dtufail/nuremberg-trials-corpus huggingface dataset:
delegation to the German armistice delegation for economic affairs. To: Monsieur Hemmen, Minister Plenipotentiary, president of the German armistice delegation for economic affairs. Sir, I have the honour to inform you of the following by order of my government. Ever since August 1940 the French government has continuously drawn the attention of the German Government to the extremely grave consequence which must necessarily accrue to French economics and finance from payments towards the costs of the occupation. The French delegation to the German armistice delegation, for economic affairs has time and again made personal and written representations on this point; the question has also been taken up regularly by members of the French government and their representatives every time they had a chance to discuss Franco-German problems with the German authorities; lastly, the French finance minister considered it his duty, in view of the seriousness of the situation, to make a direct appeal to the German finance minister. The French government declared, as soon as it was informed of the German Government's demands, that it only agreed under duress to make payments out of proportion to the obligations accruing to it out of the armistice agreement; it has protested against the German refusal to differentiate between occupation and operational troops and against the rate of exchange imposed between the franc and the mark, which enabled the German army, by reason of the very low level of French prices, to effect enormous requisitions in the occupied territory. Finally, it has proved again and again that the daily payments of 20 million Reichsmarks exceeded the total requirements of occupation and operational troops, since the sums placed at the disposal of the German authorities were never sent in their entirety, although they were even used otherwise than for the expenses of the German army in France (purchases of goods by the Reich, purchases of stocks and shares, etc.). These representations remained without effect, and those protests were never accepted. Only one series of discussions was opened in May 1941; it continued for over three months and had no other result than the reduction of the daily payments to 15 million Reichsmark and an admission by the
of stocks and shares, etc.). These representations remained without effect, and those protests were never accepted. Only one series of discussions was opened in May 1941; it continued for over three months and had no other result than the reduction of the daily payments to 15 million Reichsmark and an admission by the German government that this amount could very well be reduced a lot more. Even these concessions were made dependent by the Germans on extremely heavy compensations in the form of transfers which the French Government only accepted for a limited period and in order to facilitate an agreement. More than seven months have gone by and this question is still outstanding. It is now impossible to put off a decision any longer, since the effects on French economics and finance of the payments exacted under occupation costs are now fully visible. On February 28th, in other words after 20 months of occupation France will have paid 219,200,000,000 francs and another 9,000,000,000 odd under the heading of military accommodation costs. Payments for the year 1942 based on present facts and exclusive of accommodation costs will reach 110,000,000,000, which is considerably more than the total fiscal receipts of the French state. PART 30 Dir. Ha Pol Nr. Buero RAM with the request for further transmission. Berlin, 10 March 1942 Notes Concerning occupational cost regulation With the approval of the Reich minister for Foreign Affairs all the departments took up again the question concerning the occupational costs. According to the opinion of all the ministries expressed unanimously, negotiations with France concerning the occupational costs have become necessary, because a suspension or diminution of the payments on the part of the French was to be feared on one hand (Bouthillier-letter) and because the OKW on the other hand protested again with determination against the, in July 1941, proposed reduction of the installments to 10 million RM's per day because of its current needs in France. After careful deliberation of the question, all departments, the Armed Forces included, took the point of view that the reduction to 10 billion RM's should not be conceded to the French as a final settlement on the occasion of new negotiations, but that they
day because of its current needs in France. After careful deliberation of the question, all departments, the Armed Forces included, took the point of view that the reduction to 10 billion RM's should not be conceded to the French as a final settlement on the occasion of new negotiations, but that they should be granted a breathing spell of about 6 months, from 1 April 1942-1 October 1942, which should exclude any further discussion of that question until that date. This is insofar of tactical importance as in that manner the old amount of the installments of 15 to 20 million RM's is being maintained and thereby the important concession of a reduction to 10 million RM as a political concession is left open. It has been agreed upon, that: 1. A current transfer from the existing credit amounting to 2 million RM per day in merchandize and 1 million RM in securities (stocks) and participation must be insisted upon for the meeting of the so-called external occupation costs. 2. The French Government should see to it that the expenditures for the occupational costs figure in the budget in a lawful manner. 3. A general regulation of the absolutely necessary tax-, wage-and price-reform and other measures for the prevention of the danger of an inflation must be demanded simultaneously. The decision proved indisputably that we had no real efficacious counter-measures at our disposal in the case of an arbitrary suspension or diminution of the occupational costs by France. To make ourselves paid by sequestering the bank-note reserve of the Bank of France or by sequestering French State- or private property would only be of temporary efficacy, not to mention the political effect of such a measure of force. This would direct itself very soon against the proper German interest, because the present efficacious French cooperation in the execution of great armament orders and the distribution of orders would suffer strongly by it. Considering these view-points, I ask for the authority to instruct the German Armistice delegation for economy in Paris to conduct the negotiations with the French delegation in that sense. Hereby submitted to the Foreign Minister of the Reich through the State secretary. signed: Wiehl PART 32
suffer strongly by it. Considering these view-points, I ask for the authority to instruct the German Armistice delegation for economy in Paris to conduct the negotiations with the French delegation in that sense. Hereby submitted to the Foreign Minister of the Reich through the State secretary. signed: Wiehl PART 32 Draft/KA Final Copy SR/17 Oct 1942 Paris, 16 October 1942 Del. W. No. 347 secret RS 1) To the Foreign office Berlin (in ink) written in eight copies 3 copies of which to Berlin: 1 FRH v. Mahs 1 Int Ley (2) 1 Ambassador-Paris 1 Capt. Brandt 1 Qva To the decree of 18 September this year-Ha Pol Frie 839/secret and in connection with the report of 24 August this year-Del. W. No. 307 secret RS Subject: Occupation costs in France 2 information copies I. In addition to the suggestions of the German armistice delegation for economy in its above-mentioned report and for the preparation of the execution of the decision of the HPA of the 7 September 1942 in the question of occupation costs, the following suggestions are made: If one starts out, that because of political and financial reasons the French government does not find itself ready for the continuous advance of the occupation cost account above the daily installment of 15 million RM for the purpose of retention of a minimum amount of the account, because it will mean an increase of the cost of occupation, then it will depend during the coming negotiation with the French government upon getting its agreement to the suggestion of the German armistice delegation for economy, to settle the expenditures, unrelated to the occupation, which have been paid thus (or from occupation cost funds, via the clearing, to retain the occupation cost funds for their proper purpose) 1. In connection with this suggestion, it must be attempted to solve two questions: a. One single transfer of a larger amount via clearing to the occupation cost to equalize at least partly the expenditures, unrelated to occupation costs, already paid in the first half year of 1942 from occupation cost funds; b. Continuous monthly transfer via clearing of funds from Germany, which are necessary for the settlement of expenditures, unrelated to occupation costs. At first it will depend upon making it clear to the French that
to occupation costs, already paid in the first half year of 1942 from occupation cost funds; b. Continuous monthly transfer via clearing of funds from Germany, which are necessary for the settlement of expenditures, unrelated to occupation costs. At first it will depend upon making it clear to the French that we are forced to make a difference between expenditures for occupational purposes, and expenditures, unrelated to occupation costs. It is yet to be considered in detail, which instances are to be mentioned to the French as examples of expenditures, unrelated to the occupation costs. Without doubt, these will include in the past the funds out of which the compensations were paid for the requisitioned horses, and in the future the expenditures for food and fodder deliveries consigned for Germany. However, there are strong doubts about mentioning the black market purchases here also. At the end, the only thing to do will be to justify the distribution to the French by generally military reasons, which cannot be described in detail. Of course, such a basis for negotiations makes the accomplishment of the new German demands for the transfer via clearing of the continuously necessary funds of 150 million RM monthly more difficult, because the French will recognize that therewith additional purchases of goods outside the contingencies agreed to are to be paid. Since the costs of the occupation have increased greatly especially since the beginning of the year, there is a definite reason to demand from the French that they also agree for the past to the settlement of at least a part of the expenditures, unrelated to occupation costs, in such a form that an amount as big as possible, is paid in via clearing and transferred by France to the occupation cost account. In that manner, it could be accomplished that the occupation cost account will again be replenished by this amount. In the first half year of 1942, 280 million RM have been spent for the purchase of horses, and 600 million RM for the purchase of the Raw Material Trading Co. Ltd. (Roges). Of course, it will not be possible to get from France the consent for the transfer of an amount of that size. In case of the one single payment as well as in case of the
