Orders for planning the invasion of Poland ("Fall Weiss") and the annexation of Danzig, without a declaration of war, and a note on the policy to limit the war to Poland and avoid conflict with France, England, and Russia

[A]
Top Secret
Officer Only
- Berlin, 3 April 1939
The High Command of the Armed Forces [OKW]
WFA Nr. 37/39 Top Secret Officer Only L la SUBJECT: Directive for the Armed Forces 1939/40
5 copies 2nd Copy
The Directive for the Uniform Preparation of War by the Armed Forces for 1939/40 is being re-issued.
Part I ("Frontier Defence") and Part III ("Danzig") will be issued in the middle of April. Their basic principles remain unchanged.
Part II "Fall Weiss" is attached herewith. The signature of the Fuehrer will be appended later.
The Fuehrer has added the following Directives to "Fall Weiss":
1. Preparations must be made in such a way that the operation can be carried out at any time from 1.9.39 onwards.
2. The High Command of the Armed Forces has been directed to draw up a precise time-table for "Fall Weiss" and to arrange by conferences the synchronised timings between the 3 branches of the Armed Forces.
3. The plans of the branches of the Armed Forces and the details for the time-table must be submitted to the OKW by
1.5.39.
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The Chief of the High Command of the Armed
Forces
Distribution: [signed] KEITEL
OKH = 1 (Copy No. 1.)
OKM = 1 ( " " 2.)
RdL u Ob.d L = 1 ( " " 3.)
OKW (L) Total = 2 5 ( " " 4 u. 5)
[B]
Top Secret.
Officer Only
Berlin, 11 April 1939
The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces OKW Nr. 37/39 Top Secret Officer Only. WFA/LI
5 Copies 2nd Copy
Directive for the Uniform Preparation of War by the Armed Forces, 1939/40. I
I shall lay down in a later directive the future tasks of the Armed Forces and the preparations to be made in accordance with these for the conduct of war.
Until that directive comes into force, the Armed Forces must-be prepared for the following eventualities:
I. Safeguarding of the frontiers of the German Reich and protection against surprise air attacks, (see Annex I)
II. "Fall Weiss" (see Annex II)
III. The Annexation of Danzig (see Annex III)
Annexe IV contains regulations for the exercise of military authority in East Prussia in the event of a warlike development.
(signed) Adolf Hitler.
Distribution:
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[C]
TOP SECRET
5 Copies 2nd Copy Top Secret By Officer Only
ANNEX I to OKW L la No. 37/39
I.
Safeguarding the Frontiers of the German Reich and Protection Against Surprise Air Raids.
[Translation Omitted]
******* Enclosure to OKW No. 37/39 Top Secret WFA/L I, dated 11 April 43; Annex I
Top Secret
By Officer Only
Special Order for "Frontier Defence"
/ Grenzsicherung )
[Translation Omitted]
m
ANNEX II to OKW No. 37/39 Top Secret L I
Top Secret
5 copies 2nd copy
II
"Fall Weiss"
The present attitude of Poland requires, beyond the plan "Frontier-defense East", the effecting of military preparations to exclude, if necessary any threat from this direction forever.
1. Political Requirements and Aims.
German relations with Poland continue to be based on the principle of avoiding any quarrels. Should Poland, however, change her policy towards Germany, based up to now on the same principles as our own, and adopt a threatening attitude towards Germany, a final settlement might become necessary, notwithstanding the pact in effect with Poland.
The aim then will be to destroy Polish military strength, and create in the East a situation which satisfies the requirements of national defense. The Free State of Danzig will be proclaimed a
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part of the Reich-territory at the outbreak of the conflict, at the latest.
The political leadership considers it its task in this case to isolate Poland if possible, that is to say, to limit the war to Poland only.
The development of increasing internal crises in France and the resulting British cautiousness might produce such a situation in the not too distant future.
Intervention by Russia so far as she would be able to do this, cannot be expected to be of any use for Poland, because this would imply Poland's destruction by Bolshevism.
The attitude of the Baltic States will be determined wholly by German military exigencies.
On the German side, Hungary can not be considered a certain ally. Italy's attitude is determined by the Berlin-Rome Axis.
2. Military Conclusions.
The great objectives in the building up of the German Armed Forces will continue to be determined by the antagonism of the "Western Democracies". "Fall Weiss" constitutes only a precautionary complement to these preparations. It is not to be looked upon in any way, however, as the necessary prerequisite for a military settlement with the Western opponents.
