May I now proceed with Document Book 3, Document 65, on pages 7 to 10 in the German; pagination the same in the English text, to be Exhibit No. 10.
This document is designed to establish that the occupation was effective; that there was law and order, but that there were possibilities of an insurrection during the spring. It is to be established then that acts of sabotage and raids remained unchanged, and that no reprisals were either ordered or enforced.
It is a report by the Commanding General in Serbia to the Armed Forces Commander Southeast, dated 10 of March, '42. I shall read Sections 1, 3 and 4:
1. Serbian Area An operation plan of the Communist party was found in Belgrade with directions for the revolt early in the year, which presumably is to begin in the middle of March.
The revolt is to be introduced by acts of sabotage on oil transports on the Danube and blowing up the Save railroad bridge.
3. General In comparison with the period of the previous report the recruiting activity of the Communists and Nationalist has increased throughout the entire country.
Energetic propaganda is being made for the annexation of Eastern Bosnia to Serbia.....
4. Acts of Sabotage and Attacks The number of acts of sabotage and attacks has not changed substantially in comparison with the period of the preceding report.
A total of 43 cases was reported.
I shall omit the first paragraph under Section III, and shall read for the purpose of later reference in my plea, Section V:
The German losses from the period from the 26th of February to the 5th of March '42:
Dead: Germans 13 Croats 14 Others 4 a total of 31 dead and 113 Germans wounded.
That was page 8. The document continues on pages 9 and 10.
The document on page 9 is to establish the same points, namely, that law and order prevailed in Serbia, but that in East Croatia, there was band activity by communists bands, from the Italian occupied area; that acts of sabotage were continued, without any reprisals being either ordered or enforced, and that in addition, statements regarding the enemy losses overlap, This is the report by the Commanding General in Serbia to the Armed Forces Commander Southeast, dated the 20 March '42.
I shall read from 3: General.
Parts of proletarian brigades have pushed forward out of Montenegro a cross the demarkation line into the East Bosnian area; the advance of other Montenegrin bands across the demarkation line into the Serbian area can be counted on. In general a certain calm has descended on Serbia: In Croatia, on the other hand, further increasing activity of the insurgents is to be noted.
MR. RAPP: I have a question, if you please. I am just wondering whether Dr. Menzel was paraphrasing paragraph 3,-I did not catch the first line, or whether he said that he wanted to skip that.
If I may ask Dr. Menzel to repeat that again.
DR. MENZEL: May I compare the English text with the German? Section 3 in my document book, on page 9 begins with "General: Parts of proletarian brigades out of Montenegro into East Bosnia ... etc."
That is the translation I read into the record.
MR. RAPP: May I ask Dr. Menxel again to please tell us whether he has read the first paragraph. I understand him to say that the partisans had crossed the demarkation line into the East Bosnia area, That is about what I understood, or whether he read verbatim what the report, as such, said.
DR. MENZEL: I read the whole of paragraph 3. I think that counsel has overlooked that there are two sentences of similar content.
MR. RAPP: All right.
DR. MENZEL: May I proceed with Section 4. "Sabotage Attacks: The number of 36 acts of sabotage and attacks keeps with the same limits as in the period of the preceding report.
I have now read from Section V. Our losses in the period from the 6th o 3rd month to the 15th of March, Germans, 25 dead; 29 wounded, 10 missing.
I read the last sentence I must add that the enemy losses then follow, according to German reports; dead and captured according to Serbian reports are divergent. According to Croatian reports there is again a discrepancy. I read the last sentence:
As a result of joint fighting these figures may in part overlap".
I would now like to proceed with page 10. This document is designed to prove that there was law and order in Serbia; that in spite of the acts of sabotage and raids, retaliatory measures were not ordered. I should like to point out the number of partisans as proving that the terms, "persons apprehended" and "prisoners" are again used intermittently, so that there is no unequivocal definition of these terms.
MR. RAPP: Your Honors, the word Dr. Menzel has reference to distinguish appears in my document book as being "captured", "256" being "captured". I thought that he had reference to 256 being arrested. I am just wondering whether or not the German word could be read into the record and the interpreter could be asked whether this is "captured", "arrested" or just what it is. As it appears in the English translation it does not follow Dr. Menzel's paraphrasing.
