“Command authority over the entire Armed Forces is from now on exercised directly by me personally.
“The Armed Forces Department in the Reich War Ministry with its functions becomes ‘The High Command of the Armed Forces’ and comes directly under my command as my military staff.
“The head of the Staff of the High Command of the Armed Forces is the Chief of the former Armed Forces Department, with the title of Chief of the High Command of the Armed Forces. His status is equal to that of Reich Minister.
“The High Command of the Armed Forces also takes over the affairs of the Reich War Ministry. The Chief of the High Command of the Armed Forces as my representative exercises the functions hitherto exercised by the Reich War Minister.
“The High Command of the Armed Forces is responsible in peace time for the unified preparation of the defense of the Reich in all areas according to my directives.
“Berlin, 4 February 1938.
“The Fuehrer and Reich Chancellor
“(S) Adolf Hitler
“The Reich Minister and Chief of the Reich Chancellery
“(S) Dr. Lammers