dtufail/nuremberg-trials-corpus huggingface dataset:
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 Del. W. 7479 PART 35 Received 4 December 1942 at 16 - - o'clock from AA Berlin by Mk. [Rubber Stamp] German Armistice Delegation for Economy Wiesbaden 4 December 1942 No. 399 top secret Telegram from Foreign Office, Berlin to German Armistice Delegation for Economy Paris Citissime Telegram (Secret, coded, Verf) No. 352 of 4 Dec. Secret Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs has ordered the submission of a vote with reasons, whether the French potential can bear the increase of occupation cost payments, demanded by us. One must if possible gain clarification before a decision, whether for instance as result of black market purchasing actions, a development would be started, which would lead to Greek conditions. Request by return that documents and standpoint, necessary for vote, is wired, if necessary in connection with military commander and Embassy. /s/ Wiehl. decoded: Buehler PART 36 Dir. Ha Pol 379 Berlin, 8 December 1942 Note re French occupation costs Following the note dated 27 November-Dir. Ha Pol 371 According to instructions, I submit in the annex a note of delegate Hemmen about the financial capacity of the French to pay the increased expenditure rates of the occupation as well as about the dangers threatening French finances arising from the payments of occupation costs and about the methods to meet these dangers. Delegate Hemmen comes to following conclusion. 1. The increased payments of 25 million RM daily (yearly 182 billion francs) are bearable and by no means dangerous for the French finances. The yearly French national income amounted to 432 billion francs for 1942. The daily per capita war expenses are at present in Germany 2.90 RM and thus 6 times as high as in France with 0.40 RM. 2. The danger point for the French finances lies in the fact that the French government has done nothing until now to counteract the threatening inflation which is due to the war expenditures, so that a price increase of 50-60 per cent and
RM and thus 6 times as high as in France with 0.40 RM. 2. The danger point for the French finances lies in the fact that the French government has done nothing until now to counteract the threatening inflation which is due to the war expenditures, so that a price increase of 50-60 per cent and a devaluation of the franc of about one third took place. 3. Therefore it is necessary to raise simultaneously with the demand for increased occupation costs the demand for effective French financial, monetary and price regulations and to secure their strictest execution under German guidance and control. This result on the whole corresponds to the decisions of the HPA which were laid down in my former note. As suggested there, it can be demanded from the French to increase the daily part-payments from 15 to 25 million RM; however, as it has been also suggested there, it is to be insisted that the measures which are needed against further price increase should be carried out without delay and in an absolutely effective way. The investigations which were conducted by the OKW and by the Reich Ministry for Finance come to the same conclusion. In doing so, it is not sufficient to leave this to the French government alone, but we ourselves have to intercede. The nomination of a special commissioner with similar tasks as in Greece will at present not be necessary and not even feasible in France, for the simple reason that it would be unwise to entirely unburden the French government of its own responsibilities to maintain the order of economics and finances. But it seems necessary to persuade the French government to accept a collaboration with one or more German advisors in order to introduce and carry out the necessary measures. This function could be assigned to the delegate Hemmen and to his delegation in such a manner that the negotiations they have conducted until now would be changed into a collaboration with the corresponding French governmental agencies. The necessity for this could be presented to the French government with the double motivation that, as an occupying power, our interest is not only in that further inflation should be prevented in France and that we can demand this in our capacity as receiver of the occupation costs on the basis of the armistice
for this could be presented to the French government with the double motivation that, as an occupying power, our interest is not only in that further inflation should be prevented in France and that we can demand this in our capacity as receiver of the occupation costs on the basis of the armistice contract, but that we also have the same interests on account of the far-reaching interweaving of the French and German industries which was achieved through mutual free negotiations. Furthermore, the German side has to do its share that nothing should happen in the further course which would enhance the inflationary tendencies in France. I have agreed with State Secretary Koerner that the Foreign Office and the Four Four Years' Plan should most closely follow further development in this respect and intervene as soon as necessary. State Secretary Koerner has told me that the Reich Marshal announced his decision to curb and, if necessary, to stop the black market action if it should become apparent that it has undesirable consequences in this respect. Also, further liaison will be maintained by the Foreign Office with the OKW which has already taken provisions to reduce the military expenditures to the absolutely