According to information received, numerous German political refugees are supposed to be amongst the Free French units in Africa. The Fuehrer has ordered that they are to be treated with the greatest severity. They are therefore to be disposed of without mercy in battle. Where this has not happened, they are to be shot nevertheless on the command of the nearest German officer immediately and without further ado, as long as they do not have to be kept back for the time being for purposes of intelligence. Handing a written copy of this order is forbidden.
Commanders are to be informed verbally.
It is unsigned. The order which the Army puts on that, in sending it out, is to kill. I only heard of those rumours from the American papers after I was taken prisoner. According to these, Rommel's young son was supposed to have said that his father took poison in order not to be hanged. My Lord, I have no further questions.