Decree of the Fuehrer on the exercise of command in an area of Operations within the Reich

of 13th July 1944

In the event of enemy forces advancing into the territory of the German Reich, I order as follows:

I

The state and local civil authorities will continue to carry out their duties in the area of operations.

II

1. The military Commander-in-Chief, to whom I delegate plenary powers, will address his demands concerning civil matters arising out of the military situation to the Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations.

2. In the immediate battle areas, whose limits will be defined by the Commander-in-Chief in agreement with the Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations, senior military commanders are empowered to issue direct to civilian authorities of the State, and to local authorities, such instructions as arc necessary for carrying out their respective operational duties. Should unforeseen events call for immediate action, and the Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations not be available, the Commander-in-Chief has the same powers throughout the area of operations. The Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations will be informed by the quickest means of the measures which have been taken.

3. I shall nominate the Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations.

III

I. The Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations has the task of advising the military Commander-in-Chief in all matters of civil administration, including economic affairs. He can issue the necessary instructions to the state and local civil authorities.

2. Should the Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations have any requests to make he will refer, in police matters to the competent Higher SS and Police Leaders; in railroad and inland shipping matters, to the Plenipotentiary of the Reich Minister for Transport; in matters of sea traffic, to the deputy of the Reich Commissioner for Shipping; and in matters of armament and war production, to the competent Chairman of the Armaments Committee of the Reich Minister for Armaments and War Production.

IV

Reich Commissioners for Defense, whose districts lie wholly or partly in the area of operations, will appoint a liaison officer who will be attached to the Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations in an advisory capacity.

V

The Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations will carry out the task assigned to him with the officials placed at his disposal in his capacity as Reich Commissioner for Defense. On the proposal of highest authorities of the Reich, experts in special fields may be attached to him by the Plenipotentiary General for the Administration of the Reich, in agreement with the Head of the Party Chancery and the High Command of the Armed Forces.

VI

The Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations may delegate the execution of his duties in the area of a subordinate commander to the Reich Commissioner for Defense in that area. In this case the subordinate commander must first have been granted plenary powers by the Commander-in-Chief. In putting forward requests the Commissioner will apply to the regional authorities in his area in accordance with paragraph III subparagraph 2.

VII

The Reich Minister of the Interior will issue the necessary legal and administrative orders for the implementation of this decree.

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Revised: January 21, 1999

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