Chapter 19

[*The superimposed corrections represent actual ink corrections on the original manuscript.]

[ITEM 31] [Typescript]Adj to the Fuehrer[Note in pencil]28/7Schm.Supreme Command of the Armed Forces Berlin 27.9.1938MOST SECRET 1920 hours.WFA/L No. 2305/38 Most Secret II 45 copies, 16th copy

The Fuehrer has approved the mobilization without warning of the five regular west divisions (26th, 34th, 36th, 32, and 35th). The Fuehrer and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces has expressly reserved the right to issue the order for employment in the fortification zone and the evacuation of this zone by workers of the Todt organization.

It is left to the OHK—to assemble as far as possible first of all the sections ready to march and subsequently the remaining sections of the divisions in marshalling areas behind the western fortifications.

CHIEF OF THE SUPREME COMMAND OFTHE ARMED FORCES.Signed: KeitelDistribution: II.

[ITEM 32] [Typescript][Stamp]Office of the Armed ForcesAdjutant attachedTo the Fuehrer andReich ChancellorRecd. 3 Oct 1938Reg. No. 259/38 Most Secret[pencil note] Adjutant to the FuehrerSupreme Command of the Armed ForcesNo. 2288/38 Most Secret WFA/L IIMOST SECRETBerlin, 27 Sept. 1938

Subject: Mobilization MeasuresTo: The Deputy Fuehrer, via Administrative Offices (J)The Reischsfuehrer SS and Chief of German Police attn: S.S. Oberfuehrer Petri.

Subject: Mobilization Measures

To: The Deputy Fuehrer, via Administrative Offices (J)

The Reischsfuehrer SS and Chief of German Police attn: S.S. Oberfuehrer Petri.

Express47 copies, 18th copy

As a result of the political situation the Fuehrer and Chancellor has ordered mobilization measures for the Armed Forces, without the political situation being aggravated by issuing the mobilization (X) order or corresponding code-words.

Within the framework of these mobilization measures it is necessary for the Armed Forces authorities to issue demands to the various Party authorities and their organizations, which are connected with the previous issuing of the Mobilization order, the advance measures or special code names.

The special situation makes it necessary that these demands be met (even if the code word has not been previously issued) immediately and without being referred to higher authorities.

OKW requests that subordinate offices be given immediate instructions to this effect so that the mobilization of the Armed Forces can be carried out according to plan.

Following are several examples of cases where previous mobilization measures were delayed and a recurrence of which might seriously endanger the mobilization of the Armed Forces:

1. The SA in Wehrkreis XI refused to give up equipment requisitioned by the Armed Forces in accordance with mobilization regulations, because mobilization has not yet taken place.2. Billets which were prepared for troops under mobilization regulations were not evacuated because mobilization has not taken place. (NSKK-School Kreischwitzsilesia).3. Police authorities refused to give up Police Radio Stations for the A/C reporting network, although the A/C reporting service had already been called up.

1. The SA in Wehrkreis XI refused to give up equipment requisitioned by the Armed Forces in accordance with mobilization regulations, because mobilization has not yet taken place.

2. Billets which were prepared for troops under mobilization regulations were not evacuated because mobilization has not taken place. (NSKK-School Kreischwitzsilesia).

3. Police authorities refused to give up Police Radio Stations for the A/C reporting network, although the A/C reporting service had already been called up.

The Supreme Command of the Armed Forces further requests that all measures not provided for in the plans which are undertaken by Party Organizations or Police units as a result of the political situation, be reportedin every caseandin plenty of timeto the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces. Only then can it be guaranteed that these measures can be carried out in practice.

The Chief of the Supreme Command of theArmed Forces.KEITELFurther:Distribution II

[ITEM 33] [Typescript]28.9.38MOST SECRETMEMORANDUM

At 1300 September 27 the Fuehrer and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces ordered the movement of the assault units from their exercise areas to their jumping-off points.

The assault units (about 21 reinforced regiments, or 7 divisions,) must be ready to begin the action against "Gruen" on September 30, the decision having been made one day previously by 1200 noon.

This order was conveyed to General Keitel at 1320 through Major Schmundt.

[pencil note by Schmundt]

[ITEM 34] [Typescript]

[Stamp:] Office of the Armed Forces Adjutant Attached to the Fuehrer and Reich Chancellor

[initialled] Schm.Recd: 3 October 1938Req. No.: 261/38 Most SecretAdj. to the FuehrerBerlin, 28 Sept 38Supreme Command of the Armed Forces,No. 2310/38 Most Secret L I a 45 copies, 16th copyMOST SECRET

To define spheres of responsibility on the Cz-German frontier, the following orders are issued:

Through mobilization of the frontier guard (Grenzwacht) responsibility has shifted entirely on to the army, that is on to the competent general staff corps. All the units operating on the frontier are subordinate to them.