PRESIDING JUDGE CARTER: I think that Dr. Menzel intends to read it eventually. I think, Dr. Menzel, if you would read these self-explanatory report without so much comment ahead of time, that it would be just as clear to the Tribunal. Most of them are self-explanatory.
DR. MENZEL: I shall now proceed with the report. It is on page 10, again a report of the Commanding General to the Armed Forces Commander Southeast, dated the 31st of March, '42:
1. General Generally quiet in Serbian area.
Communist tendencies seem to be gaining constantly more ground in the entire Croatian area.
The number of 49 acts of sabotage and attacks has increased in comparison with the period of the preceding report.
V. Losses (16.
- 25. 7 each) Ours:
Germans: 0 dead 3 wounded 1 missing Croats:
40 dead 68 wounded 98 missing Enemy:
504 dead, 84 wounded, 256 captured.
It is not a question of prisoners but of prisoners captured.
MR. RAPPL Your Honor, from a substantive point of view, it is highly argumentative whether or not these were prisoners, or arrested people. I am merely interested to have the interpreter translate from the English into the German, as he feels the word should be translated, and anything beyond that I believe the Tribunal should decide.
PRESIDING JUDGE CARTER: All right, submit the original.
TRANSLATOR: It first says, "Festgenommene", which would be "Persons arrested".
PRESIDING JUDGE CARTER: All right. You may proceed.
DR. MENZEL: This finishes Exhibit No. 10.
May I now proceed with Document Book 2, in order to preserve the chronological sequence. It will be Document 50, on pages 38 to 40, German and English, Exhibit 11. It is an excerpt from the War Diary dated March, 1942, of the Commanding General in Serbia.
This document which comes from the Washington material is also to establish that there was still in general law and order in Serbia, that in Croatia there was an increasing insurgent movement. Then we have to note the confusion of the terms "partisans" and "Communists", and that the latter shot a prisoner Dangik Chetnik Staff. The document is further submitted as establishing that the partisans carried out forcible recruitments. It is a situation report of the Commanding General from the 20th of March 1942.
If the heading states that the situation report covers the 11th of March until the 30th, then that must be due to a clerical error in the original as the report is dated 20th of March 1942.
I shall omit the first paragraph and shall proceed with the second paragraph:
"In general a certain calm can be noticed in Serbia after the successful operations against the bands and the Communist urban organizations; in Croatia, however, a continuous increase of the insurrection."
"Sabotage and attacks: The number of acts of sabotage did not increase as compared with the preceding reporting period. Total of acts of sabotage: 40.
"Enemy situation: Serbian area: Belgrade: The investigations made on the occasion of the attempt on the life of a district head resulted in the discovery of an important Communist center in Belgrade. Numerous arrests of leading Communists were made.
"Danube area: In the Pozarevac and Palanka area sporadic attacks on communities and railroad stations, otherwise quiet."
I shall omit Section "c". Then "d":
"Prokuplje area: In the villages at the southern side of the Jastrebac Mountains compulsory recruitments are carried out by Partisans."
Then Section II:
"Croatian area: In Borika a Dangic Staff was taken prisoner and shot dead by Partisans.
"Insurgents convoked meetings at several villages in Serbia and tried to induce the farmers by threats to leave their land uncultivated."
So much for Exhibit 11. May I now turn back in Volume II to Document 41 on pages 21 and 22. German & English, this to be Exhibit No. 12. It is an Enemy Situation Report dated 7 April 1942 of the 714th Infantry Division. I just note that according to the distribution it was not addressed to the Commanding General and not to the Wehrmachts Commander Southeast. The document is submitted as establishing the necessity for regular mopping up operations; that persons were captured in combat and that an adequate occupation was in fact in existence. I shall begin with Section II, "Western Area:"
"16-20 March. About 300 insurgents in the area RadanovciBrezovica driven back by three combat groups II. Battl. of Infantry Regiment 741 towards Sipovica and pursued up to Ravnje-Prijezdic-Mrutisic. In the course of this brief contact with the enemy during which 3 men were captured. The pursuit of the enemy was resumed in the northern direction. Another combat group was employed from the north for the purpose of blocking up. The insurgents, however, succeeded in evading the pursuit by withdrawing in groups of 5 to 8 men towards Prijezdic protected by a terrain full of ravines and also protected by darkness. 4 of the insurgents were taken prisoner.
