Conference on 9 October 1942

SECRET

I. AFRICA BRIGADE

The Fuehrer has ordered the formation of an Africa Brigade composed of members of the age groups 1908 and younger who had hitherto been classified as unworthy of military service. The military unworthy assigned to the brigade in the African theater should be given the opportunity to redeem themselves, and thereby obtain permanent military worthiness. Those called up by virtue of the Fuehrer’s orders are to be classified as military worthy for the duration of their military service.

For the execution of the Fuehrer’s order, the High Command of the Armed Forces has issued the order of 2 October 1942—Az 12 i 10.34 AHA/Ag/E (Ia)—Nr.550/42 g Kdos (top secret). Accordingly, the following will be called up:

1. Military unworthy German citizens of the age group 1908 or younger who have been sent to the penitentiary for 3 years or less and have not been penalized for the same or similar offenses either before or after the original offense.

2. Military unworthy German citizens of the same age group who have been sentenced to the penitentiary for 3 to 5 years for a first offense, and have no previous or later sentences.

3. Military unworthy German citizens of the same age group who have been sentenced to the penitentiary for 3 years (ref. par. 1) and who still are serving their sentences, in case they have served 1 year with good conduct.

Concerning paragraphs 1–3, those called up must be fit for field and tropical service. Individuals with homosexual tendencies, or who were punished for high treason, or have been ordered to be held in custody for security reasons, or to be castrated are not to be called up. For those unfit to serve who have been sentenced to and have served up to 1½ years in the penitentiary and have otherwise served sentences for only minor offenses, the restoration of military worthiness will continue as a rule through the pardon channels. These may, as usual, be placed in various units of the army.

The measures necessary in the administration of justice according to this order are put into effect—