The isolation of Poland will be more easily maintained, even after the beginning of operations, if we succeed in starting the war with heavy, sudden blows and in gaining rapid successes.
The entire situation will require, however, that precautions be taken to safeguard the western boundary and the German North Sea coast, as well as the air over them.
Against the Baltic States—Lithuania in particular,—security measures are to be carried out for the event of a Polish march through this country.
3. Tasks of the Armed Forces.
The task of the Armed Forces is to destroy the Polish Armed Forces. For this reason a surprise attack is to be striven for and prepared. The camouflaged or open general mobilization will not be ordered earlier than the day before the attack at the latest possible moment.
The forces provided for the "Western frontier defense" (annex I "Frontier defense") must not be employed for any other purpose for the moment.
All other frontiers aré to be kept under observation—the Lithuanian is to be covered.
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U. Tasks of the Branches of the Armed Forces.
a. Army
The operational objective in the East is to destroy the Polish army.
For this purpose the German Armed Forces, on the southern flank, may enter Slovak territory. In the North, communication between Pomerania and East Prussia must be established quickly.
The preparations for the opening of operations are to be made in such a way, that even without waiting for the planned assembly of mobilized units, positions can be taken up immediately by the first available troops. A camouflaged assembly for these units just before the day of attack may be provided. I reserve for myself the decision in this matter.
Whether the forces provided for the "Western frontier defense" will be deployed there completely, or will be partly available for some other employment,—will depend upon the political situation.
b. Navy
The tasks of the Navy in the Baltic sea are as follows:
1. Destruction or elimination of the Polish Navy.
2. Blockade of all sea-ways to the Polish Naval bases, especially Gdynia. The neutral shipping in Polish harbours and in Danzig is to be given at the beginning of the invasion of Poland, a time limit for sailing. After its expiration, the Navy will be free to set up blockade measures. The disadvantages for the naval warfare produced by this time limit must be accepted.
3. Suppression of the Polish maritime trade.
4. Securing of the sea-route Reich—East Prussia.
5. Protection of German sea-communications to Sweden and Baltic States.
6. Reconnaissance and protection, as far as possible in an inconspicuous manner, against an intervention by the Soviet Navy from the Gulf of Finland.
Suitable naval forces are to be provided for defense of the coast and coastal zone of the North Sea.
In the southern part of the North Sea and in the Skagerrak measures are to be taken for precautionary protection against a surprise intervention of the Western powers. These measures are to be restricted to the absolute minimum. Their inconspicuousness must be assured. It is of decisive importance to avoid here any sort of action which might make the political attitude of the Western Powers more unfriendly.
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c. Air Force
The whole Air Force except, for necessary forces left in the West, is to be used for a surprise attack against Poland. Besides destruction of the Polish Air Force in the shortest time possible, —the tasks of the German Air Force are principally as follows:
1. Interference with the Polish mobilization and prevention of planned Polish strategic concentrations.
2. Tactical support of the Army, especially support of the spear-heads starting immediately after the crossing of the frontier.
A possible transfer of flying-units to East Prussia, before beginning of operations, must not endanger surprise.
The moment of the first flight over the frontier is to be timed in coordination with the Army's operations.
Attacks against the harbour of Gdynia may be undertaken only after expiration of the time limit for sailing for the neutral ships. (See number 4 6)
Strong points of air-defense are to be set up above Stettin, Berlin and the Upper-Silesian industrial district including Maeh-risch Ostrau [Moravska Ostrava] and Bruenn [Brno].
[E]
Typed by Officer
Top Secret. Officer Only High Command of the Armed Forces.
WFA. Nr 67/39 Top Secret Officer Only. L (I)
Berlin, 24th June 1939 5 Copies
: v 2nd Copy
Subject: - "Fall Weiss"
The Army High Command is herewith directed to prepare all measures necessary for capturing intact the bridges over the lower Vistula. On the completion of preparations, the Army High Command will briefly report to the Armed Forces High Command. . . .
Besides, the Army and Navy High Commands will again examine whether the element of surprise in sudden attacks against the bridge at Dirschau will be impaired by preceding actions of the Navy in the Danzig Bay. In view of the importance of the bridge, it should be stated if the consent of the Army High Com-C-120
mand to the intended measures of the Navy (mining before Y-time) is upheld.
The Chief of the High Command of the Armed Forces
(signed) KEITEL
24.6
Distribution:
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[F]
Enclosure to OKW No. 37/39 Top Secret WFA/L I of 11 April 1939 (Annex II)
Top Secret
Senior Officer only
Officer only
Special Orders for "Fall Weiss"
1. Legal Basis
We must start with the fact that the "State of Defense" or the "State of War" in the meaning of the It. V. Gesetz (Reich Defense Law) of 4 September 1938, will not be declared.
