dtufail/nuremberg-trials-corpus huggingface dataset:
Air Forces is instructed to make out immediately the order for Army, Navy, and Air Force, and Chief "WZ" order concerning increasing of the staff. According to my proposal outfit transport ships immediately and with them bring horses over here from East Prussia. 1300 hours; Order to Juppe to speed up construction of Eagle's Nest, 11 March according to interim solution (operational staff of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces in hunting lodge and at the same time permanent solution. (Army High Command with operational department and parts of O.A.IV.) The same evening order concerning personal requirements of the staff and requisition to the branches of the Armed forces. 1 March: Fury at Army High Command because transfers. Consultation with Chief of Armed Forces High Command. After my discussion with Jeschonnek scaling-down of requisitions. 2 March: Agreement with Army. Field Marshal rages and gets unfriendly towards Chief of Armed Forces High Command, goes to see Fuehrer at 1300 hours. During the afternoon new requisitions are put forward which are somewhat reduced after consulting with Army and Air Force. 1100 hours: Assistant Secretary of State Welles with the Fuehrer. The appointment of a new Minister for Ordnance is to be expected because Fuehrer is dissatisfied with production of equipment and munition. Letter from the Chief of the Armed Forces High Command to the Field Marshal. 3 March: Fuehrer expresses his opinion about the necessity of prompt and strong action in Norway very sharply. No delay by branches of Armed Forces. Rapid acceleration is necessary. Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force is against any proposition to subordinate Air Force units to XXI Corps. Fuehrer decides to undertake Weser Exercise before case "Yellow", with several days interval. 4 March: Discussion with General Jeschonnek. All units of the Air Force are subordinated to X Fl. K. This receives its order through High Command of the Air Forces, upon demand of the Staff of XXIst Corps. Fuehrer orders that the Air Force shall provide the anti-aircraft battalion for the Weser exercise South. 3rd mountain division to be in Berlin already on March 6th. 1000 hours: Chief of the Air Force is informed. 1300 hours: Chief WNV is charged with securing communications from Falkenhorst
of the Staff of XXIst Corps. Fuehrer orders that the Air Force shall provide the anti-aircraft battalion for the Weser exercise South. 3rd mountain division to be in Berlin already on March 6th. 1000 hours: Chief of the Air Force is informed. 1300 hours: Chief WNV is charged with securing communications from Falkenhorst to us. The former has to go to Luebeck to the X Fl. K. 1500 hours: Chief WNV is instructed to set up * * * platoon company only after X-day. After that time, use expedients and send some men with the tactical troops. 1700 hours: General Bodenschatz complains about exclusion of the Field Marshal from Weser exercise. He said that 110 officers of the Air Force had been consulted in advance. Such subordination is intolerable. Mad at General K I certify this error. Chief of the Armed Forces High Command is informed that General Rundstedt is supposed to feel sick. Intend to talk about it with Commander-in-Chief of the Army. If it is true, v.R. would have to be replaced by List in good time. Himmler or Canaris are to provide personnel who are familiar with the Hague. These to Wenninger and are grabbed there by Kiertz. Proclamations: a. faked ones, b. proclamations that everything is going well. Student wants separate proclamations for Holland. 5 March: 1500 hours: Big conference with the 3 Supreme Commanders about Weser exercise. Field Marshal vents his spleen, because he was not consulted beforehand. He dominates the discussion and tries to prove that all previous preparations are good for nothing. Result: a. Stronger forces to Narvik, b. Navy shall leave warships in the ports (Hipper or Luetzow in Trondheim), c. Christian and may be excluded, for the beginning d. 6 divisions should be calculated for Norway. e. To get a foothold immediately in Copenhagen, too. After this, the following make a report: General von Kesselring, Student, Sp Richthofen, Captain Koch, 1st lieutenant Witzig about the case "Festung" [fortress] and actions by glider-borne troops against the bridges of Vroenhofen and Veldvezelt, furthermore against Fort Eben-Emael. Accusations are made that Army Group B is supposed to have said that it would take 3-4 days until forces of the army could attack the fort. 6 March:
