This means that their chance of escaping with their lives is nil. Under no circumstances can it be permitted, therefore, that a dynamite, sabotage, or terrorist unit simply allows itself to be captured, expecting to be treated according to rules of the Geneva Convention. It must under all circumstances be ruthlessly exterminated.
The report on this subject appearing in the Armed Forces communique will briefly and laconically state that a sabotage, terror, or destruction unit has been encountered and exterminated to the last man.
I therefore expect the commanding officers of armies subordinated to them as well as individual commanders not only to realize the necessity of taking such measures, but to carry out this order with all energy. Officers and noncommissioned officers who fail through some weakness are to be reported without fail, or under circumstances—when there is danger in delay—to be at once made strictly accountable. The Homeland as well as the fighting soldier at the front has the right to expect that behind their back the essentials of nourishment as well as the supply of war-important weapons and ammunition remains secure.
These are the reason for the issuance of this decree.
If it should become necessary, for reasons of interrogation, to initially spare one man or two, then they are to be shot immediately after interrogation.
(signed) A. Hitler
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 506-PS
Draft
WFSt/Qu (Verw. 1)
Nr 006580/44 g.Kdos
Fuehrer Headquarters, 22 June 1944
TOP SECRET
2 copies—1st copy
Reference: WR 2 f 10.34 (III/10) Nr 158/44 g.Kdos.-119/44 V—of
17 June 1944