dtufail/nuremberg-trials-corpus huggingface dataset:
the czech 4.7-cm anti-tank gun is not usable with armored car 3. Fuehrer decides as to Jeschonnek's questions of 1 February: a. one has to employ in the Hague [d.H.] forces of such strength that they will be able to take over command there. In order to achieve that, a landing can be made in the center of the Hague. Unlimited use of arms against airfields and antiaircraft guns is authorized. Relative to an attack against all ships, found between the English East Coast and the English mine fields, as desired by air, the Foreign Office is still to be consulted and Admiral Schuster, Chief Air Force, 1700 hours, states in that matter that he does not want any exception. Italian and Japanese ships to be considered, which were sailing to Newcastle, until a short time ago. Important, that, though we signed an agreement about submarine warfare, we never signed one about manner of air warfare. Reported to the Fuehrer on 3 February The Spanish have supplied a German submarine and convoyed a merchant ship from Bilbao to Santander. Opinions of the newspapers: Spain is not ungrateful. Photos of Church Services, does Fuehrer agree with them? The Foreign Office wants that within the 30 mile zone the Air Force shall not attack- a. Japanese and Italian ships. b. Danish Maltesian cross ships. c. All passenger boats which do not fire. 3 February: General Gerke: Railroads are unable to accomplish big tasks. No reaction to our transports. It seems possible that he got news about the reliefs. Opportune to keep movement going. Proposal to prepare again an A-movement to deceive the enemy. Empty rolling stock for 6 divisions available, organization transports are rolling. Will head of transportation service be able to release state of readiness, so that he can gather empty rolling stock during 4 days. To consult Fuehrer. The chief of Transportation Corps West requires one week's time (225 trains). 70 trains are at the disposal of the armies. 315 trains are needed for second echelon. An order will be issued on this matter on D-day. Afterwards remain 3rd, 4th, and 5th echelon. Total 660 trains, including 80 for tanks and 70 for armies (among them 10,000 army cars). Altogether 60 fewer trains ready than before. Air raid protection. Ammunition train has no special protection. If machine gun car is added, the
An order will be issued on this matter on D-day. Afterwards remain 3rd, 4th, and 5th echelon. Total 660 trains, including 80 for tanks and 70 for armies (among them 10,000 army cars). Altogether 60 fewer trains ready than before. Air raid protection. Ammunition train has no special protection. If machine gun car is added, the enemy flier will be aware of the fact, that this is an important train. The wave before the trains should attack the enemy plane with best results. Ammunition trains often remain for weeks, personnel for its protection become demoralized. Ammunition trains, regulating stations and storage areas to be spread out and protected. Assembly stations are enlarged to assembly areas. Maintenance units are kept in readiness in the most endangered areas between the Rhine and the line Kassel-Hanover. Ruhr area has 15 different ways to give way. Rumania wants to get supply of rail track material (from Poland.) 1340 locomotives and 40000 cars will be manufactured by the end of 1940 or maybe beginning of 1941. Stock 23000 locomotives, 8000 of which are heavy freight train locomotives for Armed Forces transports. This will only replace the loss. 4 February: Will the Court-Martial be re-activated? Bodenschatz: Army Group C should not get out of hand [Keinen zauber machen] on minus-1 day. Fuehrer gives his agreement that 225 trains in position of readiness may be used for other purposes by the chief of transportation corps until 12 February. Proposal to the Fuehrer about continuation of aerial warfare within the 30 mile zone. Fuehrer agrees with proposal and talks with the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the afternoon. 5 February: Special staff "Weser Exercise" meets and is welcomed by Chief of Armed Forces High Command, gets instructions. Representative of Air Force is still missing. 6 February: Consumption of gasoline is not reduced. Stocks further diminished by 30000 tons. Deception even of Armed Forces High Command. Office Reinicke and Thomas, that is to say Chief of Armed Force High Command, W Pr that is to say Chief of Armed Forces Operational Office. Fuehrer leaves in the evening. 15:30 hours conference with General Jeschonnek, Col. v. Waldau and Col. Warlimont. Air Force submits following questions: Does X time remain unchanged? Yes. Deceptive action intolerable for Army