1st lieutenant Witzig about the case "Festung" [fortress] and actions by glider-borne troops against the bridges of Vroenhofen and Veldvezelt, furthermore against Fort Eben-Emael. Accusations are made that Army Group B is supposed to have said that it would take 3-4 days until forces of the army could attack the fort. 6 March: 7 March: Falkenhorst with Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force. The preparations have now materialized. The Fuehrer signs a directive containing all changes subsequent to the conference of March 5th. Nothing is to be changed any more now. 8 March: Fuehrer wishes to have issued special orders for the Weser exercise in another form. They are to be divided into military orders which have to be made known to the tactical troops and into general instructions concerning actions of the Plenipotentiary of the Reich. Fuehrer is outraged about report of the Field Marshal that the Army does not care for occupation of the area in front of the left wing of the Army led by Busch by airborne troops dropped from "Stork" planes, because divisions can get there only after several days. I object that it will naturally be better to employ these troops there, where armored divisions will arrive faster. 9 March: Fuehrer is outraged when he learns that Prince Oskar is commanding officer of a regiment. Schmidt was just about to suggest that he should be given command of a division, but he managed not to mention it. Buschenhagen reports to me about the preparations for W and submits the schedule. Fuehrer does not appear at table. In the evening of March 8th, I again bring seriousness of the gasoline situation to the attention of the Chief of the Armed Forces High Command. Nothing efficacious has been done to improve the situation. Industry regularly uses up 80,000 tons a month. There is pressing need for the appointment of a Deputy-General for Fuel Economy (General von Schell). 10 March: Fuehrer makes his wonderful speech in the arsenal on the occasion of Memorial day. The news about the Finnish-Russian negotiations are very favorable, from a political point of view. The French press rages about it because they consider it necessary to cut Germany off from the Swedish ore. In a military way, the situation is
speech in the arsenal on the occasion of Memorial day. The news about the Finnish-Russian negotiations are very favorable, from a political point of view. The French press rages about it because they consider it necessary to cut Germany off from the Swedish ore. In a military way, the situation is disturbing for us, because, if peace should be concluded soon, the motivation for the prepared action of the group Falkenhorst will be difficult. 11 March: Fuehrer has objections against the iron cross in gold (color effect black-gold), as it means abandoning tradition. Rather create a new decoration. On the other hand, he agrees with the Oak-Leaves for the Knight's Cross. The Chief of the Armed Forces High Command presents a list of the tanks at hand in the armed forces. Fuehrer wants a basic ruling that only such people should be appointed in the Armed Forces and in Civil Service who have no relatives abroad. The danger is too great that they will get into conflict with their own conscience. The schedule (for the Weser exercises) is presented to the Fuehrer. Also the special orders which the Fuehrer takes along. 12 March: Fuehrer is very much satisfied with Ribbentrop's conference in Rome. Duce remains steadfast, wants to talk with Fuehrer personally next week on the Brenner. Conclusion of peace between Finland and Russia deprives England, but us, too, of any political basis to occupy Norway. The preparations are ready to the extent that March 20th could be W-day. However, unfavorable ice conditions compel postponement by 1-2 days. 13 March: Fuehrer does not yet give order for "W". He is still looking for some justification. 14 March: English keep vigil in the North-Sea with 15-16 submarines; the reason is doubtful, either to prevent a German action. Fuehrer has not yet decided, how to justify the Weser exercise. Wrong news report in the American newspapers. Commander-in-Chief of the Navy is in doubt, whether it is still important to play at preventive war [?] in Norway. The question is, if it wouldn't be better to carry out case "Yellow" before the Weser exercise. The danger in that case is that the English will immediately get a foothold in Narvik, because we would have started with neutrality violation. At noon, Colin Rosz visits the Fuehrer. Interesting explanations