been spent for the purchase of horses, and 600 million RM for the purchase of the Raw Material Trading Co. Ltd. (Roges). Of course, it will not be possible to get from France the consent for the transfer of an amount of that size. In case of the one single payment as well as in case of the future continuous monthly payments for expenditures, unrelated to the occupation costs, the French authorities will neither be informed about the distribution of the accounts, the latter of which are to be paid as lump sum payments at the end of each month, nor about the purpose. It is a pre-requisite for the settlement, that the procurement of funds in Reichsmarks is secured in the past as well as in the future. 3. This type of settlement of the question of occupation costs secures the procurement of French funds in a simple practical form, and fits into the frame of the German-French financial transaction. Naturally, it amounts to a further considerable financial burden on French economy; but it does not appear in the form of an increase of the occupation costs. The idea to balance this internal account at the final settlement of the occupations at the conclusion of the peace can be combined at the same time with the special internal bookkeeping of these expenditures, unrelated to the occupation costs, separate from other clearing transfers. II. The fact that in the meeting of the HPA it was not finally given up to increase the amount of francs of the installments by change of the exchange rate, causes the German armistice delegation once more conclusively to take a standpoint to this question. However, a new evaluation of the Franc by 50% does not lie in the German interest. The present economical situation of France can no longer be compared with the one of 1940, where the interior purchasing power of the Franc was about in the ratio of 1 RM=10 Francs. The account has dropped since 1 July 1942 until 15 October 1942 from 2,476 billion Rm to 1,532 RM. /s/ Hemmen PART 33 Received: 28 October 1942 at 9:40 o'clock from: A. A. Bln by: Buehler Initials Incoming stamp: German Armistice Delegation for Economics Wiesbaden 28 October 1942 no. 353 g. Rs. Enclosures From Foreign Office, Berlin To German
dropped since 1 July 1942 until 15 October 1942 from 2,476 billion Rm to 1,532 RM. /s/ Hemmen PART 33 Received: 28 October 1942 at 9:40 o'clock from: A. A. Bln by: Buehler Initials Incoming stamp: German Armistice Delegation for Economics Wiesbaden 28 October 1942 no. 353 g. Rs. Enclosures From Foreign Office, Berlin To German Armistice-Delegation for Economics Paris Citissime! Telegram (secret code) No. 307 of 27 October. Matter to be kept under lock C. I. For your information: Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs has ordered, as there might arise political objections against increased demands from France, more exact explanation how in detail the increase of daily expenditures for occupation has been brought about, in particular, who is responsible for the fact that from the account of occupation costs demands have been satisfied which do not represent actual occupation costs. OKW, Department of Wehrmacht Budget and Administration, declare themselves not to be in a position to explain more fully the use of occupation cost amounts and expenditures unrelated to occupation costs. II. Therefore I ask you to contact the bookkeeper of occupation cost account, get the necessary documents and vouchers and wire back. What matters is to get a survey of amount and purpose of the issue of green checks to the various authorities entitled to make demands [Bedarfstraeger] since the beginning of this year which should easily appear from the books of the issuing office. Greatest speed is demanded as these documents are needed for another submission to Reich Foreign Minister. /s/ Wiehl decoded: Buehler Pencil notes: 1. How large is the part administered by v. Lenz? How large is the part administered by Berlin? Who gives to Roges. To whom else does Berlin give allotments. 2. How far does Lenz know for that purposes the amounts are used which he allots to branches of the Wehrmacht, etc. 3. What are green checks? PART 34 OKW Berlin, 6 November 1942 2 f 32 Beih. 1A WV (XVI) 3145/42 secret SECRET To the Foreign Office Subject: Occupation costs France Reference: a. Note of the DWFW Del. W. 347 g of 16 Oct 42 b. Meeting of committee for trade policy of 22 Oct. 42 and 30 Oct 42 The Chief Intendant with the military Commander in France has
2 f 32 Beih. 1A WV (XVI) 3145/42 secret SECRET To the Foreign Office Subject: Occupation costs France Reference: a. Note of the DWFW Del. W. 347 g of 16 Oct 42 b. Meeting of committee for trade policy of 22 Oct. 42 and 30 Oct 42 The Chief Intendant with the military Commander in France has reported that in the past deliveries have been made amounting to a total of 90,000,000 RM monthly which could have been paid by way of the German-French clearing system, because the procured goods were exported from France. The following figures have been obtained from the present monthly average of the year 1942 but they can only serve as a conjecture because the elimination of those goods which were not procured for the requirements of the units of the German Wehrmacht stationed in France is very difficult on basis of the available documents. The following items are involved: 1. Food supply and forage .......... ca. 11 mill. RM 2. Spirits, wine and champagne ..... " 4 " " 3. Red wine for troops ............. " 0.6 " " 4. Canteen goods of all kinds ...... " 1 " " 5. Billeting utensils .............. " 16 " " 6. Tools for vehicles .............. " 3 " " 7. Procurements of ordnance staffs .. " 0.4 " " 8. Procurements of air force ....... " 23.5 " " 9. Procurements of horses .......... " 15 " " 10. Purchases by Wehrmacht procurement office ..... " 4 " " 11. Procurements by the departments North and Pas de Calais ...... " 5.3 " " 12. War risk premiums .............. " 2.5 " " 13. Navy ........................... " 5 " " ca. 91 " " These procurements have been transacted at the prices resulting from the general increase of prices in France. As the procurements were made for service branches outside of France, payment by way of the German-French clearing system is permissible as a matter of principle. Funds of occupation costs have been claimed so far, because the final customer of the goods in most cases is not known at the time of procurement. The payment and final entry into the books of these expenditures is the duty of the procurement office in France. The amount of 150 mill. RM provided so far for carrying out the flat
been claimed so far, because the final customer of the goods in most cases is not known at the time of procurement. The payment and final entry into the books of these expenditures is the duty of the procurement office in France. The amount of 150 mill. RM provided so far for carrying out the flat clearing process [Pauschalclearingverfahren] with France can be reached only by including the purchases made by the Roges "Raw Material Trading Company Ltd." [Rohstoffhandelsgesellschaft m k H] on the black market. Objections have been made hereto, because resale of the goods bought on the black market ["S-Markt"] is practicable only with subsidies to reduce the prices granted by the Reich Minister of Finances, and it is irresponsible to incur a commercial debt in the amount of these subsidies given by the Reich Minister of Finance, in order to procure goods which bring a considerably lower price than that expended. Payment of the procurements on the black market should be possible, however, at least to the amounts actually obtained by the Roges through resale. The amount of 150 mill. RM would almost be reached if the Roges were required to transfer by way of the German-French clearing the proceeds obtained by resale of the goods with exception of the Reich subsidies for price reduction. If this settlement should not be practicable carrying out of the flat clearing process could be restricted to the amount of 90 mill. RM per month. In this case, the French Government in accordance with the suggestion of the Reich Minister of Finances of 27 October 1942 should be obliged to provide in form of occupation costs the surplus amount missing from the 150 mill. RM. The excess consumption of occupation cost funds in 1942, as already thoroughly pointed out in the last meetings of the Committee for Trade Policy, is primarily due to the decrease in purchasing power of the franc, and it is to be assumed that this decrease compared with 1940 is at least one third. In addition, payments to a considerable extent had to be made from the occupation cost funds which were not allotted to meet the demands of those units of the German Wehrmacht stationed in France. On 15 January the B account of occupation costs was approximately 3
with 1940 is at least one third. In addition, payments to a considerable extent had to be made from the occupation cost funds which were not allotted to meet the demands of those units of the German Wehrmacht stationed in France. On 15 January the B account of occupation costs was approximately 3 bill. RM. The reason for the decrease appears from the following compilation: a for procurement of goods exported from France during the period of 1 Jan. - 31 Oct 1942 an estimated 10 x 90 mill. RM ..... 900 mill. RM b to Roges Raw Material Trading Company Ltd. for purchases on black market ..... 700 " " c for procurement of foreign bills by the Navy (the purchase of foreign bills with French francs was necessary to buy and repair merchant ships in Spanish harbors. These merchant ships are to serve for supplying Rommel's Panzer army in Africa) ..... 40 " " d Reimbursement to Foreign Office (account Syria) ..... 4 " " e Allotments in favor of families of French workers working in Germany ..... 1.5 " " f Special commissioner Rumania ..... 1.3 " " g Costs of building completions for directors of French powder factories ..... 0.2 " " Total: 1647 mill. RM Therefrom it appears that the decrease of reserves of occupation cost funds amounting to 3000 mill. RM on 15 January 1942 is primarily due to expenditures for purposes unrelated to the occupation. Also in the above compilation are not included the bills issued by the Reichskreditkasse imported into France. Of these probably a not immaterial part has been imported by troop units transferred to France, but to carry out procurement of goods destined for export from France. Consequently, it may be assumed that the requirements of the Wehrmacht units stationed in France up to now could have been approximately satisfied from the installments of 450 mill. RM made available every month by the French Government. It is further pointed out that a considerable part of the above-listed expenditures unrelated to occupation, in particular the expenditures for purchases on the black market (S-Markt) and for French food deliveries not destined for the occupation troops proper, have not been caused by the OKW. The Chief of the OKW b. Dr. Kersten