Memorandum on the plan to execute General Deboisse (a French POW) during a transfer, under the cover story of an attempted escape

Enclosure:
A. Methods.
In Camp Koenigstein there are 75 French Generals. For a long time, it has been the intention officially noted in the files, to transfer these French Generals, as Koenigstein is required for other purposes. This plan has up to now not been carried out. The transfer will now commence in the following manner, that in the first draft 5-6 French Generals, each in a special automobile, will be brought to another destination. In each case, there will be a driver and a German attendant in the automobile. Each car will bear Wehrmacht markings. The two Germans will wear Wehrmacht uniforms. They will be specially selected people. During the drive, General Deboisse's car will have a breakdown in order to separate him from the others. This will provide the opportunity to have the General shot in the back "while attempting to escape." The time proposed is twilight. It will be made certain that no rural inhabitants are in the vicinity. To ensure against later investigation, it is planned to burn the body
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and to send the urn to the cemetery of the fortress Koenigstein. A decision has yet to be reached whether or not the burial of this urn should be carried out with military honors. It must be made certain that medical report, death certificate and certificates of cremation are made out in the regular manner. Sketch of the spot where the incident occurred and detailed report will be prepared. There are no great objections to the fact that no cremation will take place. This question will be once more looked into by the SD.
B. Notice to the Press.
In any case, it will be conspicuous that the fact of an attempted escape of a French officer appears in the press at all, On the other hand, this serves to make certain that this measure, which is intended as a reprisal, shall be made public. The text of the notice to the press will first be laid down when the methods have been decided upon. Besides this, the characteristics of the French General will once more be examined.. In addition, the communique will follow closely the Reuter dispatch.
C. Protecting Power Investigation.
It will be assured through the selection of the persons concerned and the preparation of all documentary evidence that in the event the Protecting Power is desirous of an investigation, the necessary documents are available for dismissal of a complaint.
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Berlin, November 1944