Ic/AO (Abw. III)
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.