in Norway. The question is, if it wouldn't be better to carry out case "Yellow" before the Weser exercise. The danger in that case is that the English will immediately get a foothold in Narvik, because we would have started with neutrality violation. At noon, Colin Rosz visits the Fuehrer. Interesting explanations about Japan-China and Russia. 15 March: Fuehrer wants the following material for the conference with the Duce on March 18th: 1. Large-scale map of the distribution of our own forces (207 divisions). 2. Maps about the distribution of enemy and neutral forces. France, England, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, NOrway, Denmark, Sweden, Hungary. 3. Terminal map of the Finnish-Russian conflict. 4. Strength of our own Air Force. 1330 hours: Lunch with Army Group A and with Chief of the General Staff. 1500 hours: Reports of Army Group Commander and Army Commanders, including Group Kleist; very satisfactory. 16 March: Worries that the English will proceed against Norway, as overhead radio messages indicate. As the English have retired 7 submarines, such an action does not seem probable any longer. Army Group B reports about its evaluation of the situation and its intentions. Detailed preparations are done very well. Displeasure about disconnection of the 4th army. Mutual assistance is eliminated. Lack of reinforcements, if the 6th army should be successful, after all. 6th army shifts its center of gravity to 4th Corps, and also draws 3 armored divisions of the 2nd echelon there. 10th and 9th Corps have no anti-aircraft protection. Jeschonnek transmits that Army Bush needs another 25 "stork" planes. 17 March: Fuehrer leaves at noon for conference with Duce on the Brenner. News of the successful raid of the Air Force against Scapa Flow. Fuehrer is in high spirits. 18 March: Nothing important. Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force (Chief L) is informed about the report of the commanders in the West. 19 March: Fuehrer returns from the conference with the Duce beaming with joy and very much satisfied. Complete harmony, Duce is resolute; but he cannot fight a long war. Duce is highly impressed and agrees with the opinion of the Fuehrer's that the decision against France is being made. Whatever happens at the periphery in the
Fuehrer returns from the conference with the Duce beaming with joy and very much satisfied. Complete harmony, Duce is resolute; but he cannot fight a long war. Duce is highly impressed and agrees with the opinion of the Fuehrer's that the decision against France is being made. Whatever happens at the periphery in the meantime is unimportant. At the end, Duce told Ciano: "My decision is made. Did you hear, Fuehrer?" Balkan should and must remain quiet. Complete understanding for Fuehrer's cooperation with Stalin. Fuehrer deeply moved by enthusiasm of the Tyrolians England song ["We will sail against England ..."-translator's note]. Chief of Armed Forces High Command very much depressed because of Todt's appointment. I try to persuade him not to insist on the "agreement". It is much better, to separate the tasks clearly. The quests of the Armed Forces are laid down by the Fuehrer and transmitted to Dr. Todt by the Armed Forces High Command. Dr. Todt has full powers to fulfill these requests. 20 March: During the night, the English attack Sylt and Hoermann [?] No success. At noon, the Fuehrer signs an order which appoints Todt as Minister for Ordnance. Wedel is instructed by the Chief of the Armed Forces High Command to celebrate the 40th anniversary of service by the Commander-in-Chief of the Army in a modest way only. The achievements of individual personalities can be appreciated only during or after the war. In the evening, annihilating blow against an English convoy; 42000 tons of big boats (10-12000 tons) have been sunk. 21 March: Objections of Group 21 [Grp. XXI] about the long interval between taking up readiness positions at 05,30 hours and finishing of the diplomatic action. Fuehrer rejects any earlier negotiations, because otherwise calls for help will be offered, it has to be broken ruthlessly. The political plenipotentiaries will have to strongly emphasize the military measures taken, and will even have to exaggerate them. 22 March: Reported to Fuehrer, how we want to proceed at the proposed discussions with the Italian General Staff. First, inquiry by attache in Rome, how they believe they can take some burden off us. Only then to proceed to possibility of an operation across the Upper Rhine. Discussion with General Staff only once