necessary minimum in order to observe permanently this point of view. In this way both on French as well as on German sides everything will be done to prevent the possible dangers of the payment of increased occupation costs. Herewith submitted via the State Secretary to the Reich Foreign Minister with the request to approve the planned procedure. signed Wiehl Copies to: Buero Reich Foreign Ministry St. S U. St. S. Pol Dir. Ha Pol Dg. Ha Pol Delegate Hemmen Ha Pol Frie Ha Pol II a PART 41 12th February 1943 The Head of the Government [Rubber stamp] German Armistice Delegation f. Economic Affairs Wiesbaden, 13 January 1943 No. Del. W. 165 enclosures: To his Excellency, Monsieur Hemmen, Minister Plenipotentiary German Armistice Delegation for Economic Affairs Sir, On the 15th December 1942 the German government asked me through you to increase the payments towards the costs of occupation by 10 million RM (200 million French francs), which would bring the daily total of payments to 25 million RM, as against 15 millions, or 500
Armistice Delegation for Economic Affairs Sir, On the 15th December 1942 the German government asked me through you to increase the payments towards the costs of occupation by 10 million RM (200 million French francs), which would bring the daily total of payments to 25 million RM, as against 15 millions, or 500 million French francs as against 300 millions. During our conversation of the same day, the 15th December, at the German Embassy, I pointed out to you: On one hand that these payments exceeded France's ability to pay; that they would oblige the French government to cover this increase by advances from the Bank of France, and would in consequence risk compromising the French currency irretrievably; on the other hand that the French payments exceeded the concept of occupation costs and really constituted a French contribution to the common defence of Europe; that, wishing to collaborate and to render effective aid to the German war-effort under existing circumstances, I accepted these extra payments. In formulating your request for an increase, you declared that close cooperation should be instituted between our two countries, with the purpose of seeking and applying common measures intended to ensure the stability of the French currency and of French economy. You mentioned, on this subject, that the German government would appoint a plenipotentiary to the French government, whose mission would be to advise the French government. I declared myself ready to cooperate closely in the financial field as in all others, but I formally rejected the appointment of a financial adviser, as this would undermine the authority of the French government and risk ruining the confidence of investors. It is in fact necessary to point out that the daily payments which are the object of your request of the 15th December for an increase, do not represent the total of the financial burdens on my country. Besides these payments, France bears the lodging and billeting expenses of the German troops in the occupied zone, as well as the advances made for the functioning of the Franco-German clearing agreement. I had also pointed out to you, in our conversation of the 15th December, that a demand from the Italian Government could be expected.
lodging and billeting expenses of the German troops in the occupied zone, as well as the advances made for the functioning of the Franco-German clearing agreement. I had also pointed out to you, in our conversation of the 15th December, that a demand from the Italian Government could be expected. Since then, although the Franco-Italian Armistice Convention does not put part of the costs of maintenance of the Italian occupation troops on France, the Italian government has requested advances. Finally, I consider that the daily payments should, from the day that they are raised to 25 million RM, i.e., 500 million French francs, include all obligations falling on France as a result both of the occupation and of the Clearing agreement, and should take into account any advances which may eventually be granted to the Italian government. It has not been possible to hold any conversations since December; I consider that negotiations on these various points are essential and should be pursued without delay. While waiting for these negotiations to end up the necessary agreement, I inform you that I accept from now, under the conditions I have just described, a provisional increase in the daily payments as from January 1943, to 25 million RM, i.e., 500 million French francs. The French government will immediately take steps to meet, on this basis, the new payments which have been demanded from it, and particularly to make up the difference in the payment made on the 11th January 1943 at the old rate. I am, sir, etc. [signature illegible] H. Hartlieb I propose a note 2/Nov Received 2 November 1943 at 1630 o'clock from AA Berlin by Kn. [Rubber Stamp] German Armistice Delegation For Economy Wiesbaden, 2 November 1943 No. 4492 Inclo. From S Berlin, Foreign Office No. 52 Nov 1617 Etat To Delegation Hemmen Paris No. 196=Secret Letter Reference: written Decree HA POL FRIE 808 of 28 and 836 of 30 October [penciled note: not yet received] and 838 of 2 November. All departments concerned attach the greatest importance to the continued payment of the French occupation cost payment, previously paid to Italy, because of the condition of the occupation cost and of the increased demand, which has been caused by the occupation of the Southern French area,
