http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... 885#551885In the area of operations, the Reichsfuehrer SS is, on behalf of the Fuehrer, entrusted with special tasks for the preparation of the political administration, tasks which result from the struggle which has to be carried out between two opposing political systems. Within the realm of these tasks, the Reichsfuehrer SS shall act independently and under his own responsibility.
For more see:
Himmler's "Special Mission from the Fuehrer"
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=61802
Per Stahlecker's recap of his instructions at Comprehensive Report of Combat Group A up to 15 Oct 1941
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=60197 , the idea was for the Einsatzgruppen to proceed cautiously, using discreet locations and indigenous hirelings and criminals wherever possible to avoid accountability when murdering the Jews of the USSR:
Another example appears in the report at p. 985:Similarly, native anti-Semitic forces were included to start pograms against Jews [at Kovno, Lithuania on 25-26 Jun 1941} during the first hours after capture, though this inducement proved to be very difficult. Following out orders, the Security Police was determined to solve the Jewish question with all possible means and most decisively. But it was desirable that the Security Police should not put in an immediate appearance, at least in the beginning, since the extraordinarily harsh measures were apt to stir even German circles. (p. 979, emphasis added; see also p. 984).
Here is another, at p. 986:Action against Jewry. From the beginning it was to be expected that the Jewish problem in the East could not be solved by pogroms alone. In accordance with the basic orders received, however, the cleansing activities of the Security Police had to aim at a complete annihilation of the Jews. Special detachments reinforced by selected units in Lithouania partisan detachments, in Latvia units of the Latvian auxiliary police therefore performed extensive executions both in the towns and in rural areas. (emphasis added).
On page 987, the reader can see this example:After the carrying out of the first larger executions in Lithouania and Latvia it became soon apparent that an annihilation of the Jews without leaving any traces could not be carried out, at least not at the present moment. (emphasis added).
The decision to extend the murdering operations to Reich and other Jews appears to have been made in Nov 1941, according to Kersten's diaries:In this connection it may be mentioned that some authorities of the Civil Administration offered resistance, at times even a strong one, against the carrying out of larger executions. This resistance was answered by calling attention to the fact that it was a matter of carrying out basic orders. (emphasis added)
November 11, 1941:
November 16, 1941:"To-day Himmler is very depressed. He has just come from the Fuehrer's Chancellery. I gave him treatment. After much pressure and questions as to what was the matter with him, he told me that the destruction of the Jews is being planned." (Hoehne 367)
the Rosenberg memo of his meeting with Hitler on 14 Dec 1941:"In these last few days with Himmler I have constantly been trying to return to the fate of the Jews. Contrary to all his habits he only listens to me in silence." (Hoehne 367)
and the Ostministerium correspondence, cited above.I remarked on the Jewish question that the comments about the New York Jews must perhaps be changed somewhat after the conclusion (of matters in the East). I took the standpoint, not to speak of the extermination [Ausrottung] of the Jews. The Fuehrer affirmed this and said that they had burdened the war upon us and that they had brought the destruction; it is no wonder if the results would strike them first.
The Fuehrer further said that he did not deem it necessary to order forth the other nations to contribute as yet, since they can produce therein a legal claim for later. He does that from time to time in single negotiations. I told him that I, too, had written that down as a question. I would comply with these instructions to edit more carefully the corresponding paragraphs in my speech.