All actions and requests are to be based on peace-time legislation. The Provisions of the Hague Convention on Land Warfare, apply appropriately. The right to issue of supplements is reserved.
2. Mobilization
Directives concerning the extent of preliminary measures for execution of "Fall Weiss", especially where they entail the induction of supplementary personnel or .the procuring of supplementary materiel, will be issued later by the OKW.
If, for the Armed Forces, or parts of them, a mobilisation without public proclamation (X-case) is ordered, it will not apply automatically to the civilian sphere including the armaments industry. However, the OKW will order such measures, with locally limited application, as are required for the mobilization of the Armed Forces or parts of them and for the maintenance of the ability of government agencies and of enterprises to function.
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If for the armed forces as a whole the general mobilisation by public promulgation is ordered, then this mobilisation will quite automatically and indissolubly apply to the civil sphere, including the armaments industry. However, the mobilisation by public promulgation is not to be counted upon, if the military operations are restricted to "Fall Weiss".
3. Zone of operations and executive power.
For "Fall Weiss" the Eastern Zone of Operations [Op. Gebiet Ost] will be put into effect by the OKW. If the "Frontier Defense West" is involved, too, the Western Zone of Operations [Op. Gebiet West], provided for this contingency, will also be put into effect.
After the crossing of the frontier the operation zone will be extended forward, corresponding to the areas occupied by the. troops.
In the "Army Operation Zone" the Commander-in-Chief of the Army will by special order receive the authorization to exercise executive power, with the right to delegate this authorization, completely or partly, to army commanders.
It.. V.G.A.D. or V.G.A.D. (K) and Frontier Guards.
Orders for the formation "Reinforced frontier control service" —V.G.A.D., or V.G.A.D. (K) and the "Frontier Guard" will be issued by the O.K.W. if necessary.
5. Powers for the Reichsminister for Air and Commander-inChief of the Air Force in questions of aerial defense.
Authorizations given for the mobilization (X-) case to the Reich Minister for Air and Commander-in-Chief of the Airforce according to the order OKW. Nr. 2230/38 g.K. WFA/L II of the 27 Sept. 38, Part. Ill, may be conferred upon him by an order of the Supreme Commander, already in the period of tension.
6. Clearing the frontier zones.
Clearing and evacuation measures will not be executed in the East. O.K.H. wil make preparations for a receiving organization for refugees of German descent from Poland.
7. Evacuation and Rehousing of Population for Protection against Air-Attacks.
Insofar as the evacuation and rehousing of the population, as well as other measures for protection against air-attacks (clearing of school-buildings, public buildings, hospitals etc), come under consideration for the Mobilization (X) Case, these measures are to be prepared and the dates fixed by the Reichsminister for Air and Commander-in-Chief of the Airforce in cooperation with the military and civil authorities concerned. Execution of such
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plans in the period of tension depends upon the approval of
O.K.W.
8. Organization of command.
According to situation, the following will be put under complete or partial command of:
a. The Commander-in-Chief of the Army: The Air-force units provided for "Fall Weiss"; The SS Military Units [SS-Verfue-gungstruppe] according to the order O.K.W. No. 1730/38 g.K. WFA/L II of 28 August 1938. From the police at first those units provided for by the mobilization plan. The elements of the German Labor Service (RAD) provided according to Special Annex 7 to the mobilization plan for the Army.
b. The Commander-in-Chief of the Navy: The Naval Air Force units; The RAD-units provided for by the mobilization plan.
c. The Reichsminister for Air and Commander-in-Chief of the Airforce: The RAD.-units enumerated in Special Annex 3 of the Air Force Mobilization plan. The army units provided for airborne operations according to request of the Commander-in-Chief of the Airforce.
.9. Supervision and prevention of communications on the land-and sea-frontiers and prevention of railroad-, air- and sea traffic.
The necessary measures will be prepared by the O.K.W. in cooperation with the Services in such a way that they can be put into operation completely or partly for "Fall Weiss" as well as on other frontiers (including the sea coast), according to the situation. Detailed provisions will follow.
10. Signal Communications.
* * * i'fi * * *
11. Supply.
According to order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army the troops may be supplied from occupied territory. In this regard the critical situation of the German minority should be given due consideration. Requisitioning in occupied territory may be carried out in accordance with the Hague Land War Convention; insofar as contributions must be demanded from people of German descent, they must be paid for in German currency. The rate of exchange for every kind of contribution will be announced in due time by the O.K.W.
