38 in the English and Page 29 in the German still on Exhibit No. 271, there's a communication of April 6, 1943.To Administrative Sub-Area Headquarters 610 As reprisal for blasting of the main railway line Belgrade-Nis between Stalac and Cicevac on 28 March 1943, as well as for the murder of the mayor of Plaskovac on 23 March 1943, 10 Communists area to be shot to death for each offense.