"I was appointed Wehrmacht Commander Norway on 18 December 1944.
On the 22nd of January 1945 I took over the High Command of Army Group "North" in East Prussia. I had hardly done so when I was assigned to take over the High Command of Army Group "Kurland", which had been cuty off and which was fighting in the north of Lapland. There, the preliminaries for the "6th Battle for Kurland" were just under way.
On 6 April 1945 I was recalled and was appointed Commander-in Chief of Army Group "South" which was withdrawing from Hungary and Slovakia. My mission was to prevent the Russians from penetrating into the Alps and from pushing forward to the Danube Valley. On the 7th of May I surrendered the Army Group to the 3rd American Army.
I married in September 1916. I lost the elder of my 2 sons in the Polish Campaign. My wife and my younger son reside in See walchen in Upper Austria.
I have read the above statement, consisting of 3 pages in the German language. I declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief the statement contains the full truth. I had the opportunity to make changes and corrections in the statement above. I have made this statement voluntarily without any promise of reward, and I was neither threatened nor compelled to do so.
Nuernberg, Germany, 13 March 1947.
(signed) Dr. Rendulic Colonel-General".I ask your Honors to note only two things.
One is that the defendant studied law and received a degree of Doctor of Law, University of Vienna 24 December 1920, and ask your Honors to take note of the various promotions the defendant received, especially from the period August, 1943 on, when he commanded the 2nd Panzer Army in the Balkans, and the 20th Mountain Army in North Finland, Wehrmacht Commander Norway, and High Commander of Army Group North, High Commander of Army Group Kurland and finally Commander in Chief of Army Group South.
I ask your Honors to examine the affidavit and see the actual signature of the defendant, Rendulic.
I would like to point out just one more thing, if your Honors please, -- the membership in the National Socialist Party of Austria, of the defendant, Rendulic, in May 1932.
DR. FRITSCH: Counsel Fritsch for the Defendant Rendulic. Your Honor, from my experience in other trials before other tribunals I have found that a tribunal values objections made by the Defendant in his own affidavit or brought to the attention of the Tribunal in due time. I, therefore, intend at this stage of the trial not to bring any motions, but only to state that in view of my client -- the affidavit signed by him -- that for himself he had an opportunity to make alterations et cetera is not in conformity with the facts to the full extent. My client, when he was examined, asked to make additions to this affidavit, especially regarding the question of his membership in the National Socialist Party, which the Prosecutor has just been mentioning, as regards the time of entry into this party. He further wants to point out how his promotions came to take place in every case, and he especially wants to explain, his own position to the Party and to Hitler. The purpose of what I am saying today is merely to point out that to this affidavit further explanations will be submitted.
THE PRESIDENT(Judge Wennerstrum): I take it you are not making any objections at this time.
DR. FRITSCH: No, I don't make any objections at this time, Your Honor. Only in view of the discussions before other Tribunals to this point I merely want to make this statement for the record.
THE PRESIDENT: Counsel for the Defendant Rendulic and the Defendants will have ample opportunity at the time of the presentation of the evidence on behalf of the Defendants to make any explanation they may desire or that he may desire.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Continuing next on Page 14 of the English and Page 8 of the German Document Book, Document No. NOKW-063, which becomes Prosecution's Exhibit No. 314. This, if Your Honors please, is the Service Record of the Defendant Rendulic. It outlines on the first page his career. I think I need only call your attention to his knowledge of languages which appears on Page 14 of the English, Page 8 of the German:
"French, perfect; Italian and English, good." The remainder of the page simply outlines matters which we have already heard in the biographical affidavit. Turning to Page 15 of the English, page 8 of the German, the decorations of the Defendant are listed:
"Iron Cross 2nd Class 18.9.1939 Iron Cross 1st class 10.
10.39 German Cross in Gold 26.
12.41 Knight's Cross of the 6.3.42 Iron Cross Eastern Medal 2.8.42 Oak leaves to Knights 18.
1.45 Cross with Swords"
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Turning now to Page 16 of the English and Page 9 of the German are various statements made by other German commanders about the Defendant Rendulic.
"1/2/41, WAEGER: Clever, high military knowledge, clear thinking, acts decisive, possibly later Commanding General. Specially fit for leader of negotiations, by reason of his earlier activity in Paris.
11/4/42, KIRSHNER: Mentally as well as physically very well gifted, still very active and fresh, unobjectionable character. In possession of high tactic and operative knowledge and ability, a clear-thinking, energetic, and force-ful personality with clear judgement and view. Conduct in difficult defensive combats quiet and decisive. Commits himself completely in the interest of a subject. German Cross in Gold. Commanding General.
25/4/42, HEINRICI: Mentally highly rated, versatile, educated, forceful, personality. Brave. Also reliable when placed in the most difficult position. As leader against the enemy especially proven, tough, methodical, strong, willed.
Very good division commander, commanding general.
6/5/42, v. KLUGE: Agreed.'
At the fall Inquiry by Commander in Chief, Centre, aptitude for Commanding General adjudged.
1/3/43 SCHMIDT: Conducts his corps in the most difficult situations with considered calm and security. Very good nerves. Clear view for the most important things, above average. Later on commander in chief of an Army.
2/4/43, v. von KLUGE: Fit for commander in chief only after further, longer exployment as Commanding General.
15/8/43, MODEL: Superior leader equal to the most difficult situations. Especially proven by the hard defensive battle before Orel July/August 1943. Fully fit for Army Leader.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Now, if your Honors please, the date in the next recommendation of von Kluge should be changed in the English Document Book to read 23 August 1943, and perhaps it needs to be changed also in the German Document Book. It should read 23.8.43 Von Kluge "A leader who has distinguished himself especially in the most difficult defensive battles at Orel. He constantly understood how to call on reserves which could be risked only by a specially responsible cheerful leader. A tough leader who has gained his aptitude for Army Commander by corresponding battles."
"1/3/44 - The Defendant Weichs who at that time was Commander in Chief, Southeast, says of him:
"Tough, strong-willed personality, with his own methods and clear point of view. Clean character stands strong on the ground of Nazi principles. As leader especially proven before the enemy. Leads his Army surely and circumspectly, understood how to use the troops subordinated to his command for combating bandits ably and successfully. Mentally high rated. Physically expecially efficient. Very good nerves.
Clear tactical point of view. Over average."
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Page 17 of the English and Page 10 of the German outlines in chronological order the career of the Defendant Rendulic, as he passed up through the Austrian and German Armies. I will call Your Honors' attention to Page 18 of the English and Page 10 of the German, to the career of the defendant from 1933 on.
"28.6.1933 Military Attache, France and England 21.
6.1933 Colonel in the Gen Staff.
1.1.1935 Army Inspectorate 1.6.1935 Commander of Light Infantry Brigade (motorized) 1.2.1936 Temporarily retired 16.
3.1938 Again active 1.4.1938 C. of S. XVIIth Infantry Corps Seniority 1.3.38 1.12.
1939 Brig. Gen.
1.12.1941 Major Gen.
1.12.1942 General of the Infantry 1.4.1944 General "
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Turning now to Page 19 of the English Document Book, Page 11 of the German Document Book, is Document No. NOKW-859, which is offered as Prosecution's Exhibit No. 315. This is the biographical affidavit of the Defendant Ernst Dehner, who as Commander of the 69th Special Reserve Corps, was subordinated to Defendant Rendulic, as Commander in Chief of the Second Panzer Army, and also to Defendant Weichs as Commander in Chief and Commander of Army Group F.
"I, Ernst Dehner, swear, testify, and declare:
I was born on 5 March 1889 in Hersbruck, Bavaria.
