In Northern Norway an enemy sabotage-unit was engaged and destroyed on approaching the coast.
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 531-PS
Armed Forces Operational Staff
Qm (Adm. 1)
No. 006688/44 Top Secret
Fuehrer's Hq, 23 June 1944
TOP SECRET
3 copies—1st copy
Reference: Fuehrer Order No. 003832/42/OKW/WFSt of 18 Oct 42.
Subject: Treatment of Commando Men.
Conference memorandum
Supreme Command West reports by teletype message No 1750/44 Top Secret of 23 June 44:
The treatment of enemy commando groups has so far been carried out according to the order referred to. With the large-scale landing achieved, a new situation has arisen. The order referred to directs in number 5 that enemy soldiers who are taken prisoner in open combat or surrender within the limits of normal combat operations (large-scale landing operations and undertakings) are not to be treated according to numbers 3 and 4. It must be established in a form easily understood by the troops how far the concept "within the limits of normal combat operations, etc." is to be extended. The view of the Supreme Command West is as follows:
A. The commitment of air-borne troops and commandos effected in Normandy falls clearly under number 5.
B. It is likewise not to be contested that paratroop units or groups set down further to the rear are connected with the large-scale landing operation effected, if they have the mission of breaking supply lines or carrying out deceptive maneuvers etc. The German combat soldier will not always be able, during battle, to decide whether it is a question of sabotage groups parachuted down or larger air-borne operations in closer or more distant connection with a landing from the sea already carried out or still being carried out.