The location of the dug-out used by the so-called select "Party Directorate" is now known. It is to be forced open tomorrow. The Jews testify that they emerge at night to get fresh air, since it is unbearable to stay permanently within the dug-outs owing to the long duration of the operation. On the average the raiding parties shoot 30 to 50 Jews each night. From these statements it was to be inferred that a considerable number of Jews are still underground in the Ghetto. Today we blew up a concrete building which we had not been able to destroy by fire. In this operation we learned that the blowing up of a building is a very lengthy process and takes an enormous amount of explosives. The best and only method for destroying the Jews therefore still remains the setting of fires.
Our strength: as on the preceding day.
Our losses: 1 Waffen-SS man wounded.
Termination of operation: 2100 hours, will be continued on 8 May 1943 1000 hours.
The SS and Police Fuehrer in the
District of Warsaw.
Signed: Stroop
SS-Brigadefuehrer and Majorgeneral of Police.
Certified copy;
SS-Sturmbannfuehrer.
Copy
Teletype message
From: The SS and Police Fuehrer in the District of Warsaw
Warsaw, 8 May 1943.
Ref. No.: I ab/St/Gr—16 07—Journal No. 624/43 secret.
Re: Large-scale Ghetto Operation.
To: The Higher SS and Police Fuehrer East, SS Obergruppenfuehrer and General of Police Krueger—or deputy.
Cracow