"Rudnik and surrounding districts were searched by the II. Battalion of Infantry Regiment 721. 23 suspected persons arrested, 1 rifle, 1 bayonet and ammunition confiscated" I shall omit the next paragraph.
"18.-19. March. Russian factory guards detained 5 insurgents among them the Chetnik leader Rajko Markovic."
Then the 21st of March:
"Battalion of Infantry Regiment 741 together with Chetniks captured 7 insurgents among them the political commissar and former commander of Mihailovic."
Page 22:
"Russian factory guards brought in 5 insurgents as prisoners in the course of reconnaissance operations in the area of Cvetulja.
...........
22. March. During reconnaissance operations in the direction of Komoric-Bukov 9 insurgents were captured by Russian factory guards.
23. March. Russian factory guards brought in an armed insurgent as prisoner near Lipovaca."
There are further report capture of insurgents.
I shall read Section III:
"Other events.
"In Obrenovac 1 soldier was assaulted by 2 Serbs and injured through stabbing. Both perpetrators could be arrested."
Having concluded this document. I wish to return to Document Book III. Document No. 69, pages 17 and 18, to be Exhibit 13. It is a survey of the situation in the area of the Wehrmachts Commander Southeast addressed to OKW. This document will be submitted as establishing that there was law and order in Serbia, activity of bands in Croatia; that however on the part of the German occupation authorities the fight against the Croatians was not in any way fomented, but that was the case on the part of the Italians who enlisted the National Serbian Cetniks.
The document is further to illustrate care accorded to the Serbian population.
MR. RAPP: Your Honor, if you please. I just wonder whether the Tribunal feels that it is necessary to paraphrase to the extent of practical argumentation in presenting these documents.
PRESIDING JUDGE CARTER: I think, Dr. Menzel, that most of these exhibits are self-explanatory, as I said a while ago, and that is isn't necessary to review them before you read them. A brief statement, I think, would suffice.
DR. MENZEL: May it please the Tribunal, I shall try to be as succinct as possible and only prepare a short introduction to make the documents intelligible. May I proceed?
"Overall Situation:
"In Serbia local actions only during intensive patrol activity of our own.
In Croatia unchanged intensive guerilla activity in Bosnia. Preparations for a German-Italian-Croatian operation in Eastern Bosnia take the planned course."
Then "D": "In detail.
"Serbia.
In Belgrade we succeeded in eliminating several Communist leaders.
Intensive patrol activity by our troops in Northern and Central Serbia only seldom encountered enemy resistance. Successful fights by our troops near Zvernik. A few surprise attacks near Pozarevac by Communist bands.
Successful Bulgarian operation west of Nisch routed a larger band causing considerable losses to the enemy.
...........
Croatia.
28 to 29 March the first briefing by General Roatta took place in Laibach for Combat Group General BADER."
"Result:
"Agreement in tactical matters "Diverging opinions with regard to negotiations with the insurgents.
On the part of the Germans insistence on the Susak Protocol:" No negotiations." General ROATTA, however, declared that he would try to prevent a participation of national Serbian insurgents in the battle for Eastern Bosnia by negotiations, in order to fight then later on. An order of the Commando Supreme to the contrary has not yet come to the attention of this office.
"IV. GREECE.
"Food situation continues slightly improved. Just as before the government does not take measures against black marketing.
"Bridge over the Bralo finished on 28 March 1942. By this an important prerequisite was created for an improvement of the prerequisite was created for an improvement of the traffic from Salonica to Athens. Thereby the supply conditions for Southern Greece were alleviated. Of course, in a limited measure only, since the line has only one set of tracks and goes through a mountainous area. The highest possible number of trains is 5. The high importance of coastal traffic remains unchanged."
That was document 69 in Document Book III.
I shall now turn to Document 66 on page 11 in the same document book to be Exhibit 14. It is submitted as regarding the same topic, to wit, that prisoners were taken during combat and that no reprisals were taken It is again a report by the Commanding General in Serbia to the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast dated 30 April 1942. May I read Section 1, "General";
"Generally quiet in Serbian area. Isolated attacks on communities are further to be noted, the majority in the area occupied by the Bulgarians. In the area of Eastern Bosnia after the retreat of the proletarian brigades after raising the siege of Rogatica most of the mass withdrew in time in a southerly direction before the pressure of the mopping up operation.
