The progress and the fury of these fights already prove that we are here dealing with a planned organisation. It is proved beyond doubt by the following facts:
1. In a church in Louvain 300 rifles were found, and in Herent numerous rifles, pistols, and a great quantity of ammunition were discovered by the 18th Division.
2. A large number of the civilians, who took part in the rising and were shot, were ascertained to be soldiers.
3. In the haversacks of fallen soldiers civilian clothes, especially garments of priests, were found. The priests themselves led and incited the population. In Bueken, for instance, the signal to fire was given by the priest leaving the church. In spite of his assurance that no armed men were in the church, five were caught. They fired from the roof of the church. All these people were shot.
Acting-Sergeant-Major Predöhl, Reserve Regiment of Hussars No. 6, reported that he was fired at by twelve priests while on patrol duty. After they had been arrested with the help of the field-battery column of the III. Reserve Corps, which was close by, they were taken to the III. Reserve Corps to be tried, but they were liberated by the court-martial, as it could not be proved who had fired. These people had identification discs and wore military boots and under-garments.
4. During the fights a uniform was often found close to the empty haversack, but no corpse; the owner had no doubt disappeared in civilian dress.
5. Amongst those persons caught red-handed and shot immediately were quite a number in very disarranged workmen's clothes. By their delicate hands, their exceptionally fine and superior underclothes, one could recognise with certainty that the garb of a workman was not their usual one. Inhabitants of the place declared they did not know these people and had never seen them there before. The Garde Civique formed the nucleus of these bands of francs-tireurs, at the head of which was evidently the Commandant of Louvain, whose baggage was taken as booty to the Hôtel Métropole. It is obvious how easy it is for bodies like the Garde Civique, who usually wear civilian clothing, to continue to wear it or put it on again, as best suits their purpose. Louvain was obviously the centre of this organisation, which was most effectively made use of here because the Commandant was on the spot.
The sortie from Antwerp on August 25th was evidently the signal for the commencement of activities.
Consequently the whole population had to be removed from the district; to as large an extent as possible they were taken as prisoners to Germany. For as Antwerp is not completely shut off, they could always rise again, and would do it with the courage of despair. Their removal to Antwerp would therefore be no real remedy.
Read over, approved, signed.