No new units of police, customs or party may be shifted into the immediate frontier area without the knowledge of the army headquarters concerned, nor may units already in the area be reinforced without such knowledge. In addition no one may cross the frontier without the knowledge of the army headquarters.

For the Henlein Free Corps and units subordinate to this the principle remains valid, that they receive instructions direct from the Fuehrer and that they carry out their operations only in conjunction with the competent general staff corps. The advance units of the Free Corps will have to report to the local commander of the frontier guard immediately before crossing the frontier.

Those units remaining forward of the frontier should—in their own interests—get into communication with the frontier guard as often as possible.

As soon as the army crosses the Cz border the Henlein Free Corps will be subordinate to the OKH. Thus it will be expedient to assign a sector to the Free Corps even now which can be fitted into the scheme of army boundaries later.

The frontier guard has orders only to protect the German frontier, and not to take part in operations on the other side of the border. Any support to the Free Corps by the frontier guards anywhere over the frontier is prohibited.

Chief of the Supreme Command of theArmed ForcesKeitelDistribution IIplus:Reich Minister of the Interior.Reich Finance MinisterDeputy of the FuehrerS.A. Hqs.Reichsfuehrer SSReich Labour ServiceFree Corps Henlein (Oberstlt Koechling)[The following 2 pages are an exact duplicate: Copy 33]

[ITEM 35] [Typescript][Stamp:] Office of the Armed Forces AdjutantAttached to the Fuehrer and Reich Chancellor(pencil noted: Adjutant to the Fuehrer)Recd: 3 October 1938Req. No: 262/39 Most SecretBerlin, Sept. 28, 1938Supreme Command of the Armed ForcesNo. 2315/38 Most Secret WFA/L IIMOST SECRET.

Re: Advance Measures Pertaining to Mobilization Plan (Army) Special Appendix 5

Following advance measures may be carried out:

On the Franco-German border (WEHRKREIS V and XII)

1. Special Group Siegfried, Kz9148—preparation of organization for the reception of refugees.2. Special Group Siegfried, Kz9145—Preparation of employment of district offices and staffs of collecting areas for the discharging of reservists.

1. Special Group Siegfried, Kz9148—preparation of organization for the reception of refugees.

2. Special Group Siegfried, Kz9145—Preparation of employment of district offices and staffs of collecting areas for the discharging of reservists.

Chief of the Supreme Commandof the Armed Forces(Signed) KeitelDistribution II

[ITEM 36] [Typescript][Stamp:] Office of the Armed Forces AdjutantAttached to the Fuehrer and Reich Chancellor[pencil note:] Adjutant to the FuehrerSchm.Recd: 3 Oct. 1938Req. No: 260/38 SECRETBerlin, Sept. 28, 1938Supreme Command of the Armed Forces.No. 2335/38 Most Secret WFA/L IIMOST SECRET45 copies, 16th copy

Subject: 4 SS-Totenkopf Battalions subordinate to the C in C Army.To: Reichsfuehrer SS and Chief of the German Police. (SS Central Office) (36 copies)

Subject: 4 SS-Totenkopf Battalions subordinate to the C in C Army.

To: Reichsfuehrer SS and Chief of the German Police. (SS Central Office) (36 copies)

By order of the Supreme Command of the armed forces the following battalions of the SS Deaths Head organization will be under the command of the C in C Army with immediate effect.

II and III Bn. of the 2nd SS-Totenkopf Regiment Brandenburg, at present in Brieg (Upper Silesia)

I and II Bn. of the 3rd SS-Totenkopf Regiment Thuringia, at present in Radebeul and Kotzenbroda near Dresden.

C in C Army is requested to deploy these Bn's for the West (Upper Rhine), according to the Fuehrer's instructions.

These SS-Totenkopf units now operating in the Asch promontory (I and II Bn of Oberbayern Regiment) will come under the C in C Army only when they return to German Reich territory, or when the Army crosses the German-Cz. frontier.