Schooling:
I attended the Elementary School from the 1st to the 4th class in Hersbruck and Ansback, the first and second class of the humanistic gymnasium in Ansback, the third class of the humanistic gymnasium in Nuernberg, where I passed the "Abitur" examination, in the year 1908.
(4th to the 9th class, Realgymnasium).
Military Career:
On 1 October 1908 I entered the Army as a I year volunteer with the 14th Bavarian infantry regiment, Nuernberg. Made exercise "A" in early 1917, and became staff sergeant in 1910. After transferring into the Corps of active officers, I visited the War College in Munich from 1910 to 1911, and was promoted in Fall of 1911 to 2nd Lt. in the 14th Bavarian Inf. Regt.
During World War I I was promoted:
In the year 1915 , to 1st Lt. After World War I:
In the year 1919 , to Capt. (Nuernberg and Regensberg garrison) In the year 1931 , to Major (Muenster in Westphalia garrison) In the year 1934, to Lt. Col.
(Muenster in Westphalia and Aix-1aChapelle garrisons).
On 1 October 1936 I was named C. O. of the 87th Inf. Regt., Wiesbaden and promoted to Col. With this regiment, I fought in World War II in South Belgium at Sedan and Verdun. In 1940 I was promoted to Brigadier General and made Commander of the 106 Division War Theatre: Russia, Summer 1941-early 1942, North France 1942. In 1942 -
MR. FENSTERMACHER: I believe the German Document book should be corrected --
I was promoted to Major Gen. On 1 Nov. 42 in charge of the IXXXIInd Corps, I was promoted to Lt. Gen., Inf. on 4 Dec 42 and made Commander of the IXXXIInd Army Corps. War Theatre: North France.
About the end of August (or the beginning of Sept. ) 1943 I commanded the IXIXth reserve Corps in Croatia until the beginning of March 1944.
Following that, I was promoted into the Fuehrer reserve of the OKH until August 44.
At the beginning of August 44, nominated to the Commander of the Army Area, South France; this Command was changed after several days into the Corps Headquarters, Dehner and subordinated to the 19th Army. War Theater: Franche Comte, Belfort, from Nov. 1944 to January 45 I was promoted again into the Fuehrer reserve of OKH. From Jan. 45 to Mar. 45, I was in command of the Refitting staff, Army Group Center, March 45 to 3 May 45, promotion to the Fuehrer reserve of the OKH. 3 May 45, day of Capture by American troops in Prien (Chiemsee) Decorations:
Before the first World War:
Bavarian Prince Regent Luitpold metal in Bronze In the 1st World War:
Bavarian Military Service Order 4th Class with swords.
Prussian Iron Cross 2nd Class, Prussian Iron Cross 1st Class, Wound decorations;"After the 1st World War:
Honer decoration for front line fighters, Service decoration 1st to fourth class in the 2nd World War Silver Clasp to the Prussian Iron Cross 2nd Class, Silver Clasp to the Prussian Iron Cross 1st Class, Infantry assault decoration, Knights Cross to the Iron Cross "Winter Battle in the East"medal Order of the Holy Zwenimus.
Party membership, Gen. Staff, SS:
I never belonged to the Party, the Gen. Staff, nor the SS. Family:
I have been married since 5 Feb. 18 and have two sons, 23 and 19 of age, respectively:
I have made this deposition voluntarily, without any sort of promise or reward and I was at no time put under pressure or threat.
I have read each of the 3 pages of this affidavit through carefully and signed each with my own hand, I have made the necessary corrections in my own handwriting, and signed with my initial, and affirm herewith under oath, that all of the facts given by me in this affidavit correspond to the complete truth, according to my best knowledge and conscience.
(Sgd.) Dehner" I ask your Honors to examine the actual photostatic copy for the defendant's signature.
