“The troops therefore have the right and the duty to use, in this struggle, any and unlimited means, even against women and children, if only conducive to success.”
I emphasize that the directive mentions all possible means of retribution against women and children. I continue to quote:
“Scruples of any sort whatsoever are a crime against the German people and against the front-line soldier who bears the consequences of attacks by guerillas and who has no comprehension for any regard shown to the guerillas or their associates.
“These principles must serve as a basis for using the ‘Directive for Combating Guerillas in the East.’
“2. No German participating in combat action against guerillas or their associates is to be held responsible for acts of violence either from a disciplinary or a judicial point of view.
“Commanders of troops engaged in combat action against the bands are obliged to see to it that all officers of units under their command be immediately and thoroughly notified of this order, that their legal advisers be immediately acquainted therewith, and that no judgments be passed which are in contradiction to this order.
“Signed, Keitel.”
I hereby conclude the presentation of the documents referring to the first two sections of the list read into the record at the opening of the report. The materials which I have hitherto submitted to the Tribunal were to prove three facts:
1. Direct instigation, by the major criminals, to the perpetration of appalling crimes against wide circles of the peaceful population, by the German Armed Forces.
2. Special education by the Hitler leadership of mass criminal units for the practical realization of its plans for the extermination of peoples.