"Losses and Booty for the period from 15 April to 24 April 1942: Germans dead 2; Serbian Auxiliary Police 4, wounded 2; missing 4; Enemy losses 11 dead 2 wound; 159 captured." That was Exhibit 140.
I shall now return to Document Book II, Document 42 on pages 23 and 24 German and English to be Exhibit 15. It is submitted as coning within the same scope as previous documents especially welfare for the peculation. Page 23 contains a survey of the situation in the area of the Wehrmacht Commander southeast, concluded 7 May 1942. I shall read:
"East Bosnia:
"Pacification has been started north of the German-Italian demarcation line. Inhabitants are returning at some planes and resuming their work. Booty of cattle and supplies were distributed among the population. German and Croatian units patrol the cleaned-up areas. Cleaning-up operations of Ozren-Planina and the Majevica mountains where insurgent groups are still holding out, after the area is cleaned up plans are made for the area north of Foca."
Page 24, Situation Report, Wehrmacht Commander Southeast to the OKW, to be submitted as showing the provisions made for the population:
"718th Division, pacification of Eastern Bosnia with the bulk of the forces in the old operational area around Sarajevo and Doboj. So far, about 11.000 refugees have been returned from Sarajevo to their home towns. As a result the cultivation of the fields has started. Number of typhus infected persons who had remained near Sarajevo reduced as a result of measures taken by the Germans."
To preserve the sequence of time, I wish to submit document 70 in Document Book III, pages 19 to 22 German and English, to be Exhibit 16. It is submitted for the same reason, to establish that persons were captured during combat and that no retaliatory measures for losses were enforced. It is another review of the situation in the area of the Military Commander Southeast to the OKW concluded 7 May 1942:
"A) Overall Situation.
"In Serbia in general calm. A few surprise attacks in the area occupied by Bulgarians. In Mitrovica and Novi Pazar on 25 April demonstrations by Moslem population against Serbians.
"In Croatia: Mopping up of Eastern Bosnia by German, Italian and Croatian troops belonging to the Combat Group of General Bader was successful continued. A withdrawal of greater guerilla bands could not be prevented because of a delay in the advance of the Italian 22nd and 5th Mountain Divisions from Bosnia to the South into the area occupied by Italians."
Then follows Section II, Subsection 1:
"Eastern Bosnia: Mooning up of the area around Rogatica against slight enemy resistance finished for the main part. The insurgents lost, from 11 April until 3 May inclusive, 168 dead, 1309 prisoners against the following losses of our own:
"German 2 dead, 16 wounded; Italians 5 deal, 21 wounded, 1 missing; Coratian 13 dead, 21 wounded, 6 missing."
I shall omit the next sentences and proceed with Section 4:
"Area occupied by Italians: Planned operations by complete units did not take place any more. Restriction to defense against local surprise attacks and small scale operations. The activity of the insurgents revived in the same measure. Intensive guerilla activity in the Ragusa Mostar area, around Bihac and in the Ogulin-Fiume area. In this area attacks on lines of communication happened particularly."
Pages 21 and 22 contain a document of the same time, concluded on the 23rd of May 1942, submitted as proving the same assertion:
"Over-all situation.
"In Serbia continually calm in general. Some few surprise attacks and acts of sabotage, especially in the territory occupied by Bulgarians.
"In Coratia the organized insurrection area Western Bosnia was defeated. Pacification begun. Increasing disturbances in Western Bosnia. In the territory occupied by Italians there is energetic fighting in the CroatianMontenegrin frontier districts. Numerous surprise attacks in North-Western Dalmatia. Enemy submarine and air activity along the Salmatian coast."
"Successful mopping-up of the Nevesinje-region being performed by parts of the Italian VIth Army Corps.
Concentration of guerilla-bands in the North Montenegrin area and ground Dubrovnik; around Konjica and along the railroad-line to Mostar attacks by the bands which escaped from Eastern Bosnia. Numerous attacks along the railroad-lines Ogulin-Fiume were combatted by the Italians with varying success."
