English Translation

17 G e h e m m! Statements on the Führer's Decree of 30 March 1945 on the paralysis and destruction measures. For the implementation of the Förderer Decrees of 19 March and 30 March, 1945, I decree: 1. My previous decrees and instructions regarding the paralysis of industrial plants of all kinds and utilities (electricity, gas, water, all kinds of food-producing plants, etc.) remain valid. The paralysis preparations ordered must be carried out with all intensity in order to ensure the implementation in the shortest possible time. These paralysis measures must make it impossible for the enemy to use our industrial facilities and utilities to increase its fighting power for the immediate and foreseeable time. I would once again point out the need for absolute secrecy. 2. I am calling these works by the appropriate instructions to the chairmen of the Arms Commissions, and to the extent that the central authority has proposals on your part, they must be given to me by the fastest means. 3. The time when my instructions are carried out is exclusively due to the combat situation. It is only given if there is an immediate danger of occupation by the opponent. I refer here to my repeated order to produce even in the most difficult situations until the last possible moment. Since all these measures have to be carried out with the intention not to weaken one's own fighting power for a moment, I demand that all organs (services of defence and management) be highly aware of responsibility. For destruction, according to Pührerleg Party, Wehrmacht and State have to provide assistance on request. 4. The triggering of the paralysis and destruction command assigned by the Pührer to the Gauleiter and Reich defence commissions extends to the territorial determination and must be carried out in connection with the military command posts due to the fighting situation. 5. Since according to the Führererer Decree of 30. March 1945 for the implementation of these measures the armament services are also responsible in the immediate combat zone, my decree of 17. 10. 1944, item 4, corrected, is repealed on 6. 11. 1944. OKw-Wehrmachtsführungstab gives equal instructions to its services. 6. In the context of these territorial triggers, the chairmen of the Arms Commissions and the subcommissions have assumed responsibility for the triggering of the individual orders relating to the paralysis of operations and for the destruction itself. They may delegate their powers to armament organs responsible for sub-areas of their area. e.g. Speer. F.d.R.D.A.: Prague, 1. 4. 1945 Major