It is requested that all further arrangements be made between C in C Army and Reichsfuehrer-SS. (SS Central Office)

For the Chief of the Supreme Commandof the Armed Forces.JodlFurther:Distribution II

[ITEM 37] [Typescript]L II b28.9.38MEMORANDUM

SA-General Herzog answers question of Adjutant's Office, Chief of Staff of the SA, 1600:

Reichsfuehrer SS, on the 26th of Sept., issued order to Chief of Staff of Sudeten German Free Corps, Ref. Diary 38/Most Secret, according to which the Volunteer Corps would come under the command of the Reichsfuehrer SS in case of German invasion of the Sudeten German territory.

The order was signed by Berger, SS-Colonel.

J. [initialled by Jodl]

[ITEM 38] [Typescript][Stamp—as usual]Recd 3 Oct 1938Req No. 263/38 MOST SECRETSupreme Command of the Armed ForcesNo. 2385/38. Most Secret. L I aAdjutant to the FuehrerBerlin 30.9.381600 hrs120 Copies, 16th copyMOST SECRET

Subject: Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces No. 2371/38 Most Secret. OKW/WFA L I a dated 30.9.38

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS NUMBER 2 TO DIRECTIVE NO I.

1.Attachment of Henlein Free Corps:

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces has just ordered that the Henlein Free Corps in its present composition be placed under command of Reichsfuehrer-SS and Chief of German Police.

It is, therefore, not at the immediate disposal of OKH as field unit for the invasion, but is to be later drawn in like the rest of the police forces for police duties in agreement with the Reichsfuehrer SS.

The instructions OKW No. 2310/38 Most Secret of the 28th Sept (last paragraph but one) and OKW No. 2371/38 Most Secret of Sept 30 are amended accordingly.

2.Rate of Exchange for the Cz. Krone:

The following rate of exchange will apply for all transactions and payments: 100 Cz. Kronen—10.00 Marks (1 Cz. Krone—10 Rpfg)

The Chief of the Supreme Commandof the Armed ForcesKeitelDistribution IIIand Special Distribution(including Henlein Free Corps andReichsfuehrer SS through OKW/L II)

[ITEM 39] [Typescript][Stamp:]Recd 3 Oct 1938Req No 265/38 Most SecretAdj. to the FuehrerBerlin, 30 Sept 1938The Fuehrer and Supreme Commander of the Armed ForcesOKW No. 2367/38 Most SecretWFA/L I AMOST SECRET60 copies, 16th copyDIRECTIVE #1

Subject: Occupation of territory separated from Czechoslovakia.

1. The sectors separated from Czechoslovakia will be occupied by the Armed Forces as follows:

The sector marked I to be occupied on the 1st and 2nd of Oct, the sector marked II on Oct 2 and 3rd, the sector marked III on Oct. 3, 4 and 5, the sector marked IV on Oct. 6 and 7th. The remaining area up to Oct 10.

The extent of the area I-IV is shown on the attached map. The extent of the remaining areas will be announced later.

2. The Armed Forces will have the following tasks:

The present degree of mobilized preparedness is to be maintained completely, for the present also in the West. Order for the rescinding of measures taken is held over.

The entry is to be planned in such a way that it can easily be converted into operation "Gruen".

The depth of the territories to be occupied daily depends on the details of the evacuation, which are being settled by the international committee.

a. Army: First of all the following units are available for the invasion:Training Bns.Motorized and Armoured UnitsAdolf Hitler SS Bodyguard RegimentI and II Bns of SS Deaths Head Regiment (Oberbayern)Henlein Free CorpsAll combat action on the part of the Free Corps must ceaseas from 1st October.b. Air Force: Those ground installations (including supply and signal installations) situated in the separated areas are to be occupied immediately and prepared for the use of our own units. Flying units can be transferred if this becomes necessary for theairdefense of the territory yielded or for the possible switch to "Fall Gruen" in accordance with fig. 2. Flights over territory not yet cleared for occupation by German troops must be avoided at all costs. Flak must be assigned to those objectives which cannot be protected by Flak under the command of the Army.

b. Air Force: Those ground installations (including supply and signal installations) situated in the separated areas are to be occupied immediately and prepared for the use of our own units. Flying units can be transferred if this becomes necessary for theairdefense of the territory yielded or for the possible switch to "Fall Gruen" in accordance with fig. 2. Flights over territory not yet cleared for occupation by German troops must be avoided at all costs. Flak must be assigned to those objectives which cannot be protected by Flak under the command of the Army.

3. Those units of the Armed Forces intended for the occupation of sector I must cross the former Czech-German frontier by 1200 noon Oct 1st.

4. Armed resistance in the area cleared for occupation must be broken. Czech soldiers and other armed personnel found within the sector are to be disarmed and taken prisoner. The boundary of the sector against the Czechs is not to be crossed under any circumstances. Hostile action against the Czechs on or beyond this boundary is to be avoided.