exaggerate them. 22 March: Reported to Fuehrer, how we want to proceed at the proposed discussions with the Italian General Staff. First, inquiry by attache in Rome, how they believe they can take some burden off us. Only then to proceed to possibility of an operation across the Upper Rhine. Discussion with General Staff only once our cards are on the table. American newspaper correspondents inspect the small damage on Sylt. 24-25 March: Fuehrer at Obersalzberg. No special events. The English start to molest our merchantmen in the Danish and Norwegian territorial waters, or even fire at them. 26 March: The Fuehrer is back. Discussion about deadlines for operations. Fuehrer sticks to it: first Weser exercise, dark nights necessary for it. Thus about 4-5 days later. Commander-in-Chief of the Navy reports, urges to start laying mines with planes, as 1270 mines will already be at hand by end of April. Fuehrer wants to think it over some more. 27 March: Our own submarine stranded near Lindesnaes, one submarine and boat 37 come to help. Are to ask for permission to stay in Norwegian waters, if necessary, 2300 PM. Discussion of the Fuehrer with Commander-in-Chief of the Army and of Army Group C. First and Seventh army. Fuehrer explains his intentions with the Italians about to strike. Operational aim plateau Langres. Deceptive actions of First Army in case "Yellow" agreed to. Attacks proposed in case of 95th, 93rd, 75th, 268th, 215th, and 246th divisions. These have favorable effects, but deceptive measures of the 7th army will not take place, because of the preparation of case Brown (Ital.) 28 March: Duce attaches importance to General Staff talks, Graziani intends to send General Roatta to B. in April. The Norwegians are interning U 21 seemingly because of awkward statements by the commander, who did not claim engine trouble but mistaken navigation. But it may also be a mistake made in translation. Individual naval officers seem to be lukewarm concerning the Weser exercise and need stimulus. The three chiefs von Falkenhorst are also pondering matters, which are none of their business. Kranke sees more disadvantages than advantages. In the evening, the Fuehrer steps into the map room and explains sharply that he will not be content with the Navy
lukewarm concerning the Weser exercise and need stimulus. The three chiefs von Falkenhorst are also pondering matters, which are none of their business. Kranke sees more disadvantages than advantages. In the evening, the Fuehrer steps into the map room and explains sharply that he will not be content with the Navy again quitting the Norwegian ports right away. Narvik, Trondheim, and Oslo will have to remain occupied by naval forces. Bad impression on ground forces. 29 March: Talk with Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, 1200 hours. Wants decision about commitment of air mines. Fuehrer talks to him alone about retaining of ships. Admiral of the Fleet [Grossadmiral] rejects Narvik, but wants to examine, if Trondheim cannot be set up as a base immediately. Commander-in-Chief of the Navy draws attention to the fact that they want fuel from him, because the army will run out of it by the end of May. This is the consequence of the wrong arrangements with Shell and not to buy in Mexico, like the Navy did it. 3 PM: Commander-in-Chief of the Force with the Fuehrer. 30 March: U-21 not set free yet by the Norwegians. Negotiations under way. Fuehrer thinks about activation of another 10-12 new divisions. Where are the mortars committed? L II ordered to present an outline of personnel and materiel, from which it could be determined, if and when new activations are possible. 31 March: Nothing of importance. 1 April: German fighters shoot 7 enemy fighters down. 1300 hours: Falkenhorst again gives general report about Weser exercise. 1300 hours: Breakfast, then discussion with all commanding officers primarily concerned. Fuehrer has a very good impression about thoroughness of preparations. 2 April: 1530 hours: Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force, Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, and General von Falkenhorst with the Fuehrer. All confirm end of the preparations. Fuehrer orders carrying out of the Weser exercise for April 9th. Protests of the commanding officer of the Air Force that some warships leave ports again right away. Fuehrer, too, disapproves of that, but does not want to intervene too much in an exclusive concern of naval warfare. Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force agrees to plan to start aerial torpedo war [LM-Krieg] now. Fuehrer wants that Luetzow shall be
