In Belgium and in the Netherlands the German authorities used a direct procedure. The compulsory labor service was organized by ordinances of the occupying power.
In Belgium these were ordinances of the military commander and in the Netherlands ordinances of the Reich Commissioner. I remind the Tribunal of the fact that the authority of the military commander in Belgium extended to the north of France.
An ordinance of 6 March 1942 established the principle of compulsory labor in Belgium. It was published in the Belgian Verordnungsblatt of 1942, Page 845. I submit it to the Tribunal as Document Number RF-73, and I ask the Tribunal to take judicial notice of it. The ordinance of 6 March excluded the possibility of forced deportation of workers to Germany. However, such deportation was ordered by a decree of 6 October 1942, which was published in the Belgian Verordnungsblatt of 1942, Page 1060. I submitted it to the Tribunal as Document Number RF-57 in the course of my explanations.
These carryings-on in Belgium gave rise to interventions and protests by leading Belgian personalities, among others the King of Belgium and Cardinal Van Roay.
The ordinances instituting compulsory labor in Belgium and the north of France bore the signature of General Von Falkenhausen, but the latter proclaimed his ordinance of 6 October on the order of Sauckel. I refer once more to the testimony of General Von Falkenhausen, which I have submitted to the Tribunal as Document Number RF-15. I ask your permission to quote the following passages, first page, fifth paragraph:
“Q: ‘On 6 October 1942 a decree was published which instituted compulsory labor in Belgium and in the departments of northern France for men between the ages of 18 and 50 years and for single women from 21 to 25 years.’
“A: ‘I was Commander-in-Chief for northern France and Belgium.’
“Q: ‘Does the witness recall having promulgated this decree?’