Keitel Bans Wehrmacht Contacts
With Jews in the East

(September 12, 1941)

High Command of the Wehrmacht

WFST [Armed Forces Operation Staff] Div. L (IV/Qu)

No. 02041/41 Secret

Fuehrer Headquarters, September 12, 1941

...The struggle against Bolshevism demands ruthless and energetic action, and first of all against the Jews as well, as the main bearers of Bolshevism.

There will, therefore, be no cooperation whatever between the Wehrmacht and the Jewish population, whose attitude is openly or secretly anti-German, and no use is to be made of individual Jews for any preferential auxiliary services for the Wehrmacht. Under no circumstances are papers to be issued by Military Offices to Jews confirming that they are employed for purposes of the Wehrmacht.

The only exception to be made is the use of Jews in specially organized labor columns, which are only to be employed under German supervision.

It is requested to make this order known to the troops.

Chief of the High Command of the Wehrmacht

signed Keitel

Source: Yad Vashem