5. The conduct of the field units must be based on the realization that they are occupying a territory whose population, after being harassed for years, looks upon the German Armed Forces as Liberators.

6. The German frontier guard will remain on the former German-Czech frontier, as before.

7. The securing of the boundaries of the sectors against the area still in Czech hands is sole responsibility of the army.

For the Chief of the Supreme Commandof the Armed ForcesKEITELDistribution: III[Attached map is not reproduced].

[ITEM 40] [Typescript][Stamp:]Recd 3 Oct 1938Req No. 264/38 Most SecretAdj. to the FuehrerBerlin, 30 Sept 1938The Supreme Commander of the Armed ForcesOKW No. 2371/38, Most Secret, WFA/L I aMOST SECRETSpecial Orders No. 1 to Directive No. 1Subject: Occupation of territory ceded by Cz.

1.Operational Area of the Army:

The area to be newly occupied will be at first an operational area of the Army. In it the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces will have full powers and authority to delegate these powers to the C-in-C's of the armies.

The Commanders exercising these full powers can publish laws, institute special courts and issue directives to offices valid for the operational area with the exception of the highest Reich authorities, the highest offices of the State of Prussia, and the executive board of the NSDAP. This authority to issue regulations has priority over regulations issued by other Superior authorities.

2.Units under Command of Army:

a.The units of the military SS (V.T.) and SS Totenkopf Regiments intended for the occupation of the sector remain under OKH control.

b.The Sudeten German Free Corps comes under the control of OKH. The Bn's of the Free Corps are to be employed in the direction of their native territory wherever possible. They retain their present armament. Provisioning to be guaranteed through the army Hqs. Members of the Free Corps do not come under the military penal code. The Hqs of the Free Corps, after occupation of territory III, is to be transferred from Bayreuth to Eger.

c.The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, in cooperation with Reichsfuehrer SS and at the request of Army Hqs will direct Police Forces and Gestapo forces for the support of Secret Field Police forces in the occupied areas. As required for Military Police duties, the Special Police (SdP) will be drawn in as much as possible.

3.Taking over of Military Accommodation and RR Installations:

a.All military installations, barracks and property will be turned over in the occupied Sudeten German territoriesby OKHin so far as they were up to now the property of the Cz. army.By OKLif they were property of the Cz. Air Force (including civil aviation.)

b.The Chief of Transport System will make arrangements with the Reich RR's regarding the taking over of rail installations.

4.Signal Communications:

a.The Army will be at liberty to use the postal communication facilities within the area to be occupied. Requirements of the Luftwaffe are to be assured through the Field Signal Units under the command of the OKH attached to the Army Hqs. Depending on the situation, the most important communication installations are to be put into operation as soon as possible, secured and screened against Cz.

Special emphasis must be laid on the effective silencing and confiscation of all transmitting installations. Official, private and permanent radio installations of the Cz army are to be secured through OKH, those of the Cz Air Force through OKL.

5.Customs Frontier Guard

After the crossing of the Reich frontier by the troops, the securing of the old frontier is the responsibility of the Customs Frontier Guard (Zollgrenzschutz); the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces will put the necessary personnel from the Frontier Guard at their disposal.

The customs regulation of the forward line of the area to be occupied, will be determined by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces in conjunction with the Inspector General of Customs. Liaison officials are still at the disposal of Corps Headquarters acc. to #16 of the regulations governing the VGAD. Shipments to Wehrmacht offices as well as members of the Wehrmacht are not subject to customs regulations.

6.Application of Laws:

a.Compensation laws are to be employed on both sides of the border. Public buildings are to be used mainly for billets. Requisitioned articles do not become the property of the armed forces. Compensation for services rendered in cash (German currency).

b.Special regulations will be issued with regard to the introduction of the German Penal Code in the occupied areas.

7.Mobilization Measures among Civilian Population:

Mobilization measures will not be taken among civilian personnel. But all authorities have been asked to carry out quickly demands made by armed force authorities.

The following measures are especially requested in order to guarantee the tasks of the armed forces.

a.Reichs Postal Ministry

Securing of direct tele-communications in the areas Breslau, Dresden, Wuerzburg, Nurnberg, Munchen, Vienna, Berlin. Establishing of Special Emergency networks. Furnishing of items to the armed forces to whatever degree they may be required. (Compare, Mobilization Book (Z) Section IX No. 3501, 3503, 3532). Fulfilling staff requirements as regards the restoring of signal networks in occupied areas.

b.Ministry of Propaganda:

Dispatch of commissioners to the chiefs of civil administration in the operational area. Prohibition of publication of military news of any kind in the press (compare Mobilization Book (Z) Part V No. 1758 and 1600).