That was Exhibit 16. May I now turn to Document Book No. II, Document 47 on pages 31 and 32 German and English, to be Exhibit 171? It is submitted as being along the same lines as previous documents and also describes the insidious way a raid was made. On page 31, Daily Report of Commanding General Serbia to the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, 12 June 1942, "1b":
718th Inf. Div.: Continuation of mopping up action by both regiments. 4 rebels seized near Nujin Grob. 15 guns and ammunition captured.
Bridge destroyed near Breza restored again."
"6th Royal Bulgarian Inf. Div.: Attack on passenger train near Krivi Vir cleared up. Attack carried out by rebels dressed like loyal Chetniks. No German soldiers missing. Losses: 6 men of Russian plant guard, 3 men Serbian State Guard, 6 Serbian policemen found shot to death. I Serbian, 1 Russian plant guard, 1 member of Todt Organization carried off."
I shall dispense with reading the last sentence and turn to Document 43 in Document Book II, pages 25 to 27, to be Exhibit No. 18.
It is again submitted as establishing that it was not the bands but the German troops who had the situation completely in hand, and as showing that the Italians had on 2nd June 1942 evacuated the third zone in June so that partisans concentrated in this area, and that the partisans made sabotage attacks on their own population and that no reprisals were ordered in spite of the sabotage.
Page 25: "Enemy Situation, Commanding General in Serbia to the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast" for 21 to 30 June 1942:
"Sabotage and Surprise Attacks:
"Total number 91 compared with 89 in the last periodical report. The majority of the surprise attacks occurs, just as before, in the area of Fruska, Gora and in the territories occupied by the Bulgarians. As a result of the cleaning up operations, carried out on a large scale in the territories occupied by the Bulgarians, a decrease of the sabotage acts can be expected."
Next page 26 -- report of Commanding General to W B in Serbia to Wehrmacht Commander Southeast, Section 3:
"Serbian Croatian Border Area:
"From the northern section of the Herzegovina partisan forces, following the successful advances of the National Montenegrin units, push ahead towards the Grmic Mountains."
I shall omit the next sentence.
"There is quiet on the Drina border.
"The situation in Symia, especially south of Fruska Gora has become more critical during the present period of report. There are signs for an aggravation of the national differences which above all, has resulted in a deterioration of the situation of the racial German group. In this area which is particularly important for the food situation in Croatia, the insurgents have concentrated their hostile activity especially against the harvest. The acts of sabotage are constantly increasing. A great number of harvesting machines, as well as grain still on the fields in sheafs, have been destroyed by the insurgents.
The enemy with a strength of about 800 men attempts, apparently on higher orders, to destroy the harvest in this area so important for the national economy, or to decrease the proceeds considerably. Moreover, the main rail line is endangered due to the activity of these bands.
East Bosnia: The situation at present is again under control. Aside from the well known struggles between the population and the Ustascha tranquillity has been restored.
West Bosnia: The strong enemy forces which were previously concentrated in Kozara-Prosara have been annihilated, the remaining parts were dispersed."
I shall omit the next sentence.
I wish to refer to Section 6 on page 27:
"Acts of Sabotage and Surprise Attacks: Railroad sabotage 36, in brackets 42; Communication sabotage 11 as against 14; Road sabotage 3; Surprise attacks on German Wehrmacht members 2, as against 4; other surprise attacks 68 as against 57."
May I point out that on page 27 there is a clerical error in the right hand corner? The document is designated as Kuntze No. 27, instead of Document No. 43. That is the page number below has been confused with the document number. I should be grateful if correction were made. That was Exhibit 18. May I proceed with Document Book 3, Document 67 on pages 12 to 14, to be Exhibit 19, submitted as establishing the same points as previous documents. Significant is the German troops could also occupy Croatia and that no national insurrection was to be expected in Serbia. Page 12: Report from the Commanding General in Serbia to Armed Forces Commander South East. Dated 1 July 1942. Enemy Situation. The situation in Serbia has not changed in comparison with the period of the last report. At present it cannot be seen to what extent the revolt in Croatia will affect Serbia and especially the Draja Mihailovic movement, since the insurgent organization of Draja Mihailovic is no longer limited solely to the area of Old Serbia. Activity of the Draja Mihailovich organization extends to the territory of Southern Serbia and Albania as far as SkopljePrilep, Eastern Herzegovina as well as Eastern Bosnia.