12. Allowances (pay, rations, billeting, clothing, medical care)
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13. Accounting of additional expenses which may arise. Additional expenses resulting from "Fall Weiss" are to be
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charged finally under expenditure, to the (Special Budget) Account VIII E 230 (Budget of OKW) set up especially for this purpose.
initialled
fillegiblel
LG]
Annex III to OKW. Nr. 37/39 Top Secret WFA/L I Top Secret 5 Copies
By Officer only 2nd Copy
III
Annexation of Danzig
A surprise annexation of the Free State of Danzig may come into consideration, independently of "Fall Weiss," -in order to exploit a favorable political situation.
The preparations are to be carried out on the following basis: The "Organization of command in East-Prussia in case of warlike complications" (see Annex IV) will be put into effect, in regard'to fig. 3.
The occupation will be carried out by the Army from East-Prussia.
The Navy will support the action of the Army by intervention from the sea, according to the detailed order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. The naval forces involved are to be instructed to cooperate with the Army.
The extent to which the units of the Air Force can take part in the action of occupation is to be decided by the Reichminister for Air and Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force.
Details on cooperation are to be settled among the Services directly.
*******
Enclosure to OKW No. 37/39 Top Secret
WFA/L I, dated 11 April 39, Annex III Top Secret By Officer Only
Special Orders for "Annexation of Danzig"
*******
693259—46—59
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[H|
Annex IV to OKW/L la No. 37/39 Top Secret
5 copies 2nd copy
TOP SECRET By officer only IV
Provisions for the Exercise of Command in East Prussia in Case of Warlike Complications
[I]
Annex V to OKW L' la No. 37/39 Top Secret
V
Boundaries of the Zone of Operations of the Army
5 copies 2nd copy
[J] Berlin, 10 May 1939
High Command of the Armed Forces No. 1050/39 Top Secret WFA/L 11 c.
TOP SECRET 200 copies Copy No. 45
Subject: Exercise of Military Powers in Area of Operations of the Army.
[K]
Top Secret Officer Only
The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces
Berlin, 10th May 1939
7 copies 2nd copy
Nr. U8/39 Top Secret WFA/L (1)
Subject: Directive for the uniform preparation of War by the Armed Forces, 1939/40 (OKW.Nr.37/39 g.K.Chefs. WFA/L(I) of 11.4.39.) Herewith, as Part VI of the "Directive", instructions for the economic war and the protection of our own economy are issued.
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The Commanders-in-Chief of the Services will report to Armed Forces High Command, on the measures taken in sequence of these instructions by 1st August 1939.
(signed) Adolf Hitler.
the
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[L]
Annex VI to
OKW No. 37/39 Top Secret WFA/L la
VI
(Pruef Nr. (Pruef Nr. (Pruef Nr. (Pruef Nr. (Pruef Nr. (Pruef Nr.
1)
2)
3)
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5) 6
u. 7)
Top Secret By Officer Only
Directives for the War Against the Enemy Economy (Economic Warfare) and Measures for the Protection of our own Economy.
I. Introduction
1. The most important instruments of the attack against the enemy economy are the Navy and Air Force. Their measures will be supplemented by the sabotage warfare (OKW (Abwehr) ). It may become a mission of the Army, to widen our German living space by the occupation of enemy territories of special importance to our own economy.
The preparation of economic warfare measures is a responsibility of the GBW (Plenipotentiary for the Economy).
The OKW (WFA in coordination with the W Staff) will insure that uniform objectives are set for all measures against the enemy economy. The same applies for measures for the protection of our own economy.
2. In Section II and III of these Directives, outlines are issued for the economic warfare and protective measures for the contingencies [Faelle] "Frontier Defense" and "Weiss". From them, the preparations to be effected by the Services and the GBW will be derived.
* * * * * * *
III. Directive for "Fall Weiss".
1. The objective is to capture the Polish economic installations as intact as possible. They may be attacked only in case of immediate military necessity.
2. The quick occupation of the industrial districts of Polish-Upper-Silesia and Cieszyn [Teschenl is important for the war economy.
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3. All sea-borne imports to Poland have to be prevented by the Navy. For this purpose the form of the trade warfare (Handelskrieg) against Polish imports is to be laid down in cooperation with the Foreign Office in accordance with the political situation. Of special importance here is the treatment of neutral flags and of goods which are possibly destined for Poland by way of neutral ports.
4. For the protection of the German economy, the measures for the case "Frontier Defence" apply where appropriate.