8.Organizations of the Party:

The Fuehrer's Deputy has been asked to inform the party organizations that OKH must furnish permission if party units are to be brought into the Sudeten area.

9.Economic Directives:

Any confiscation of values or balances at credit institutions (Kredit instituten) in the Sudeten German area is prohibited. Requisitioning is also prohibited. Supplying of the armed forces with food, forage and fuel is to be carried out from the Reich. The following rate of exchange applies for all transactions and payments:100 Cz. kronen = 9.00 RM (1 Cz. Kr = 9 Rpfg)[the underlined crossed out.]

[pencil note: will be published this afternoon]

10.Payment of the armed forces

For the parts of the armed forces operating, pay as applicable in accordance with the peacetime regulations for large-scale maneuvers will go into effect after leaving garrisons or assembly areas. All additional costs arising through the operation are to be deleted under chapter VIII E 20 (OKW Treasury).

11.Administrative Directives:

The army hqs will administer the occupied areas on their own responsibility. The C D Z with their special staffs are at their disposal in an advisory capacity (compare H. Dv. 90. No. 20 etc.)

12.Supply Installations:

For the maintenance and putting into operation of supply installations OKW Admin. Staff will attach the following to the Army/H.Q.'s

13.Propaganda Companies:

Propaganda companies are to be used. Amendments as regards attachment made necessary through the peaceful entry will be conveyed verbally.

Chief of the Supreme Commandof the Armed ForcesKEITELDISTRIBUTION: III and Special Distribution

[ITEM 41] [Typescript]

[Stamp:] Office of the Armed Forces Adjutant attached to the Fuehrer and Reichs Chancellor

[pencil note] Adjutant to the FuehrerRecd: 3 Oct. 1938Req. No: 266/38 Most SecretBerlin 30.9.38200 copies, 153rd copySupreme Command of the Armed ForcesWFA/L No. 2150/38 Most Secret IV a.MOST SECRET

Subject:OCCUPATION OF SUDETEN-GERMAN TERRITORY

1. The Fuehrer and Reichs Chancellor has ordered that Sections of the Armed Forces march into the Sudeten-German territory, beginning 1 October, 1938. There will be no general mobilization of the Armed Forces (or case "X"). Units already mobilized, will, for the time being, remain at their present posts.

2. Coincident with the crossing of the Reich frontier, the Commander in Chief of the Army will assume full powers in the territory to be occupied, together with authority to transfer this power to the C's in C of the Armies.

The Commander in Chief can exercise these powers, and pass laws, install special courts, and give directives to the appropriate departments and offices functioning in the area of operations, valid for the operational area with the exception of the highest Reich authorities or officers of the State of Prussia and the Executive Board of the NSDAP. In all other cases, the right of issuing directives has priority over directives from higher superior authorities. The area of operations will be extended forward according to the area to be occupied. The shifting of the rear frontier of the operational area will be ordered separately.

3. Mobilization measures will not be enforced in the civil sphere. However, all authorities are requested to carry out immediately the demands of the armed force authorities. To guarantee completion of the tasks of the armed forces the following measures are especially desired:

a. Reich Postal Ministry:

Securing of direct tele-communications in the districts of the Communications Hqs, Breslau, Dresden, Wuerzburg, Nurnberg, Muenchen, Vienna and Berlin.

Establishing of Special Communications networks. Furnishing of equipment to armed forces in whatever degree may be required (see Mob. Book (Z) Part IX, No. 3501-03-32).

Furthermore it is requested that staff requirements as regards restoring communication networks in the occupied area, be met.

b. Propaganda Ministry:

Dispatch of commissioners to the Chiefs of Civil on the administration operational area. Prohibition of the publication of military news of any kind in the press. (Compare Mob Book (Z) part V, 1758 & 1600)

c. Reichsbank:

Issue of Mobilization money supplies without fiduciary monetary tender is authorized. (Compare Mob Book (Z) Part XVIII, Nr 8031)

4.Application of Laws:

a.There will be a special directive as to the introduction of theGerman Criminal Codeinto the occupied territory.

b. The Army Compensation Law[Wehrleistungsgesetz] will be in force on both sides of the frontier. Public buildings will be used as billets primarily. Requisitioned articles will not become property of the armed forces. Payment for services rendered will be made in cash (German currency).