"The situation in Croatia is unchanged. The entire Croatian area is in a state of fermentation, insofar as it has not already come to open rebellion. The prevailing insecurity of law and the hopeless failure of the public administration are to be regarded as the chief reasons for this.
"Further difficulties result for the Croatian state from the evacuation of large stretches of territory south of the demarcation line by the Italians. These territories must now be given additional protection by the Croatian Armed Forces.
Since for the time being there is a lack of adequate troop protection in these territories, the retreating insurgents will look for a new refuge here and form new centers of unrest."
Then there is a specification of these centers of unrest, on the next page 13, Section 4 and Section 5. "Eastern Bosnia: The area was pacified. Relatively slight disturbances of the calm by attack on villages could be eliminated. As a result of the retreat of the Italians south of Sarajevo the enemy forces who were pinned down up to now have been freed. Quite recently enemy pressure has been noticeable near Trnovo and Igman-plannina. Minor engagements took place. Arbitrary procedure of Ustasha units (shootings, destruction, looting) created unrest among the population. The incidents were stopped by the intervention of German troops.
"Western Bosnia. The enemy in Kozara and Prozara-Planina is surrounded. Attempts to break out failed. The surrounded enemy group is apparently under the superior command of insurgents whose headquaters are apparently in the Grmec Mountains. It can be clearly seen that the enemy is trying to relieve the surrounded troops, as relatively strong enemy groups are moving toward the Grmec Mountains from a southwestern and southeastern direction.
"An intensification of the insurgent situation is to be noted in the area north of the Save. Enemy troops are becoming more active in the Papuk-Psunje Mountains, which constitutes a serious threat to the Agram-Belgrade line. Several acts of sabotage are to be noted on the railroad between Novska and Nova Gradiska." That was page 13, the last page.
Page 14, another situation report from the General in Serbia to the Armed Forces Commander South East, dated the 20 July 1942: I. Enemy Situation. In Serbia the activity of the Communist movement has generally undergone a further weakening.
The comparatively small bands appearing in the most widely different places in the country, as well as the attacks and acts sabotage committed, have no very great significance.
"On the other hand, Croatia, as before, still represents a Communist area of revolt; after the defeat of the enemy in the KozaraProzara Planina the following areas still appear as chief centers of unrest: "Then there is a list of the areas. "Section 2. Serbian area. Just as before the Draja Mihailovic organization is at work. In recruitment of followers a certain completion of the organization appears to have been reached. Equipment and armament might be described, as before, as inadequate. Recruitment extends to all classes of the population, even to the loyalist Chetnik and Ljotic. The over-all impression remains that a general national insurrection in Serbia is not imminent in the immediate future."
Document Book 3, Document 68, on pages 15 and 16. On our excerpt from war diary for July, 1942. Submitted to establish the same proof. "Persons captured in combat and an effective occupation. In an intermediate situation report from the 5 June, 1942. "Development of the Situation in the Kozara-Prosara area. The surprising seizure of Prijedor and Ljubija on 10 and 11 June 1942 caused, after a first shock, an increased activity by Partisans in the Kostaj-nica-Grmec-Kozara-Prosara area. Their combative attitude was further increased by continued reinforcements from the south caused by the evacuation of the 3rd zone by the Italians and by the times, very quick overwhelming of Croatian garrisons." Then owned.
Section 5. Losses", specified in some detail. I will not read them. They are considerable, both with Germans and the Croatians; but enemy losses who that there were 330 prisoners and arrested persons, without counting the civilian deserters. Will the Tribunal please note that fact? That was Exhibit No. 20. No, I beg pardon, it was Exhibit 19, which I stated in the first place. I beg pardon, it is after all. I beg the pardon the Tribunal.
I shall now turn to Document 71, Document Book 3, pages 23 to 24, to be Exhibit 21. To establish the same points of evidence. Please note that movement of certain German units into an area controlled by the partisans was sufficient. Page 23, a survey of the situation terminated on 8 of July 1942: From Wehrmacht Commander Southeast to OUW. "By and large unchanged in Serbia. Isolated attacks. Quiet in the Bulgarian occupation territory after clearing action. Mihailovic organization extends over Serbia, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina; however, no operations to this date.