838 of 2 November. All departments concerned attach the greatest importance to the continued payment of the French occupation cost payment, previously paid to Italy, because of the condition of the occupation cost and of the increased demand, which has been caused by the occupation of the Southern French area, which was up to now reserved for the Italian armed forces. I therefore request, to demand from the French government the transfer of all payments promised to Italy, to the Reich. If the French government should raise any legal objections then I request to point out without going into legal questions that the German Reich has taken over the protection of the areas occupied by Italy up to now. If necessary, certain concessions can be made, according to the suggestion by the Four Years' Plan; to which the Reich Minister of Finance has also agreed, in the question of the additional payment of 2.8 billion Francs for the previous additional demands of the Italians in the connection with war and occupation damages. The Reich Minister of Finance requests to point out to the French government also that its representatives themselves, during the negotiations of the delegate of the Reich cabinet (Reichsregierung) for economic and Financial questions, always have entered the Italian occupation costs as debit items. Request report on the acceptance of your demarche. Dumont No. 6 of 2 November 1943 1630 Rec'd Wako Paris Ka PART 44 Paris 23 June 1944 Minister of Finance Minister's Office [rubber stamp] German Armistice Delegation f. Economic Affairs. Wiesbaden, 23 June 1944 No. 2126 Enclosures [rubber stamp] Minister's office Ministry of National Economy and Finance Sir, I have the honour to confirm the conclusions reached in our talk of the 21st June. The Payments towards the costs of occupation, which have till now been made every 10 days and in advance, will provisionally, to fit in with present circumstances, be made monthly and in advance, on the 21st of each month. On the 25th of June next a settlement will be made, which will cover the monthly period from the 21st June to the 20th July, taking into account the payment made on the 21st June. From the 21st July, monthly payments will be made in advance at the rate previously agreed. These new
advance, on the 21st of each month. On the 25th of June next a settlement will be made, which will cover the monthly period from the 21st June to the 20th July, taking into account the payment made on the 21st June. From the 21st July, monthly payments will be made in advance at the rate previously agreed. These new regulations for the payments were adopted owing to the exceptional circumstances which justify the request you addressed to me in the note of the 19th June. They impose new burdens on the French Treasury at a time when, as you know, the monetary situation fills me with the liveliest apprehension. I therefore count on the system of making the payments every 10 days being reintroduced as soon as possible. I am, sir, etc. [signature illegible] Monsieur Hemmen Minister Plenipotentiary President of the German Armistice Delegation for Economic Affairs PART 46 Konzept/Ss No. 2318 Paris, 11 July 1944 1. To the Foreign Office Berlin Teletype-C7-(only from to in secret cipher) [In handwriting] "Citissime" No. 87 of 11 July 1944 after cabled order of 8 July No. 71. I ask for the consent of the Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs to enter negotiations with the French government on the following basis: 1. The OKW demands an increase of the French occupation cost payments from 25 million RM a day or 750 million RM a month plus 50 million RM for Italian occupational costs to 33.3 million RM a day or 1 billion RM per month and proposed to the Foreign Office to instruct my delegation to enter negotiations with the French Government to that effect. The RFM (Reich Finance Ministry) and the Four Year Plan agreed to that demand. The expenditures for occupational cost have since the beginning of the year constantly exceeded the income because of the increasing preparations on the Atlantic coast, made necessary by the war. Those excess expenditures were covered by using the remaining credits on the account of occupational costs and by a payment of one month of occupational costs in advance which we demanded a short time ago. These expenses increased to an even larger extent during the last few months, especially since the beginning of the invasion. While they still amounted to 900 million RM in May, they
of occupational costs and by a payment of one month of occupational costs in advance which we demanded a short time ago. These expenses increased to an even larger extent during the last few months, especially since the beginning of the invasion. While they still amounted to 900 million RM in May, they increased to 950 million RM in June and will reach 1100 millions in July. All reserves which were available up to now will be exhausted by the middle of august at the latest. new means for the conduct of war in France must therefore be procured until then according to the demand of the OKW. 2. The income of the French Government from Tax-Sources, and mainly the raising of money through loans and short term bills of exchange has on the other side decreased considerably since the extensive paralyzation of the economic life, the industries and the transportation system in France. The French Government consequently has been forced for the last few months to use the advances of money of the Bank of France at an everincreasing rate. Those advances increased from about 10 billions of F. Frs. to 18 billions of F. Frs. in May and 25 billions F. Frs. in June. The newly demanded payments will also have to be raised through the use of the bank-note credit, that means, through the printing of bank notes. The French Government can on the other hand hardly be surprised, considering the actual circumstances, if we approach them with the demand for increased payments. We know from confidential sources that Laval and Finance Minister Cathala already expect such a demand. 3. Considering, however, the political necessities and the already mentioned difficult financial situation of France, and in appreciation of the fact that the French Government has kept its financial obligations for 4 years without interruption, I propose the following: 1. to designate the new increase of payments which has now become necessary, as temporary and to leave open the possibility of our readiness to reopen negotiations for an eventual re-diminution, as soon as the military situation in France permits. 2. Not to designate that new demand as an increase of the occupational costs in the spirit of the Armistice treaty, because that demand, which was explicitly
the possibility of our readiness to reopen negotiations for an eventual re-diminution, as soon as the military situation in France permits. 2. Not to designate that new demand as an increase of the occupational costs in the spirit of the Armistice treaty, because that demand, which was explicitly motivated by the OKW, as to cover the increased expenses for our conduct of war in France, could only with difficulty be reconciled with the obligation to pay the "cost for the maintenance of our occupation troops", as based on the Armistice-treaty. I recommend rather to present it as special contribution of the French Government and the French people for the repelling of Bolshevism (original version reads: "repelling of the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Europe" but it has been changed in pencil to read as above) and the defense of Europe. Such a formulation lies in the political line of Laval and his repeated declarations. This does not change the fact, that those payments, like the previous increase, will also be made through the account of occupational costs and will thus continue to be treated as such. 3. In order to provide also an exterior character to that idea, I propose to negotiate about a single additional effort of 1 billion RM to be paid in monthly installments of 200 million RM each. At the expiration of 4 months a further contribution by France could eventually be negotiated again, according to the then prevailing military situation. With the consent of the embassy. signed: Hemmen. PART 47 Copy as concept/Ss German Armistice Delegation for Economics Paris, 31 July 1944 1. Note for the President of the French Delegation to the German Armistice Delegation for Economics, Governor de Boisanger. Mr. President! Following a special order of the Reich Cabinet, I have the honor to communicate the following to you: According to Article 18 of the Armistice treaty the French Government has to defray the expenses for the support of the German occupation troops on French soil. The daily occupation expenditures for the Wehrmacht in France are at present more than 35 million RM. Since 11 November 1942 the French Government has paid daily installments of 25 million RM to the occupation costs. Due to the deficit thus resulting every
the support of the German occupation troops on French soil. The daily occupation expenditures for the Wehrmacht in France are at present more than 35 million RM. Since 11 November 1942 the French Government has paid daily installments of 25 million RM to the occupation costs. Due to the deficit thus resulting every month the last reserves from the occupation cost account have been used up in the meantime as you repeatedly had occasion to notice for yourself. By my exchange of notes with Minister Cathala on the future monthly advance payments of occupation costs of 19 and 23 June 1944 the necessarily resulting insolvencies could be overcome, however, the existing deficit could not be removed. I therefore request the French Government now to increase the installments of occupation costs effective on 1 August of this year to 35 million RM daily. In accordance with the said exchange of notes of 19 and 23 June 1944-No. 2076-the installments are to be paid monthly in advance on the 21st of the preceding month. The additional amount of 200 million RM for the period of 1 to 20 August has therefore become due and is to be paid before 15 August 1944. I request you, Mr. Governor, to acknowledge receipt of this note and to inform me of the orders given by the French Government in order to carry out the above demand of the Reich Cabinet. Please accept, Mr. President, the expression of my deepest respect. s. Hemmen President PART 49 By special route via Altkirch Belfort, 20 August 1944 No. 2739 IV Teletype Foreign Berlin No. 111 of 20 August 1944 In connection with No. 107 of 11 August. As I reported on 12 August the 8 billion-rate promised by President Laval for 12 August has finally been paid on time after considerable difficulties had been overcome (compare my report of 16 August). There was an unmistakable tendency to put off this payment until after the approaching bank-holidays to the 16th in the hope that by that time the development of the military situation would prevent the payment (American tanks had already been reported in Chartres). In addition to the increase of occupation cost payments I negotiated since 7 August upon suggestion of our military agencies with the Governor of the