to say Chief of Armed Force High Command, W Pr that is to say Chief of Armed Forces Operational Office. Fuehrer leaves in the evening. 15:30 hours conference with General Jeschonnek, Col. v. Waldau and Col. Warlimont. Air Force submits following questions: Does X time remain unchanged? Yes. Deceptive action intolerable for Army Group C on A-1 day. Navy is not interested in Walcheren. does not see any danger from the English side. New idea: carry out actions H and Weser Exercise only and guarantee Belgium's neutrality for the duration of the war. Discussed once more affair Risberg with Chief of Armed Forces High Command. 8 February: Chief of Transportation Corps reports: Reich Railroads now admit that they cannot handle any additional burden at this moment. They are not ready for war. Although they hardly got any military requests, they cannot supply the domestic economy right now. It is only a question of engines, now, there are enough cars available everywhere. Transportation: 80% railroad. 18% water transport. 2% road transport. Transportation by water has to be brought to double of current capacity. Radio receivers can be transformed into transmitters without particular difficulties. Paris probably only by Gen. F....[Fermont?], rue de Louvre. 9 February: Chief of Armed Forces High Command received by Field Marshal Goering at 10 o'clock. Newspaper correspondents from the Protectorate may be sent to the West Wall (Fuehrer gave permission on 10 February). 10 February: The difficult situation in Transportation is presented by me in written form to the Chief of the Armed Forces High Command. 13:00 hours: Conference of Fuehrer with General Halder. Before that, inspection of 4.7 tank destroyer on tank I, chassis satisfying [befriedigt]. Field Marshal has explained, that he is able to start at night anyhow. Flying into the area of . . . from the sea. During the World War, we have dropped 28,000 tons. Thus, the Air Forces does not want to anticipate, but prefers start at night. Planes shall not fly over Luettich and Eben Emael in order to avoid any alarm there. 113,000 trucks driving in the W 45,000 of them are suited for Armed Forces. We are able to produce 4000 trucks. Fuehrer states, all the iron has been taken away from Todt, even that put aside by him (he wanted
anticipate, but prefers start at night. Planes shall not fly over Luettich and Eben Emael in order to avoid any alarm there. 113,000 trucks driving in the W 45,000 of them are suited for Armed Forces. We are able to produce 4000 trucks. Fuehrer states, all the iron has been taken away from Todt, even that put aside by him (he wanted to build 3000 additional ones). For the first time, the problems of transportation, motor vehicles and gasoline have been reported to the Fuehrer more impressively. Fuehrer agrees that the 225 trains for the first wave of Army High Command reserves may still be used further on by the Chief of the Transportation Corps. 11 February: First report from France about our troop movements and reinforcements in the west, which were terminated on 1 February already. 12 February: Fuehrer has a cold. No report. 13 February: The Army requested survey about the strength of the armies and reserves, divided into batteries, battalions and tanks [Btn. Btlen u. Kampfwagen], induces the Fuehrer again to open the question of the center of gravity. He says: Most of the armed tanks [Geschuetzkampfwagen] have been directed to areas of secondary importance. Armored Divisions at 4th Army can do little in barricaded and fortified area. They will be stopped at the latest on the Maas river and must be withdrawn. The 16th or 12th Army will then miss them. One should lead them together in direction of Sedan. The enemy does not expect our main assault there. The documents of fliers, who landed, have convinced them [the enemy] still further in their opinion that our intention is only to take possession of the Dutch and Belgian channel coast. A great number of tanks with 8th Tank Division does not seem necessary, a mechanized division in 3 or 4 parts with tanks assigned, should suffice. (It may be that this is a wish of the SSV division.) I hand over to the Fuehrer a summarized report, from which the great possibility for formation of a center of gravity south of the line Luettich-Namur becomes obvious (at least 5 times the strength of the forces committed north of that line). I bring to his attention that the thrust against Sedan is a tactical secret path, where one can be surprised by the God of War. If the French attack from the south flank, we must veer
