Subject: Prosecution of criminal acts against the Reich or against the occupying power in occupied territories
1 enclosure
It is the long considered will of the Fuehrer that in case of attacks against the Reich or the occupation force in the occupied territories, other measures than those in present use should be taken. The Fuehrer is of the following opinion: in connection with such activities imprisonment, even life imprisonment, is considered as a sign of weakness. An effective and lasting deterrent can only be achieved by death sentences or by measures which will keep the relatives of the perpetrator and the population in suspense concerning the fate of the perpetrator. This purpose is served by deportation to Germany.
The attached directives for the prosecution of crimes correspond to this conception of the Fuehrer. They were examined and approved by him.
[Signed] Keitel
Distribution[449]
[Handwritten notes] Clarify as soon as possible.
1. Are the provisions concerning shooting of hostages, etc., annulled by that order?
2. Is it clear to the Army High Command, especially to the Quartermaster General, who has been omitted in the distribution?
[Initial] W [Warlimont] 17 December