Scientific treatment of the objects of art took place simultaneously with the salvage activities. The result is shown in the catalog with pictorial supplement, which clearly proves the penetration of the East by the German will for culture.
It is superfluous to speak of an independent Polish development of art in the historic epochs of style. There are creations of German impressions and Dutch or Flemish works which according to their spirit and character, equally do not express anything but German spirit and German culture. French and Italian works are in the minority.
The state of preservation of the secured objects of art was generally poor. The Poles' hasty salvage efforts prior to the out-break of hostilities and neglect over a considerable time have caused damage of all sorts which required immediate remedy. For this reason, our own shops for restoring purposes, were established in Cracow and Warsaw, so that these works of art could receive care corresponding to their value.
The catalog contains a qualitative selection corresponding to the standards of leading German museums. German art and everything having a rank within the entire European development of art was given preference.
Art objects excluded by this qualitative selection were also scientifically treated, catalogued, and protected against loss or damage.
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 1249-PS
Copy
1 June 1942
The Chief President of the Province of Upper Silesia.
1. I b 2
Subject: Police Courts-martial.
Enclosure: Decree dated 1 June 1942.
In agreement with the Reichminister of the Interior and the Reichminister of Justice I am hereby establishing a police courts-martial at Kattowitz for the annexed Eastern territories of my province, effective immediately.
The administrative competence of the police courts-martial is seen from the enclosed decree.
In the sense of paragraph 1 of the decree, severe excesses of Poles and Jews as well as other criminal acts by Poles and Jews which endanger seriously the German reconstruction are: