“Bordeaux, 23 October 1941.
“To the Prefect of the Gironde, Bordeaux.
“As expiation for the cowardly murder of the Councillor of War, Reimers, the Military Commander in France has ordered 50 hostages to be executed. The execution will take place tomorrow.
“In case the murderers should not be arrested in the very near future, additional measures will be taken, as in the case of Nantes.
“I have the honor of making this decision known to you.