English Translation

The commander of the prisoner of war VTIT (11a) Reichenberg (Sudetengau) OSTT 27.2.1945. Ia 204/45 secret. Wienerstrasse 14 - 2nd MRZ 1945 Fernspr.: 2703,4631,3256-58. 0 Betr: Erschließungeh von Kr.Gef. GEHEIM It has been reported that prisoners of war, who could not follow the marching colonies after exhaustion, should be shot. Staying behind on the march or in the shelter as a result of exhaustion, illness, infirmity, etc. is of course no reason for shooting and incompatible with the provisions of the 1929 Convention. However, such an action would also contradict the repeated orders concerning the preservation of the prisoners of war and would spare any sense of expeditious and reasonable human treatment. I forbid the alleged forces from shooting Kr.Gef. out of the mentioned causes. The use of the weapon in escapes, lootings, mutinies, restitution, etc., is not affected by this prohibition. It is to be reported where shootings have occurred in the event of fire etc. and on whose order. Missing information is required. Cetimeing distributor: Braxator guide staff Teichmann Message: Thielebein guide staff Higher SS & Pol.Leader South East Higher SS and Pol.Führer Sudetenland. SE 553/55 U-FMWIS