south of the line Luettich-Namur becomes obvious (at least 5 times the strength of the forces committed north of that line). I bring to his attention that the thrust against Sedan is a tactical secret path, where one can be surprised by the God of War. If the French attack from the south flank, we must veer to the south. Fuehrer still thinks it possible, that the enemy will not engage the battle at all. Anyhow he will do it automatically. After half a day the news from Holland and Belgium may be so threatening already that he will decide to stand still. I don't believe it. At 17:30 hours Col. v. Greifenberg and Lt. Col. Heusniger are summoned to discuss these questions. The Fuehrer disapproves of the wearing of regular army uniforms by persons who are not members of the army or the Fuehrer's headquarters. Recommends taking care of motor vehicles and fuel. Higher speeds result in doubled tire consumption. Chief of Armed Forces High Command has a cold and will remain at home in the afternoon. Have learned from Admiral Canaris that the echelon Reivel is to be put to use against the Caucasus with bulk from Bulgaria. The Air Force must explain with whom this false idea originated. Inquiries made to the Chief of the Operational Division: whether there is a sufficient quantity of cloth for flags on hand? Change of position of the Army High Commands Proper designation of own troops: (a) Front line: white. (b) In line of company CPs: swastika flag. (c) Rear echelons: yellow rectangle. Communicated Fuehrer's ideas to Col. Warlimont, von Greifenberg and to Lt. Col. Heusniger, at 17:30 hours. Instructions requested how we should proceed in future. 14 February: Ziegenberg plant cannot be completed before June due to technical difficulties. Emergency installation can be made ready for operation by the middle of March, but in that case the Air Force must be in Nauheim or on the train. Colonel Schmundt must make a report on the distribution of personnel to WNV. Copper advance from Wifo stocks now to WNV, later back to Wifo. Political action against the increase in frontier road-blocks [?] in Luxemburg. Dr. Dorpmueller telegraphed to the chief of the Transportation Corps: The condition of the Reich Railroads requires that all nonessential transportation
personnel to WNV. Copper advance from Wifo stocks now to WNV, later back to Wifo. Political action against the increase in frontier road-blocks [?] in Luxemburg. Dr. Dorpmueller telegraphed to the chief of the Transportation Corps: The condition of the Reich Railroads requires that all nonessential transportation of the Armed Forces be postponed until warmer weather sets in. 15 February: The Fuehrer approves my article on the Finnish-Russian conflict. Is to be published in the Voelkischer-Beobachter. Backlog congestion of railroads increased by 200 trains. Certainty that nothing will happen to W. Instructions to the 18th Army. 16 February: Corps on left flank of 16th and not 6th Army. Landing at the Hague..... Capture Fort Hendrik. 10 divisions of the 8th wave [must receive 3 batteries]. No off-standard types of vehicles must be permitted to be used at the front, as long as standard army models are still being used in industry. To the Chief of the Luftwaffe [taken care of]. Air raid protection...... Speakers for troops, danger if commanders order the speeches themselves. Chief of the Armed Forces High Command. WNV training of 300 to 400 men land postal clerks at Verst. [?] Not yet from the Chief of the Air Force at present 6 new German consuls appointed in Scandinavia. C. has given orders for large-scale preparations for offensive. Fortress [Fest] drill of "Grafemvoeln". Special security by counterintelligence coordination of press. Brief reports in the provincial newspapers for enemy intelligence service. Request authorization to land at Myden with a load of machines. Alternative preparations at C. should work in the same direction. Pr. Battleship "Repulse" in dock. Complete flop of this news report. Altmark in Bergen, British submarines expected. Burgedeyk submarine 48 Schulz unsuccessful [?] submarines. Chief of Armed Forces High Command. Press Conference at Foreign Office. Chief of the Navy High Command wishes to talk the Halifax problem over once more and then speak to the Fuehrer. Now applications of mines only. Chief of Navy, High Command will take this matter up again with the Fuehrer. L. ask what with report of General Staff Officers. 17 February: Incident with tankship "Altmark", 6 dead, 4 seriously injured.
