It is headed “The Führer and Commander-in-Chief of the German Armed Forces,” with a number of initials, the meaning of which I don’t know, except OKW. It seems to be indicated to go to GK chiefs, which I suppose to be General Kommando chiefs:
“The Führer’s headquarters, 18 December 1940. Secret. Only through officer. Nine copies. 4th copy. Directive Number 21, Case Barbarossa.
“The German Armed Forces must be prepared to crush Soviet Russia in a quick campaign before the end of the war against England. (Case Barbarossa.)
“For this purpose the Army will have to employ all available units with the reservation that the occupied territories will have to be safeguarded against surprise attacks.
“For the Eastern campaign the Air Force will have to free such strong forces for the support of the Army that a quick completion of the ground operations may be expected and that damage of the eastern German territories will be avoided as much as possible. This concentration of the main effort in the East is limited by the following reservation: That the entire battle and armament area dominated by us must remain sufficiently protected against enemy air attacks and that the attacks on England, and especially the supply for them, must not be permitted to break down.
“Concentration of the main effort of the Navy remains unequivocally against England also during an Eastern campaign.
“If occasion arises I will order the concentration of troops for action against Soviet Russia eight weeks before the intended beginning of operations.
“Preparations requiring more time to start are—if this has not yet been done—to begin presently and are to be completed by 15 May 1941.
“Great caution has to be exercised that the intention of an attack will not be recognized.
“The preparations of the High Command are to be made on the following basis: