Verwaltungs-
und
Wirtschafts-Bestimmungen
des Wehrmachtsbefehlshabers
in den Niederlanden
Ausgabe 2
Second Issue
Nur für den Dienstgebrauch
Please notice: 1940 does not imply that this manual was printed and issued in 1940, but only that it first was issued in 1940.
Inside the book dates of, for instance, 1942 being printed. Additional information going to 1943 and beyond.
I would first like to explain why we publish this non technical genuine wartime document.
Being on a holiday trip in Baden-Baden. Sunday morning 3rd May 2015, still in bed, we watched the morning TV program of the SWR. We just jumped in a lecture held in 2011 at a University, I believe it was Hannover.
The subject German justice history from the 19th century up to today.
I was really impressed by the episode of the Third Reich era.
One of his points was, that even in the era of un-justice, German justice was also engaged in dam normal legal affairs. As long as it did not intervene with the political realities.
Knowing that I possess an intriguing volume for more than 46 years, I did start reading it again. This event was also coinciding with a recent publication of the historical society of Duivendrecht (Historische Vereniging Wolfgerus van Aemstel).
Their subject is dealing with the wartime days viewed via eyewitnesses. Of course, wartime recollections.
It is clear that the German occupation was the main thread.
From long time experience, someone's reality is sometimes conflicting with real facts.
As to allow everybody to take notice of the German military ruling during the German occupation of The Netherlands between 15 May 1940 and say 7-8 May 1945, this document is, in my perception, most relevant.
The German Occupation of The Netherlands was not of a military nature, though a so-called 'civil matter'. In contrast, Belgium and France being ruled under military law.
Another question raised in post war years: why were the Belgium civil losses lower than of the Dutch?
Here we reach a crucial point: German behaviour necessitated always legal backing. Hence, even in questions of 'un-justice' there existed a kind of legal frame work. The Belgium's had experienced this phenomenon during the First World War; and did well understand how to hamper the German legal system. We in the Netherlands generally did lack these skills.
Therefore, in my perception, it really does make sense to make public the military handbook on occupational matters as far as it concerns the Occupational Wehrmacht in the Netherlands. It deals with purely military matters, but also dealing with facts where the military forces meet Dutch civilians and their business.
Most of you will not have knowledge, that the occupants of a country being financed by the occupied country.
A good example, after the war: When General Clay in West Berlin did give a bouquet to someone, not the DoD was the one who paid the bill, though it was the German Government doing so.
Generally, the following quotations being meant for showing the way the German military organisations were ruled.
Quoting from page 16
The essence of this quotation is - that the occupational costs made by the Wehrmacht is according article 49 of Hague Conference (I guess from 1908) is being paid for by The Netherlands. Like was the case in the previous example. Practically, the Dutch Government provided the funds for it.
On page 19 we find the addresses of Wehrmacht offices concerned with ordnance
The currency ratio between Dutch Gulden and RM was ƒ 1 is RM 1.27
Dutch banks being obliged to change (accept) RM notes for Dutch currency
Lifting the ban on the transfer of German currency into the Netherlands
About the payment to those engaged in the German military services
All Dutch services being paid for in cash
About the costs of the occupation
About trophies of war
Quoting from page 58:
Wegen des Begriffs "Beute" wird auf Artikel 53 der Haager Landkriegsordnung verwiesen. Ueber Beute darf von den Einheiten und Diensstellen nicht unentgeldlich verfügt werden. Eine derartige unentgeldliche Verfügung ist grundsätzlich nach der Reichshaushaltsordnung unzulässig, da Beute Staatseigentum darstellt.
Meant is, that war trophies are regarded being property of the German Reich, therefore German (military and civilian) organisations have to pay for obtaining something.
Offices used by the Wehrmacht or related organisations, have to be provided by The Netherlands (being considered costs of the occupation)
Very important: about the provision of beer!
About clothing and garment
Changes and new rules
About the cost of electricity, water and collection of trash (garbage)
According this passage, the cost of new constructions (like the Atlantikwall, AOB) is a special matter
About renting private quarters or public places
About the renting of tennis courts and football facilities, or that like
About renting of petrol stations (Tankstellen)
About renting of private quarters and its duration
About payment and reimbursement
About the payment of clearing (Erstattung von Räumungskosten)
About a ban on un-necessary interventions in the Dutch economy (signed by Christiansen, the general in charge of all German military forces during the entire war. (Leaving apart the last months)
About the compensation to those engaged in German services (incorporating Dutch citizens)
About social securities in The Netherlands
About the payment for children in The Netherlands
Not well accepted and recognised, it were the Germans, for what ever reason, who introduced quite some social legislations. Like the payment for children (Kinderzuschlag)(later known as: Kinderbijslag, AOB), but also the introduction of 'Health insurance' for every' employed person and his family.
Quoting page 194:
Mit Wirkung von 1.1.1941 ist in den Niederlanden im Verordnungswege das Kinderzuschlaggesetz in Kraft getreten. Aus dem gestetz ergibt sich ...
About alimony and children born from German military personnel
About the payment for rented quarters
Orders signed by Seyss-Inquart
Please download the integral document below (228 pages)
By Arthur O. Bauer
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