5.Economic Directives:

Any confiscation of valuables or balances at Credit Institutions [Kredit Instituten] is prohibited in the Sudeten-German area. Requisitioning is also prohibited. Supplies of food, forage and fuel for the armed forces will be drawn from the Reich. The following rate of exchange is effective for all transactions and payments:

100 Czech kronen—10.00 RM (1 Czech krone—10 Pfg)

6.Payment of the Armed Forces:

For parts of the armed forces operating, pay as applicable in accordance with the peace-time regulations for large-scale maneuvers, effective from time of departure from areas or garrisons.

7.Customs Frontier Guard:

After the crossing of the Reich Frontier by the troops, the security of the old frontier will be taken over by the Customs-Frontier Guard at whose disposal the supreme commander of the armed forces will put the necessary personnel.

The supreme command of the armed forces will arrange the guarding of the front lines of the area to be occupied (as to collection of duties) with the Inspector General of Customs. The Liaison officials according to Nr 15 of the regulations pertaining to the VGAD will continue to be at the disposal of the Corps Hqs.

Shipments to armed forces authorities as well as members of the armed forces are not subject to customs inspection.

8.Administrative Directives:

The armed Hqs will administer the occupied areas on their own responsibilities. The CdZ with their staff of experts are at their disposal in an advisory capacity (see H. Dv 90, Nr 20 etc.). In all matters of a police nature, the Reichsfuehrer SS is to be consulted.

The Chief of the Supreme Commandof the Armed Forces(signed) KeitelDistribution: OverleafDISTRIBUTION

The Fuehrer's deputy for the attention of SS-Oberfuehrer Knoblauch—1st copy

Reichminister and Chief of the Reich Chancellery for the attention of Reichminister Dr. Lammers—2nd copyForeign Office for the attention of Leg. Rat. Freiherr v. d. Heyden-Rynsch—3rd copyReichminister of the Interior for the attention of Min. Div. Dr. Danckwerts—4th copyReichsfuehrer SS and Chief of the German Police—Reich Defence (RV) Section—for the attention of SS-Brigadefuehrer Petri—5th copyReich Minister for Enlightenment and Propaganda for the attention of Major (Reserve) Wentscher—6th copyReich Minister of Justice for the attention of Min. Rat. Haastert—7th copyReich Finance Minister for the attention of Min. Rat. Geh. Rat. Dr. Bender—8th copyReich Finance Minister for the attention of Min. Rat. Dr. Mitze—9th copyReich Minister of Communications—Motor Transport Service, Shipping Hydraulic Structures—for the attention of Min. Rat. Pigge—10th copyReich Minister of Transport—Railroad Dept.—for the attention of Div. Dr. Ebeling—11th copyReich Minister for Science, Education—National Culture for the attention of Min. Div. Prof. Dr. Krummel—12th copyReich Postal Minister for the attention of Min. Rat. Honold—13th copyGeneral Inspector for German Roadways for the attention of Reg. Baurat Schaeffler—14th copyMinister President General Fieldmarshall Goering, Director of the Four Year Plan and the Prussian State Ministry for the attention of Min. Rat. Bergbohm—15th & 16th copyOperational Staff G B for the attention of Ministerial Director Sarnow—17th & 18th copiesReich Minister of Economies for the attention of Ob. Reg. Rat. Dr. Burandt—19th copyReich Minister for Food and Agriculture for the attention of Min. Rat. Dr. Dietrich—20th copyReich Labour Minister for the attention of Min. Rat. Schroeder—21st copyDirectorate of the Reichsbank for the attention of the Reichsbank dir. Dr. Mueller—22nd copyReich Conservator of Forests for the attention of Oberlandforstmeister Hausmann—23rd copy

Reichminister and Chief of the Reich Chancellery for the attention of Reichminister Dr. Lammers—2nd copy

Foreign Office for the attention of Leg. Rat. Freiherr v. d. Heyden-Rynsch—3rd copy

Reichminister of the Interior for the attention of Min. Div. Dr. Danckwerts—4th copy

Reichsfuehrer SS and Chief of the German Police—Reich Defence (RV) Section—for the attention of SS-Brigadefuehrer Petri—5th copy

Reich Minister for Enlightenment and Propaganda for the attention of Major (Reserve) Wentscher—6th copy

Reich Minister of Justice for the attention of Min. Rat. Haastert—7th copy

Reich Finance Minister for the attention of Min. Rat. Geh. Rat. Dr. Bender—8th copy

Reich Finance Minister for the attention of Min. Rat. Dr. Mitze—9th copy

Reich Minister of Communications—Motor Transport Service, Shipping Hydraulic Structures—for the attention of Min. Rat. Pigge—10th copy