Turning next to page 23 of the English, page 13 of the German, Document NOKW-609, which is offered as prosecution Exhibit 316, this is the German army service record of the defendant Dehner. I call your Honors' attention to page 23 of the English, page 13 of the German, to the middle of the page.
"15.7.43 Commanding General IXIX Infantry Corps (Reserve) "21.
1.44 Commanding General LXIX Inf. Corps for special assignment."
Now turning to page 24 of the English, page 15 of the German, are various comments made about the defendant by other members of the German army.
"On 15.2.41, Briesen said of him: Basically sound, unselfish, devoted to duty, energetic, absolutely diligent, a good teacher and trainer Suitable.
10.1.42, Ruoff: Vigorous, energetic person, takes pleasure in his work. Clear tactical judgment. Sense of the important. Indefatigable in looking after his men. The fact that the division, which had been severely depleted in strength, still had in Nov. and Dec. 1941 so much force for attack and defense, is above all due to General Dehner who applied himself daily without consideration.
1.4.42, Wetzel: Decidedly energetic, vigorous person with clear tactical sense. Indefatigable active, gets the last ounce of effort out of his division. Always rises above difficult situations. Suitable for Commanding General.
25.4.42, Field Marshal V. Kluge: Cannot yet decide whether suitable for Commanding General.
18.4.42, Ruoff: Entirely agree. Has again and again stood the test as Div. Commander. Commanding General.
10.3.43, v. Vietinghoff-Scheel: Honorable, straight character. Has stood the test of being Div. Commander in the East. Indefatigable will to work, without consideration of himself. Very capable trainer, Good average. Commanding General in the West. Tactical ability and sense of the important not yet quite sufficient for the broader framework of corps leadership.
v. Rundstedt: I agree.
20.7.43, v. Vietinghoff-Scheel: Especially suitable for command position in training.
v. Rundstedt: Agreed.
1.3.44) Fromm, Chief of Ordnance and Commander of the Replacement Army: Good character, virorous, energetic and very versatile. In the short time in which he has been under me he has devoted himself to training with the greatest zeal and has made it a big contribution although, in view of its employment in battle special difficulties lay in the way of the training of his division. Good average. Commanding General of an Infantry Corps at the front.
17.3.44, Rendulic, C-in-C 2 Pz. Army: Under whom defendant Dehner was serving as Commander of the LXIX Special Reserve Corps, a person of high operational capabilities, he has accomplished a great deal with the few troops he had in relation to the area to be conquered. Takes great care of his men on whom he makes high, but always justified demands. Had no opportunity to collect more experience in the leadership of a corps in battle. Experience in training. Average. Commanding General of a Reserve Corps.
1.3.44, Rendulic, C-in-C 2 Pz Army: Yearly report as for 17, 3. 44.
Baron v. Weichs, C-in-C South-East: Under whom the defendant served, agreed. As his main strength lies in the sphere of training it is recommended that he be further employed accordingly.
9.11.44, Wiese, Acting Commander of the 19th Army: Very energetic, tactical leader and outstanding officer. Extraordinarily active and far-seeing. Distinguished himself in the face of the enemy. Proved himself again during the heavy defensive fighting at Besancon by his personal bravery. Still lacks the necessary calm, balance and tactical perception for leadership of a full corps."
There follows then the chronological career of the defendant Dehner through the German army.
We turn now to the first big event that occurred following the reorganization of the Southeast Command, the collapse of the Italian army, the surrender to the Allies, on the 8th of September, 1943, with the provisions in the Armistice to return to the Italian mainland as quickly as possible.
On page 27 of the English and page 18 of the German, Document NOKW-898, which is offered as prosecution Exhibit 317, this is an order from Field Marshal Keitel dated the 9th of September, 1943, relating to the taking of Italian prisoners of war. The distribution list is given on the first page and your Honors will note under "2" the copy which was sent to the Commander-in-Chief Southeast, the defendant Weichs.
