In connection with home and foreign press reports concerning the treatment of terrorist airmen who are falling into the hands of the population an unambiguous fixation is needed of the concept of what facts constitute a criminal act in this sense. At the same time the procedure should be established as to the publication of such cases which have led either to a lynching by the population or—in case of apprehension of terrorist airmen by armed forces or police—to a special treatment by the SD.
In agreement with the Commander in Chief of the Air Force [Goering], I intend to write the communication a draft of which is attached which should be an instruction to the commander of the airmen reception camp at Oberursel. It concerns such cases in which, according to an investigation made in this camp, it is found suitable to segregate the culprit, owing to confirmation of suspicion, and to transfer him to the SD.
Previous to any publicity in the press, by radio, etc., it must be insured that name, unit, place of crime, and other detailed circumstances present a perfectly clear picture which publication may effect the intended result of deterring from further murders. In this connection, the formulating of publication should make allowance for the circumstance that enemy protests of all kinds are to be expected. Therefore, and in agreement with the chief of the Security Police and the SD and with the director of censorship, it is intended that prior to any publication and until further notice an agreement is to be reached between the High Command of the Air Force, the Operations Staff of the Armed Forces, the Foreign Office, and the SD, in order to settle facts, date and form of publication.
You are requested to confirm, if possible not later than 18th instant, that you agree with the above principles as well as with the procedure intended for publications.
1 enclosure
3. Letter from Goering’s Office to Keitel, 19 June 1944
The Reich Marshal of Greater Germany
Adjutant’s Office
Adj. Off. No. 7605/44 secret
Command matter