Translation of document C-51

High Command of the Armed Forces
WFSt/Dep.L(IV/Qu)
Fuehrer’s HQ., 27 July 1941
Nr.001590/41 Top Secret.
[illegible notations]

                         TOP SECRET

                                                               24 copies
                                                               20th copy

Reference: OKW/TsT/ Dep. L(IV Qu)
Nr. 44718/41 Top Secret S.0. 14 May 1941,
Re: Military Courts.

In accordance with the regulation concerning classified material, the
following offices will destroy all copies of the Fuehrer’s decree of 13
May 1941 issued in the communication mentioned above:

a. All offices upwards to (the ranks of) General Commands inclusive.

b. Group Commands of the armored troops.

c. Army Commands and offices of equal rank, if there is an inevitable
danger that they might fall into the hands of unauthorized persons
(Rules concerning classified materials No. 58).

The validity of the decree is not affected by the destruction of the
copies. In accordance with paragraph III it remains the personal
responsibility of the Commanding Officers to see to it that the officers
and legal advisers are instructed in time and that only those sentences
are confirmed which correspond to the political intentions of the High
Command.

This order will be destroyed together with the copies of the Fuehrer's
decree.

The Chief of the High Command [signed] Keitel Distribution The same as
referred to in the communication above, and Gen. on special mission with
High Command Army. [rubber stamp with hand markings:]

Distribution:
The same as referred to in
the communication above,
and Gen. on special mission
with High Command Army.
[rubber stamp with hand markings:]

Encl to /SKI 17245/init top secret.