The Einsatzgruppen:
Operational Situation Report USSR No. 153

The Chief of the Security Police and the Security Service

Berlin,

January 9, 1942

60 copies

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(57th copy)

Operational Situation Report USSR No. 153

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Report on Polish Resistance movements in Byelorussia

The Catholic priests are the carriers of the Polish resistance movement in western Byelorussia. In several cases one could establish that the leading activists of the Polish resistance movement, among them also Roman Catholic clergymen, have made contact with other enemies. There exists a close relationship between the Communists, former NKVD agents, and the Catholic priests, such as in Tushkiviche in the district of Gorodiche. Even the Jews are not excluded from the fighting community of the Polish resistance movement although, in general, they do not enjoy much sympathy among the Polish population. They are considered as comrades-in-arms on a common defense front and, in particular, as carriers of a propaganda whisper campaign.

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1) The operational areas of the Teilkommandos, particularly in smaller villages, were made free of Jews. During the period covered by the report 3,176 Jews, 85 partisans, 12 looters, and 122 Communist officials were shot. In all: 79, 276. In Simferopol, apart from Jews, the Krimchak and Gypsy question was also solved. The population generally welcomed the elimination of these elements.

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General mood

The attitude towards German occupation continues to be positive. A larger part of the population is afraid of a Russian return. 7,000 prisoners from Feodosia on the march via Simferopol-Dznakoy, partly under guard, [made] no attempt to go over to the Russians.

Food supplies already very difficult. Presently attempting to send parts of the town population to the countryside.

Tarters are in general positively inclined towards the German occupying forces. They constantly offer active help against partisans, setting up of independent armed units and actively destroying the partisan [units].

(The Einsatzgruppen Reports by Yitzak Arad, Shmuel Krakowski and Shmuel Spector, editors. p. 272-3)