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The Einsatzgruppen: The Wehrmacht and the Einsatzgruppen Aktionen

(September 24, 1941)

High Command

Army Group South

Ic/AO (Abw. III)

H.Q., September 24, 1941

Re: The Struggle against Elements Hostile to the Reich

The investigation of and struggle against tendencies and elements hostile to the Reich (Communists, Jews, etc.), insofar as they are not a part of a hostile military force is, in the occupied areas, exclusively the task of the Sonderkommando (Special Unit) of the Security Police and the SD, which will take the necessary measures on their own responsibility and carry them out.

Individual actions by members of the Wehrmacht or participation by members of the Wehrmacht in excesses by the Ukrainian population against the Jews is forbidden; they are also forbidden to watch or take photographs of measures taken by the Sonderkommando.

This prohibition is to be made known to the members of all units. [Commanders] in charge of discipline at all levels are responsible for the implementation of this prohibition. In the event of breaches it is to be investigated in every case whether the commander failed to carry out his duty of supervision, and when necessary he is to be severely punished.

signed von Rundstedt

Distribution:

AOK (Intelligence Command), PzGr (Tank Group)

Bef rueckw H (Rear Command)

Befehlsstelle Sued (Southern Command)

Abt. des Stabes u. Wach-Kp. (Staff Dept. and Guard Companies)

Nachr.: Luftlotte (info: Air Force)

NOKW-541.


Sources: Yad Vashem