Letter from Steengracht, 20 March 1944, transmitting copy of Hitler's Decree appointing Veesenmayer as German Plenipotentiary and Minister in Hungary and defining Veesenmayer's authority, in Trials of War Criminals Before the Nuernberg Military Tribunals Under Control Council Law No. 10. Vol. 13: United States of America v. Ernst von Weizsaecker, et al. (Case 11: 'Ministries Case'). US Government Printing Office, District of Columbia: 1952. pp. 336-337.
Translation of Document NG-2947, Prosecution Exhibit 1806.
[Stamp] Top Secret.
The Foreign Office
Political Division
IV 771 g Rs.
Berlin W 8
[Stamp], Express Letter
Foreign Office, Inl. 11309
20 March 1944
Top Secret.
I enclose for your confident information a copy of the Fuehrer's power of attorney for the Plenipotentiary of the Greater German Reich in Hungary, Party Member Dr. Edmund Veesenmayer.
[Signed] Steengracht]
1. [Illegible handwriting]
2. Wagner [Initials] v. TH. [von Thadden].
*************************************
[Stamp] Top Secret
Copy
Top Secret.
The Fuehrer.
(1) The interests of the Reich in Hungary will henceforward be protected by a Plenipotentiary of the Greater German Reich in Hungary, who will simultaneously bear the designation Minister.
(2) The Reich Plenipotentiary is responsible for all political developments in Hungary and receives his directives through the Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs. He has the special task of paving the way for the formation of a new national government which will be resolved to fulfill loyally and until final victory is achieved the obligations imposed upon it by the Tripartite Pact. The Reich Plenipotentiary will advise this government on all important matters and represent always the interests of the Reich.
(3) The Reich Plenipotentiary is to ensure that the entire administration of the country, as long as German troops are there, is carried out by the new national government under his guidance in all fields, and with the object of utilizing to the fullest all the resources the country has to offer, in particular the economic possibilities, for the joint conduct of the war.
(4) German civilian offices, no matter of what nature, which are to operate in Hungary may be established only with the consent of the Reich Plenipotentiary; they will be subordinate to im and will act in accordance with his directives.
To perform tasks of the SS and Police to be carried out by German agencies in Hungary, and especially police duties in connection with the Jewish problem, a Higher SS and Police Leader will be appointed to the staff of the Reich Plenipotentiary and will act in accordance with his political directives.
(5) As long as German troops remain in Hungary, military sovereignty will be exercised by the commanding officer of these troops. The commanding officer is subordinated to the High Command of the Wehrmacht and receives his directives from him. The commanding officer of troops is responsible for the internal military security of the country and for its defense against threats from abroad. He supports the Reich Plenipotentiary in his political and administrative duties and acquaints him with all Wehrmacht requirements, especially with regard to the utilization of the country for the provisioning of the German troops. The requirements of the Wehrmacht, so far as they concern the realm of civilian affairs, are met by the Reich Plenipotentiary. In cases of imminent danger the commanding officer of German troops has the right to order also in the realm of civilian affairs, measures necessary for the fulfillment of military asks. He will arrive at an agreement with the Reich Plenipotentiary concerning this as soon as possible. The Reich Plenipotentiary and the commanding officer of German troops, must cooperate as closely as possible wherever their spheres of activity overlap and agree on all measures.
(6) I name Party Member Dr. Edmund Veesenmayer, Plenipotentiary of the Greater German Reich, and Minister in Hungary.
Fuehrer Headquarters,
19 March 1944,
Signed: Adolf Hitler.