"Subject: Further treatment of Italian Soldiers under German jurisdiction. Italian soldiers who do not wish to continue fighting on the German side are to be disarmed and considered prisoners of war. They are to be taken over at first by the OKW Chief of Prisoners of War affairs. In Cooperation with the Plenipotentiary General for the Employment of Labor, the skilled workers among the Prisoners of war taken over are to be selected for the armament economy and are to be put at the disposal of the Plenipotentiary General for the Employment of Labor. Further, in cooperation with the Reichfuehrer SS, the Fascists still among the prisoners of war are to be selected and handed over to the above. All other prisoners of war are to be at the disposal of the General Staff of the Army, General Quartier Meister and of the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force, General Quartermaster in the proportion of 7 to 1 as workers for the construction of the East Wall.
The selection ordered has to be carried out as soon as the prisoners of war are taken over, so that the camps are free for new prisoners of war as quickly as possible.
The Chief of the Prisoner of War Affairs will report the total number and their distribution to me every fifth day from 15 Sept. on.
Should the guards at the disposal of the OKW Chief of Prisoners of War Affairs be insufficient for the task, the Chief of Army Armament and Commander of the Replacement Army is to help out on guarding with persons who have recovered from their wounds or sicknesses, etc.
The transfer of English and American prisoners of war from Italy is to precede the transfer of Italian prisoners of war.
And the order is (signed) Keitel" Turning next to page 30 of the English and page 20 of the German, Document NOKW-813, which becomes prosecution Exhibit 318, this is a teletype from the XXI Mountain Corps to the II Panser Army which your Honors will recall was commanded at this time by the defendant Rendulic.
For information V SS Mountain Corps. It is the daily report for the 26th of November, 1943. Under the 297th Infantry Division, the report states:
"During "Edelweiss" fighting much impeded by rain and terrain, supply by inundation.
Area Northwest of Debar: 16 communists shot to death, 30 Italians captured. Reprisal measures carried out against 8 Italian officers. Intention: continuation of mopping up area of Debar-Poshkopija.
Under the 100th Jaeger Division: Enemy before 1/54 moved far towards South. Nationalist forces have reached Vijose S. Greshice that is the reason for movement of 1/54 back to Patos. During road reconnaissance, 7 Italians shot while trying to escape. Two trucks and three passenger cars captured East of O Lushnje. 8 Italians and 1 civilian shot while trying to escape.
And the report is signed Corps Hqs., XXIst Mountain Corps by the Ia or Operations Officer" On the same page in both the English and the German is an order of the day of the XXI Mountain Corps which was commanded at that time by General Fehn who was subordinate to General Rendulic and in turn the defendant Weichs.
The order is dated Corps Headquarters 28 November 1943, and it is a commendation to the 297th Infantry Division for the carrying out of the action which we have just heard about in the preceding report.
"I wish to express my appreciation to those units of the 100th Jaeger Division and 297th Infantry Division as well as to II/2 Regiment Brandenburg which have carried out the pacification of the area Debar-Peshkopija under the orders of the 297th Infantry Division."
Not withstanding the most difficult terrain and weather situation, in part almost tropical cloud bursts, they succeeded in the surprise thrusts into the Communist band center which so far has not been entered by any German unit.
My particular recognition is expressed to the Anti Aircraft 297 which forced an enemy combat group to fight by attacking them roughly and in doing so put 3 Englishmen out of action.
Our own losses being negligible, the enemy suffered 130 counted dead and 300 prisoners. Considerable amount of arms, ammunition and other equipment including 5 guns were captured and destroyed.
My appreciation is to be made known to the troops.
Signed The Commanding General 21st Mountain Corps FEHN General of Panzer Troops.
On page 31 of the English and page 21 of the German is another report from the 21st Mountain Corps to the Second Panzer Army See Daily Report of 21.11.43 .......297 Infantry Division:
During continuation of operation "Edelweiss" Sllovo and Velleshe (15 km. North Peshkopija) taken by A.A. 297 on 19.11 after hard fighting.
