Working Committee Oldenburg
B.Nr. 15/41 g.Kdos. 21.3.41
2 copies
1st. copy.
TOP SECRET
Note for Files.
Regarding the discussion held on the 21.3.41. at 11 o'clock with the head of the department.
Top Secret
Present: General Thomas, Colonel Huenermann, Lt. Col. Luther,
Major v. Gusevius.
From the Quartermaster General: Major v. Altenstadt, Min. Dir. Sarnow.
Major v. a. develops the idea of the Quartermaster General regarding the employment of his organization. The Fuehrer had laid down that he would appoint his three commissioners in about four weeks time. Only then would he lay down the directives for their activities.
The Quartermaster General thinks it necessary to create a modest economic organization in the operational area as well, so as to be able to supply the needs of the fighting forces. This organization would later be replaced by the office of the industrial armaments organization. This was to a certain extent a measure of self-help by the Quartermaster General. He would also employ field-commands, which would be manned by individual officials. As soon as the operational area has moved on, the handing over of large areas has been planned. At this time the Quartermaster General's organizations will be withdrawn and their tasks will be taken over by the industrial armaments organization.
Regarding the present organization of the areas he mentioned the following:
Operational Area: Army area
Rear area of the Army
Political Area: in which the Wehrmacht commanders
operate.
In the rear area of the army, the Reichsleader of the SS is first of all responsible for the entire control, except for the economic field. The Wehrmacht commanders are made responsible for the exploitation of the country's industry. According to the general interpretation, this only means a utilization "for purposes of the Wehrmacht". Quartermaster General makes the following proposal:
The department IV-Wi at Army Commands will be enlarged, so that they are able to direct industry in the operational area. For this purpose the V.O. are to be strengthened by suitable personnel who can be employed in the spheres of banking, customs and finance.