to talk the Halifax problem over once more and then speak to the Fuehrer. Now applications of mines only. Chief of Navy, High Command will take this matter up again with the Fuehrer. L. ask what with report of General Staff Officers. 17 February: Incident with tankship "Altmark", 6 dead, 4 seriously injured. 1700 hours: Newly promoted Commanding Generals and General Rommel at Fuehrer's table for dinner. (Geyr, Manstein, Schmidt, Reinhardt, Glumne). Complaints that guns in armored cars IV only have not to 2000 m. After dinner Manstein reports his ideas about the operations of Army Group A. He says, the decisive blow will not fall west of the Maas, but it must be overcome between Sedan-Charleville. If the enemy crosses the river, we are able to beat him and cross the River Maas together with him. In the south therefore, we must have strong armor or none at all. What is in the rear cannot reach the battlefield in time. 18 February: On the basis of my discussion with Greifenberg on 13 February Chief of the Armed Forces High Command and General Halder reported to the Fuehrer the following intention: 1. To shift the demarcation line between Army Group A and B in line Luettich-Namur. 2. To employ stronger armored forces in front of the 12th and 16th army, weakening by the measure Army Group B (1st and 5th armored) and ground forces reserved (9th armored division) 3. Intention to go to the front any way with a very small staff one night preceding A Day. Fuehrer approves all three suggestions but insists that in distributing the heavy tanks III, III t and IV due consideration should be given to the tasks to be expected. That is to say not such a large number of heavy tanks as it is the case now with the 8th Armored and 6th Armored Division. 19.II Fuehrer displeased with behavior of Graf Spee crew on the Altmark. No resistance, no British losses. Fuehrer presses energetically, preparations for the Weser Exercise Equip steamships. Put units in readiness. Will talk to staff. In order to speed up preparations I advise to appoint one of newly promoted commanding generals with his staff as leader. Fuehrer approves. Chief of Army reports about problems of organization. 20 February: Discussion and consideration how case "Weser
Equip steamships. Put units in readiness. Will talk to staff. In order to speed up preparations I advise to appoint one of newly promoted commanding generals with his staff as leader. Fuehrer approves. Chief of Army reports about problems of organization. 20 February: Discussion and consideration how case "Weser Exercise" is to be carried through. Equipment is to be taken on board ships ahead of the troops. Designation of units depends on equipment on hand. 1500 hours discussion concerning that matter through Chief of Armed Forces High Command with General Fromm. Intention, to take two divisions with technical equipment as second wave. 21 February: Fuehrer talks to General von Falkenhorst and charges him with preparation of the Weser Exercise. Falkenhorst accepts gladly. Instructions to each of the 3 branches of the armed forces. Proposal from Fromm to use only units with German material. Therefore 7th Fl. Div., 22nd Division, one regiment of the 1st mountain division, Two divisions of the 7th wave, motorized brigade, (rifle brigade. 11 with armored car 1). Fuehrer wishes that western connections of the "Spicherer Hoehen" be advanced and fortified with pillboxes. Colonel v. Greifenberg transmits. 22 February: Fuehrer expresses his intention to go to Munich for Sunday. At the beginning of operations he does not want to go to Ziegenberg but to the Eagle's Nest [felsen]. Colonel Juppe ordered: a. to have a drawing made of the chain of command. b. to consider, in what way the communications can be technically improved at the Eagle's Nest and vicinity. Commander Junge informed about proposed points in his report by the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. Important 3 points: a. Submarines into the Mediterranean. b. Esthonian submarines. c. Discordance Navy-Airforce about the moment for the beginning of mine laying. Air force beginning 1 May with 3000, Navy with Heinckel 115 now, already 1845 hours Chief of the Armed Forces High Command informed. Noon. Todt reports to the Fuehrer concerning extension of railroad gauges [?] [Schienenhoehen]. Fuehrer approves that extension will be built according to schedule. 23 February: Navy High Command reports that during last night 2 destroyers were sunk by our own planes [Leberecht Maas
of the Armed Forces High Command informed. Noon. Todt reports to the Fuehrer concerning extension of railroad gauges [?] [Schienenhoehen]. Fuehrer approves that extension will be built according to schedule. 23 February: Navy High Command reports that during last night 2 destroyers were sunk by our own planes [Leberecht Maas and...]. Navy High Command stresses that this is the consequence of uncoordinated conduct of sea warfare, regardless whether it is conducted under, on or above the sea. One takes pains not to get excited; what would happen if there should be heavy losses. Fuehrer is furious. He is right. He says: "I would not say anything if the whole Navy were sunk in battle with the enemy, but it is inexcusable if that happens on account of lack of coordination." Gasoline reserve for motor vehicles. 24 February: Clear up, whether Navy is authorized to start already now with mine laying. Who will ask Duce, whether our own submarines have to enter the Mediterranean? Engel informs about inquiry results Todt and Schmundt. The latter calls long distance from Munich. Fuehrer has ordered completion of Eagle's Nest for Armed Forces Operational Staff and Air Force. [Zug] (air group [?]) Heinrich will have to stay east of the Rhine. Army High Command as strongly as possible in forests. Officer from the General Staff and an officer from Intelligence Service are to go to Eagle's Nest 26 February. There to reconnoiter together with Todt. 1430 hours. Orally transmitted to Chief of Operational Department and to Lieutenant Colonel Heusinger the matter. Chief of the High Command is informed. Staff Falkenhorst arrives in Berlin and starts to function XXIst Corps. 25.II. Disturbing reports from Turkey. Communication apparently cut off. Chief of Armed Forces High Command inform General Halder about Fuehrer's intention to have an Operational Staff of the Army High Command near the Eagle's Nest also. 26.II. Fuehrer raises the question, whether it is better to undertake the Weser Exercise before or after case "Yellow". Chief of the Air Force charged with examining this problem. Fuehrer decides that Navy will have to wait with starting of mine laying by means of planes, until situation will permit large-scale employment of air force. [transmitted to
whether it is better to undertake the Weser Exercise before or after case "Yellow". Chief of the Air Force charged with examining this problem. Fuehrer decides that Navy will have to wait with starting of mine laying by means of planes, until situation will permit large-scale employment of air force. [transmitted to Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force]. Talked with Chief of Air Force and Chief of Staff about work on and about housing of Air Force near Eagle's Nest at the beginning. Air Force to Rodert or Muenstereifel or train nearby. 27 February: 60 Tons of leaflets shall be dropped down in the near future. Fuehrer approves the schedule but will not issue proclamation to Armed Forces from here on A Day. 28 February: I make the following proposition to the Chief of the Armed Forces High Command and after that to Fuehrer: Case "Yellow" and Weser Exercise have to be prepared in such a manner that they will become quite independent from another regarding time and strength. Fuehrer completely agrees with that proposition if there is any possibility for it. 1500 hours, staff Falkenhorst reports about preparations made so far. In this connection I explain to him the new basis of preparations. Proposition for employment of forces N 4 airborne companies 2 Mountain divisions D 1 corps headquarters 22 infantry divisions less 2 division, 7th wave pol. division 1 div. 3rd wave regional defense unit. It has yet to be decided, whether reinforcement 11th rifle brigade is to be directed first to group D and then to group N or to group N immediately. Proposition as regards combat planes too high. 29 February: 1500 hours, Report of staff Falkenhorst with Kranke, Buschenhagen, Dnaus very satisfactory to Fuehrer. He approves the suggestions. Fuehrer wishes also to have a strong group at Copenhagen and detailed elaboration in which way the individual coastal batteries are to be overpowered. Commander-in-Chief of 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