Enemy losses: up to now, 48 dead among them 3 English officers. 4 heavy machine guns, 3 light machine guns, 1 English bazooka, 2 heavy machine guns, some light machine guns and many rounds of ammunition destroyed.
Losses of our own: 5 dead, 7 wounded.
During large scale raid in Grossrazzio and Shijak, arrests of 300 communists and 50 Italian soldiers, up to now. Arms depot and communist printing press raided.
Intention: Execution raid in Kavaja.
.........................
Signed Corps Hqs., XXIst Mountain Corps I believe this does not appear on the German but if defense counsel wishes to examine the exact document they may do so, signed XXIst Headquarters, XXIst Mountain Corps by the Operation Officer, November 21, 1943.
Turning now to page 33 of the English and page 23 of the German, Document NOKW 1403 which is offered as Prosecution Exhibit 319. These are a series of orders of the XV Mountain Corps which at this time was commanded by General Lueters in Croatia, who was subordinate to General Rendulic, who was in turn subordinate to Field Marshal Weichs. It is a teletype to the SS Division and the 114th Jaeger Division and, "For information to the 373rd (Croatian)Infantry Division.
No shipping space available for evacuation of Italians and supply via sea route."
DR. LATERNSER: Your Honors, I object to what the Prosecutor is saying regarding arguments. For instance he has just said this Corps was subordinated to General Rendulic and he again was subordinate to General Field Marshal von Weichs. This is not true for the period to which to documents now refer. For this reason I repeatedly ask that the Prosecution desist in arguments unless they are sentences and comments of a connecting nature.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: No argumentation your Honor.(Film unintelligible)
PRESIDING JUDGE WENNERSTURM: I think counsel for the prosecution should exercise care in connection with any comments concerning the evidence other than that which is self-explanatory.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Continuing on page 33 of the English, 23 of the German with the order of the XV Mountain Corps to the SS Division and the 114th Jaeger Division:
No shipping space available for evacuation of Italians and supply via sea route. The Italian units in the area Split-Zara are to be ordered to Bihac via land route immediately under the responsible leadership of their Commanders and their Headquarters authorities pursuant to Corps Headquarters Ia/Qu. No. 769/43 Top Secret of 11 September Severest compulsory measures as well as reprisal measures are to be applied in the event of refusal (shooting to death)........114th Jaeger Division and SS-Division are requested to report immediately intention with time table and security precautions (for instance employment of Panzers). The order is signed XV Mountain Corps For the Operations Officer 12 September 1943 Next on page 34 of the English and page 23 of the German, here is another communication of the XV Mountain Corps dated September 11, 1943.
Subject: Carrying out disarmament of Italians As a matter of principle the Italians are to be requested to turn over immediately all their heavy weapons.
If attempts are made to delay ruthless measures are to be applied with employment of dive bombers. If the occasion warrants the Italians may retain theur small weapons temporarily as protection against bands.
........
Basic principle: Any open or attempted resistance is to be broken by applying severe methods. Disciplined leadership of return march by Italians themselves according to directives of the Division is the prerequisite for regular provisions, otherwise there is danger that they may starve to death.
..........
This communication is signed Lueters, and its distribution appears on page 35 of the English, page 4 of the German; 2 copies for each Division subordinate to the XV Mountain Corps.
Turning now to page 36 of the English, page 25 of the German, Document NOKW 037, offered as Prosecution Exhibit 320. This document contains 2 reports of the Second Panzer Army.
The first dated 13 September 1943, Daily Report, and under the unit subordinate to the Second Panzer Army which was commanded at this time by the defendant Rendulic there appears XXI Mountain Corps and subordinate to the 100 Jaeger Division:
In Argirocastro (70 km southeast Valona) communists attacked our own forces as well as disarmed Italian soldiers.
.........
