At the same time, the supreme command takes the responsibility for the affairs of the Reichs Ministry of War, and by my order the chief of the supreme command of the Armed Forces exercises the authority formerly belonging to the Reichs Minister.
It is the supreme command of the Armed Forces' duty to carry out in peace time, in accordance with my instructions, the preparation of the defense system of the Reich.
Berlin, 4 February 1938.
The Fuehrer and Reichs Chancellor
ADOLF HITLER
The Reichs Minister and Chief of the Reichs Chancellery
DR. LAMMERS
The Chief of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces
KEITEL
REICHSGESETZBLATT, 5th February 1938