Second decree of the Fuehrer on powers of command in an area of operations within the Reich, dated September 20, 1944

My decree on powers of command in an area of operations within the Reich of July 13, 1944 is hereby canceled. Should enemy forces advance on to the territory of the Reich I order as follows:

I. The civil administration will continue to operate fully in the area of operations. State and local authorities will continue to carry out their duties.

II. I shall appoint the Reich Commissioner for Defense for the area of operations.

III.

1. The Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations has plenary powers. The uniform execution throughout the Reich of all the measures to be taken by the Reich Commissioner for Defense in accordance with this decree will he the responsibility subject to my general instructions, of the ReichsFuehrer SS Heinrich Himmler.

2. The military Commander-in-Chief will address his demands, arising from the needs of the military situation, in the civil sphere, to the Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations.

3. In the immediate battle areas, where boundaries will be determined by the military 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 the municipalities such directives as from time to time may be necessary for the execution of their operational duties.

IV.

1. In the exercise of his plenary powers, the Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations may --

(a) Take all measures rendered necessary by threatened action of the enemy.

(b) Give instructions to all state and local authorities.

(c) Issue regulations having the force of law.

2. The Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations will avail himself of the following authorities:

In Police matters -- of the competent Higher SS and Police Leader.

In matters concerning the state railways and inland shipping -- of the Plenipotentiary of the Reich Minister of Transport.

In matters concerning maritime shipping -- of the deputy of the Reich Commissioner for Shipping.

In matters concerning armaments and war production -- of the chairman of the competent Armaments Committee or subcommittee.

V. The Reich Commissioners for Defense whose districts come wholly or partially within 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.

VI. The Reich Commissioner for Defense in the area of operations may delegate the execution of his duties to those Reich Commissioners for Defense whose defense districts are a part of the area of operations.

VII. This decree also applies to the incorporated Eastern territory. It applies to territories under a Head of Civil Administration, and to the General Government.

VIII. Instructions which run counter to this decree are hereby canceled.

IX. The Reich Minister of the Interior will issue the legal and administrative instructions required for the implementation of this decree.

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Revised: January 21, 1999

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