“The French, that is, the Delegation of the Vichy Government have in this memorandum brought on the German Wehrmacht the grave charge of having carried out numerous executions of French subjects, executions which are unjustified by law and therefore murders. It was in the interest of Germany to reply as promptly as possible to such charges. In the long period which has elapsed since the receipt of the French note it should have been possible, in spite of the development of the military situation and the movement of troops resulting therefrom, to single out at least part of these charges and to refute them by examination of the facts. If merely one fraction of the charge had been refuted”—this sentence is important—“it would have been possible to show the French that all their claims were based upon doubtful data. By the fact that nothing at all was done in this matter by the Germans, the enemy must have the impression that we are not in a position to answer these charges.
“The study of this matter shows that there is often a considerable lack of understanding of the importance of counteracting all enemy propaganda and charges against the German Army by immediately refuting alleged German atrocities.
“The German Armistice Commission is hereby entrusted to continue the study of this matter with all energy. We ask that every assistance be given them for speeding up this work now, within their own field of duty. The fact that Pz. AOK 6 is no longer under High Command West is no reason for impeding the making of the necessary investigations for clearing up and refuting the French charges.”
THE PRESIDENT: M. Dubost, you stated, I think, that this document implicated Keitel.
M. DUBOST: It is signed by Keitel, Sir.
THE PRESIDENT: Signed by him, yes, but how does it implicate him in the affair of Oradour?
M. DUBOST: Mr. President, the French Commission, together with the de facto Vichy Government, frequently brought to the attention of the German authorities not only the atrocities of Oradbur-sur-Glane, but numerous other atrocities. Orders were given by Keitel that these facts, which constitute absolute reality not merely in the eyes of the French but in the eyes of all those who have objectively and impartially inquired into the matter, should be examined for the purpose of refuting part of these charges. This letter refers to the protest lodged earlier by the French, and we read part of it before you in the course of this examination of the question, particularly the facts noted in the letter of General Bridoux which mentions the murder of French people at Marsoulas in the department of Haute-Garonne, among them fourteen children.