officer of the Air Force that some warships leave ports again right away. Fuehrer, too, disapproves of that, but does not want to intervene too much in an exclusive concern of naval warfare. Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force agrees to plan to start aerial torpedo war [LM-Krieg] now. Fuehrer wants that Luetzow shall be used for the transport of troops to Trondheim, in spite of tasks later on. Find out, if it is not possible to land debarkation troops by fishing boat, in order to capture the bridge strong point of Vordingborg. 3 April: Movements of the first 3 ships of the leading echelon [Ausfuhrstaffel] started at 0200 hours. Lt. Commdr. Junge reports at 1600 hours that the 3 ships have instructions how to act against Norwegians. I immediately instruct Councillor of Legation Hewel in order to inform the Foreign Minister what the situation is, in case one of the ships of the leading echelon should be examined by Norwegians. The Chief of the Armed Forces High Command also informs the Fuehrer at 1815 hours about it. 1830 hours Reich Foreign Minister informed by Fuehrer. Chief of Armed Forces High Command asked to join discussion. 4 April: Slight alarm, as some news from Norway indicates increased preparedness. Sweden has asked what preparations for troops shipments in Stettin are supposed to mean (boats under Reich Naval Ensign) [Reichsdienstflagge]. Fuehrer drafts the proclamations. Piepenbrock, Chief of Counter-Intelligence service 1, returns with good results of the talk with Quisling from Copenhagen. News that 2 armored coastal vessels [Kuestenpanzer] are in Narvik and that 2 submarines are expected. 5 April: Weser exercise runs according to plan. Some alarm report from the source of a Belgian agent [V-Mann] appear unworthy of belief. The Chief of the Armed Forces High Command instructs General von Rintelen at 1930 hours. 6 April: Weser exercise runs according to plan. The high-pressure weather area over the Northern North-Sea, which was predicted yesterday, is not taking place and that favors the action of the navy. Fuehrer puts great emphasis on the fact that the families of all deserters will be checked carefully. Navy records long English radio message, but is unable to decipher it. 1500 hours: General Gerke reports that his movements
North-Sea, which was predicted yesterday, is not taking place and that favors the action of the navy. Fuehrer puts great emphasis on the fact that the families of all deserters will be checked carefully. Navy records long English radio message, but is unable to decipher it. 1500 hours: General Gerke reports that his movements according to plan. 1600 hours: Talks in room of the Chief of the section for Foreign Countries in presence of Chief L and Military Attache in Rome with General Marras. 1700 hours: Report that Luetzow is dropping out and can go to Oslo only, because auxiliary engines did not take part. Fuehrer agrees to this decision. 7 April: No disquieting news. Hipper with destroyers seems to have been reported by an English submarine on Sunday morning, April 7th. Prince Axel of Denmark has the intention to visit Field Marshal Goering on Monday. 8 April: Day of highest tension. The English put 3 mine fields in the Norwegian territorial waters and make that public. Leading echelon is far off with several ships because of lack of pilots. Only 1 ship near Narvik, everything else seems to be hardly beyond Bergen. Boat Rio de Janeiro is torpedoed; since horses and men in uniform are landed, the impending project becomes known to the Norwegians. Group Hipper gets into a battle with an English destroyer and annihilates it. 9 April: The surprise effect succeeds in Bergen, Trondheim, Narvik, and from the air in Stavanger. Not at Christiansand and in Oslo. Bluecher sinks after a heroic fight. Commanding Admiral and Commander 103 (Kdr 103) of it, on deck up to the last moment, swim to land. Luetzow has to take over lead and lower boats. Heavy fighting for coastal fortifications. Fortress Christiansand fought to surrender by planes and Karlsruhe. 10 April: Chief of naval forces [Flottenchef] report 2 turrets gone, only 25 miles. First breaking through of British destroyers in Narvik. The Koenigsberg destroyed by enemy dive bombers. Bornholm occupied. 11 April: Luetzow on voyage home. Oslo hit by torpedo. Norwegians warships are put into service. Denmark does not belong any longer to jurisdiction of XXIst Corps. Railroads Oslo-Bergen and Oslo-Drontheim destroyed. 12 April: Still 6 destroyers left ready for use in Narvik, Freighter