“The fact that the operational areas in the East are so far-flung, the battle strategy which this necessitates, and the peculiar qualities of the enemy, confront the courts-martial with problems which, being short-staffed, they cannot solve while hostilities are in progress and until some degree of pacification has been achieved in the conquered areas, unless jurisdiction is confined, in the first instance, to its main task.
“This is possible only if the troops themselves take ruthless action against any threat from the enemy population.
“For these reasons I herewith issue the following order effective for the area ‘Barbarossa’ (area of operations, Army rear area, and area of political administration):
“I. Treatment of offenses committed by enemy civilians.
“1. Until further notice the military courts and the courts-martial will not be competent for crimes committed by enemy civilians.