Reich Minister of Transport—Railroad Dept.—for the attention of Div. Dr. Ebeling—11th copy

Reich Minister for Science, Education—National Culture for the attention of Min. Div. Prof. Dr. Krummel—12th copy

Reich Postal Minister for the attention of Min. Rat. Honold—13th copy

General Inspector for German Roadways for the attention of Reg. Baurat Schaeffler—14th copy

Minister President General Fieldmarshall Goering, Director of the Four Year Plan and the Prussian State Ministry for the attention of Min. Rat. Bergbohm—15th & 16th copy

Operational Staff G B for the attention of Ministerial Director Sarnow—17th & 18th copies

Reich Minister of Economies for the attention of Ob. Reg. Rat. Dr. Burandt—19th copy

Reich Minister for Food and Agriculture for the attention of Min. Rat. Dr. Dietrich—20th copy

Reich Labour Minister for the attention of Min. Rat. Schroeder—21st copy

Directorate of the Reichsbank for the attention of the Reichsbank dir. Dr. Mueller—22nd copy

Reich Conservator of Forests for the attention of Oberlandforstmeister Hausmann—23rd copy

Reich Office for long range regional planning (Raunoreburg) for the attention of Reg. Rat. Dr. Schepers—24th copyPresident of the Secret Cabinet Council Reich Minister Freiherr von Neurath—25th copyReich Minister Frank for the attention of Oberstaatsanwalt Dr. Buhler—26th copyHead of Reich Labour Service for the attention of Oberarbeitsfuehrer Richter—27th copyOKH(2nd Div. Army General Staff) (80X)—28th-107th copyReich Minister for Air and C-in-C Air Force(2nd Div. Air Force General Staff) (30X)—108th-137th copyOKM(A II) (15 x)—138th-152nd copyAdjutant to the Fuehrer—153rd copyOKW: Chief of OKW—154th copyWZ—155th copyAusl/Abwehr (with NA for Foreign Abwehr I, II & III) (5 X)—156th-160th copyGeneral Armed Forces Office (with NA for J. Pressegr. Vers.) (4X)—161st-164th copyArmed Forces Staff (with NA for WWi, WRo, WRue) (4X)—165th-168th copyArmed Forces Communications (WNV) (2X)—169th-170th copyL (Chief, Ia, Ib, Ic, II, IVa, IVb, IVc, IVd, K)—171st-180th copyWH—181st copyWR—182nd copySpecial Staff W—183rd copyStock kept at L IV—184th-200th copy

Reich Office for long range regional planning (Raunoreburg) for the attention of Reg. Rat. Dr. Schepers—24th copy

President of the Secret Cabinet Council Reich Minister Freiherr von Neurath—25th copy

Reich Minister Frank for the attention of Oberstaatsanwalt Dr. Buhler—26th copy

Head of Reich Labour Service for the attention of Oberarbeitsfuehrer Richter—27th copy

OKH(2nd Div. Army General Staff) (80X)—28th-107th copy

Reich Minister for Air and C-in-C Air Force(2nd Div. Air Force General Staff) (30X)—108th-137th copy

OKM(A II) (15 x)—138th-152nd copy

Adjutant to the Fuehrer—153rd copy

OKW: Chief of OKW—154th copy

WZ—155th copy

Ausl/Abwehr (with NA for Foreign Abwehr I, II & III) (5 X)—156th-160th copy

General Armed Forces Office (with NA for J. Pressegr. Vers.) (4X)—161st-164th copy

Armed Forces Staff (with NA for WWi, WRo, WRue) (4X)—165th-168th copy

Armed Forces Communications (WNV) (2X)—169th-170th copy

L (Chief, Ia, Ib, Ic, II, IVa, IVb, IVc, IVd, K)—171st-180th copy

WH—181st copy

WR—182nd copy

Special Staff W—183rd copy

Stock kept at L IV—184th-200th copy

[ITEM 42] [Typescript]200 copies, 153rd copySupreme Command of the Armed ForcesL. No. 2385/38 Most Secret IV ASubject: Occupation of the Sudeten-German area.Berlin, 30.9.38[STAMP]Office of the Armed Forces Adjutantattached to the Fuehrer & Reich ChancellorRec. 3 Oct 1938Enclosures: Reg. No. 267138Dispatched—Clerk

1. By order of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the occupation of the Sudeten-German areas by the Armed Forces will be executed in a manner which will allow a changeover to military operations at any time.

For the advance of the troops to coincide with the withdrawal of the Czechs, particularly in the fortified zones, and on account of the possibility of local resistance, it is necessary for the march in to be arranged in a way suited to the conduct of military operations.

2. The military occupation also necessitates the settling of economic conditions in the Sudeten-German area. Assimilation can only be brought about gradually. For this transition period the rate of exchange has been fixed at 100 Czech crowns to 10.00 Reichmarks so as to enable the retail trade to function. It is a pre-condition of this temporary settlement, however, that, until a final settlement is made with regard to economics and currency, and in order to avoid placing the Sudeten-German population at a disadvantage, only those things are bought in the open market which come in the category of goods which fill the immediate needs of life.Any exploitation of the present economic situation is a serious offense.

3. For the above stated reasons, travel into the Sudetenland from the old Reich will be confined to those officials and authorities who have been given specific tasks in the Sudeten-German area. It is requested that all civil authorities and all organizations of the Party be instructed without delay that it is essential to obtain the previous approval of the military authorities charged with the exercise of executive power (C-in-C of the Army, Army HQ) for the transfer of departments and units of any kind into the Sudeten-German area which is under military authorities.

The Chief of the Supreme Commandof the Armed ForcesKeitel[Distribution for Item 42 identical to that of Item 41]

[ITEM 43 is seven pages of handwritten notes too illegible to translate.]

[ITEM 44] [Typescript]MOST SECRETSupreme Command of the Armed ForcesNo. 2400/38 Most Secret LIaTop SecretBerlin, 1st October 1938150 copies, 18th copy[Stamp]Office of the Armed Forces Adjutant attached to theFuehrer & Reich Chancellor.Rec. Oct. 3rd 1938, Encl. 2-30Reg. No. 268338 SecretDispatched—Check—

SPECIAL ORDERS NO. 3 to DIRECTIVE No. 1

Parts of the Army Employed.

In addition to the Sections of the Army whose employment has been approved (See Directive 1, Section 2a), the following units will also be used for the occupation:

Command (Generalkommando) III10th Inf Regiment (4th Inf. Div)The Chief of Supreme Command of the ArmyBy directionJodlDistribution: III and special distribution

[ITEM 45] [Telegram]Army Teleprint NetworkTeleprint Office NotesReceived fromHDZG Pass to Date Time Re. No. by9.10 Dept 9.10 Schm. [?]Klimnisch [?]Telegram HBZG 12 9110 1304TO LT. COL. SCHMUNDT FUEHRER'S TRAIN (FUHRERZUG)

1. IF THE OCCUPATION OF ZONE 5 IS CARRIED OUT TODAY ACCORDING TO PLAN AND WITHOUT INCIDENT OKW INTENDS TO DISSOLVE V.G.A.D. IN THE WEST AS FROM 10.10 AND TO BRING THE 5 SERVING DIVISIONS BACK TO THEIR HOME STATIONS * * *

2. ACCORDING TO TELEGRAM RECEIVED HERE POPULATION OF IGLAU VERY WORRIED AND EXCITED. COMMUNISTS THERE ARE ARMED. FOREIGN OFFICE HAS BEEN INFORMED. OKW SUGGESTS EMPLOYMENT OF ENGLISH LEGION, IF IT IS BROUGHT UP IN THIS AREA, FOR PROTECTION OF THE GERMANS. FUEHRER'S CONSENT REQUESTED FOR 1 AND 2 * * *

signed KEITEL

[Ink Notes:—] Telephoned this from Opera House in Saarbrucken at 2100 10.9 to Capt. Deyle. Fuehrer agreed to points 1 and 2. In connection with 2: if the lives of Germans threatened, troops to march in after short warning.

SCHMUNDT, Lt. Col.

[ITEM 46] [Typewritten letter]The C-in-C of the ArmyBerlin, W 35, Tirpitzufer 72-76, 10 October 1938[Pencil notes]11.10.381800 hours Schm.My Fuehrer!

I have to report that the troops will reach the demarcation line as ordered, by this evening. In so far as further military operations are not required, the order for the occupation of the country which was given to me will thus have been fulfilled. The guarding of the new frontier line will be taken over by the reinforced frontier supervision service [Grenzaufsichtsdienst] in the next few days.

It is thus no longer a military necessity to combine the administration of the Sudetenland with the command of the troops of the army under the control of one person.

I therefore ask you, my Fuehrer, to relieve me with effect from October 15, 1938, of the charge assigned to me—that of exercising executive powers in Sudeten German territory.

Heil my Fuehrer,VON BRAUCHITSCH

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