118 Jaeger Division: .... Arrest and eventual execution of the Commanding General of the Italian XIVth Army Corps, General Boncalia, is intended in case of further insubordination ..... and under III. (Germanic) SS-Panzer Corps: .... Coal mines were burned out by bandits north of Agram .....
The sender of the report appears on the bottom of the page, page 36 of the English, 2 of the German as the Second Panzer Army.
DR. LATERNSER: Your Honors, I believe that the word "Widersetzlichkeit" is not translated strongly enough. I have heard that "Widersetzlichkeit" has been translated by "insubordination".
PRESIDING JUDGE WENNERSTURM: Pardon me, Dr. Laternser, will you refer to the German document and also to the English Document. It will be helpful to the Tribunal.
DR. LATERNSER: On page 36 of the English Document Book and the middle of the page there is the word "insubordination" on the daily report of the 118 Jaeger Division. This word is supposed to be a translation of the word "Widersetzlichkeit" which is a more active element which is not contained, as regards my feeling for language, in the English word "insubordination".
PRESIDING JUDGE WENNERSRUM: May I suggest that you refer to the interpreter for their decision.
DR. LATERNSER: Yes. I ask for a new translation if this word "Widersetzlichkeit".
(Interpreter: The sentence reads: "Arrest and eventual execution of a commanding general of the Italian XIV Army Corps, General Boncalia is intended in case of further" 'refractoriness' you may say, but 'insubordination' is not definitely wrong.)
PRESIDING JUDGE WENNERSTRUM: You may proceed.
DR. LATERNSER: Your Honor I must make a brief statement because I assume that it is decent to do so. I made an objection sometime ago to what the Prosecutor said. I said something about a period in which General Rendulic was not subordinate to Marshal von Weichs. I made a mistake in regard to the date. In the period of time quoted by the Prosecutor General Rendulic was subordinate to Marshal von Weichs.
PRESIDING JUDGE WENNERSTRUM: Very well.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Continuing now on page 37 of the English, page 26 of the German, still part of NOKW 037 which is Exhibit 320, we have a report from the Second Panzer Army, dated 13 September 1943, teletype report to the Commander in Chief Southeast, High Command Army Group F, which at this time was the defendant Weichs.
THE MARSHAL: The Tribunal is again in session.
THE PRESIDENT: You may proceed.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Your Honors will recall that prior to the recess we were considering Document NOKW-034, Exhibit 320. We are looking at page 27 of the English and page 26 of the German. This is a report from the 2nd Panzer Army, commanded at this time by the defendant Rendulic -a report to the Commander in Chief Southeast (High Command Army Group F) at this time commanded by tho defendant Weichs.
A. Copy of the report of the 2nd Panzer Army was sent for informational purposes to the "German Commanding General -- Plenipotentiary in" -and here your Honors' document books should be changed to "Croatia" instead of "Serbia" -- "For information: German Commanding General Plenipotentiary in Croatia", who at this time was Glaise-Horstenau; and another copy for informational purposes to the "Military Commander Southeast", who at this time was General Felber, whose Chief of Staff, your Honors will recall, was the defendant Geitner.
The report is dated 13 September 1943 and contains language very similar to the report on the preceding page which we have just seen. I call your Honors attention only to the portion dealing with the 118th Jaeger Division which at this time was subordinate to the 21st Mountain Corps:
"Arrest and eventual execution of the Commanding General of the Italian XIV Corps, General Roncalia, is intended in case of further insubordination."
And the report is signed: "2nd" -- it should read on the bottom, if your Honors please, the "2nd Panzer Army", rather than "2nd Army Panzer Corps". The report is signed by the Operations Officer.
DR. LATERNSER: Your Honors, the translation of the word "Widersetzlichkeit" as "insubordination" -- I will have to point out again -- just at the moment -- the prosecutor mentioned the word "insubordination" again and I believe the interpreters will have to consider will whether this word really has the right sense.