"In East Bosnia new invasion of rebels from the Italian sector into area west and south of Sarajevo repulsed. A number of rebels retreated back into Italian territory. Parts broke through in the direction NW of Fojnica. Situation aggravated in West Bosnia in the rear of the combat group through reinforcement and relief attempts of the rebels from the Italian sector, especially around Bos. Novi and Kostajnica."
Page 24 of the same exhibit, No. 21. Another situation report addressed to the same agency and originating from the same agency, that is from Wehrmacht Commander Southeast to the OUW, terminated on 24th July 1942. "Enemy Situation. Quiet in Serbia with exception of isolated attacks around Nisch. Additions to Mihailovic movement also confirmed in Herzegovina and Montenegro (contact with British submarines here known). There are also contacts with the new Bulgarian and New Albanian territories. Organization and supply of arms not yet sufficient for open rebellion. No British flights determined. Headquarters Frusha Gore. Increased action by German units had pacifying effect.
That was page 24. I shall now turn to the last document submitted in this connection, in Document Book 3, Document 72, on the next pages, that is, pages 25 to 30, German and English.
It is comprehensive document and I ought to say that it is an Activity Report by Department I-a, describing the development of the situation for an extensive period, that is, from February 1942 to August, 1942. The report shows that there was law and order in Serbia. That law and order was restored in Bosnia, in spite of partial failure on the part of the Italians. This proves the effectiveness of the occupation, since the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast managed to do that with his forces.
May I first correct a clerical error on page 25, at the top. It ought to read Document NOKW 834, instead of 1440, and it is Exhibit 211. Prosecution 211 and not 208. That is a clerical error. This document will be assigned our Exhibit No. 22. Now I come to activity reports from various periods. They are reports by the Armed Forces Commander Southeast. I shall begin with the first. "14th of February: Armed Force Commander Southeast reports by teletype to OKH and Commander in Chief of the Air Force in supplementation of the semimonthly report of 11 February, that during operations in East Bosnia former Serbian Major Dangic, leader of the national Serbian insurgents, made an offer to the Plenipotentiary Commanding General to contribute support under German leadership and also did not fight against German troops. Offer was rejected by Plenipotentiary Commanding General in consideration of Croatian soverignty."
This is followed by the report of the first of March 1942, survey of the situation in the area of the Wehrmacht Commander Southeast terminated on 28 February 1942. "Over-allSituation. Attacks and Sabotage in Serbia in Area south of Belgrade and around Nisch. Traffic conditions improved. In Croatia reorganization of dispersed bands. Heavy fighting with insurgents."
I shall now turn to page 26, survey from period 1 to 30 April, 1942. "Overall Situation: Only local fighting in our own energetic raids in Serbia. In Croatia unaltered lively band activities in Bosnia.
Preparations for German-Italian-Croatian operation in East Bosnia proceed according to plan."
"Capture of Dangic: Capture of Serbian rebel leader Dangic is reported by teletype to Armed Forces H.Q., Supreme General Staff, Foreign Countries Section. Military Commander Southeast has ordered immediate transfer of Dangic to a P.W. Camp in Germany." Then comes another situation survey in Serbia.
"Overall Situation: (a) Generally quiet in Serbia. Successful Bulgarian operation near Prokuplje. (b) In Croatia cleaning up of East Bosnia by German and Croatian troops of Combat Group of General Bader in progress. Part of insurgents retreated to south and southeast over German-Italian demarcation line."
On page 27 is an activity report terminated 7th May, 1942. "Overall Situation: Generally quiet in Serbia. Isolated attacks in Bulgarian occupied territory. In Mitrovica and Novi Bazar demonstrations against Serbs by Moslem population on 25 April. In Croatia: Cleaning up of East Bosnia by German, Italian and Croatian troops of General Bader's Combat Group is continued successfully. Escape of large bands from Bosnia southward into Italian occupied territory could not be prevented on account of the hesitancy of 22nd and 5th Italian division to advance." I shall now touch on a very important report showing that German troops were adequate for an effective occupation. "Evaluation of the situation in Serbia and Bosnia. Military Commander SE considers himself in position, with forces at his disposal, including SS division, to enforce peace in Serbia and Croatia; requests, however, to resist recall of troops from Southeast area, as otherwise makeshift exchanges of forces between North and South Balkans, necessary to conduct of battle and continuation of reinforcement of Crete, will be impossible." That was page 270.