|
SPECIAL
ORDERS FOR GERMAN-AMERICAN RELATIONS
1. To remember always that
Germany, though
conquered, is still a dangerous enemy nation.
a. It is known that an underground organization for the continuation of
the Nazi program for world domination is already in existence. This group
will take advantage of every relaxation of vigilance on our part to carry
on undercover war against us.
b. The
occupational forces are not on a good-will
mission.
2.
Never to trust Germans, collectively or
individually.
a. For most of the past century,
Germany has
sought to attain world domination by conquest. This has been the third
major attempt in the memory of men still living. To many Germans
this defeat will only be on interlude - a time to prepare for the next
war.
b. Except for such
losses of life and property suffered by them, the Germans have no regrets
for the havoc they have wrought in the
world.
c. The German has been
taught that the national goal of domination must be attained regardless of
the depths of treachery, murder and destruction necessary. He has been
taught to sacrifice everything — ideals, honor, and even his wife and
children for the State. Defeat will not erase that
idea.
3.
To defeat German efforts to poison my thoughts or influence my
attitude.
a. The Nazis have found that the most powerful propaganda weapon is
distortion of the truth. They have made skillful use of it and will
re-double their efforts in. the event of an occupation In order to
influence the thinking of the occupational forces. There will probably be
deliberate, studied and continuous efforts to influence our sympathies and
to minimize the consequences of
defeat
b. You may expect all
manner of approach — conversations to be overheard, underground
publications to be found; there will be appeals to generosity and fair
play; to pity for victims of devastation; to racial end cultural
similarities; and to sympathy for an allegedly oppressed
people.
c. There will be
attempts at sowing discord among Allied nations; of undermining Allied
determination to enforce the surrender; at inducing a reduction in
occupational forces; at lowering morale and efficiency of the occupying
forces; at proving that Nazism was never wanted by the “gentle and
cultured” German people.
4.
To avoid acts of violence, except when required by military
necessity.
For
you are on American soldier, not a Nazi.
5.
To conduct myself at all times so as to command the respect of the German
people for myself, for the
United
States, and for the
Allied Cause.
a. The Germans hold all things military in deep respect. That respect
must be maintained at all times or the Allied Cause is lost and the first
steps are taken toward World War III. Each soldier must watch every action
of himself and of his comrades. The German will be watching constantly,
even though you may not see him. Let him see a good American
Soldier.
b. Drunkenness will not
be tolerated. Penalties will be severe.
6.
Never to associate with Germans.
a. We must bring home to the Germans that their support of Nazi
leaders, their tolerance of racial hatreds and persecutions, and their
unquestioning acceptance of the wanton aggressions on other nations, have
earned for them the contempt and distrust of the civilized world. We must
never forget that the German people support the Nazi
principles.
b. Contacts with
Germans will be made only on official business. Immediate compliance with
all official orders and instructions and surrender terms will be demanded
of them and will be firmly
enforced.
c. American soldiers
must not associate with Germans. Specifically, it is not permissible to
shake hands with them, to visit their homes, to exchange gifts with them,
to engage in games or sports with them, to attend their dances or social
events, or to accompany them on the street or elsewhere. Particularly,
avoid all discussion or argument with them. Give the Germans no chance to
trick you into relaxing your guard.
7.
To be fair but firm with Germans.
a. Experience has shown that Germans regard kindness as weakness.
Every soldier must prove by his actions that the Americans are strong.
This will be accomplished if every soldier treats the Germans with
firmness and stern courtesy at all
times.
b. Firmness must be
tempered with a strict justice. Americans do not resort to Nazi gangster
methods in dealing with any people. Remember, your fair but firm treatment
of the German people will command the proper respect due a member of a
conquering nation.
Headquarters
Twelfth
Army Group
Europe
I need not speak of your post accomplishments, other then to say you have
reflected great credit upon yourself and your
command.
We are now fighting on German soil, and we are in contact not only with
the soldiers of our enemy but also civilians of
Germany. As
conquerors, we must now consider our relations with the people of
Germany.
It
is imperative that you do not allow yourself to become friendly with the
Germans but at the same time you must not persecute them. American
soldiers can and have beaten German soldiers on the field of battle. It is
equally important that you complete the victory over Nazi
ideas.
To guide you I have issued these
special "battle" orders, they may appear to lead along a narrow path, but
they are NECESSARY. You personally must prove to the German people that
their acceptance of Nazi leadership is responsible for their defeat, and
that it has earned for them the distrust of the rest of the
world.
|