Archive/File: imt/nca/nca-06/nca-06-3613-ps Last-Modified: 1997/07/08 Nazi Conspiracy & Aggression, Volume VI Partial Translation of Document 3613-PS [Page 321] OFFICIAL GAZETTE FOR THE OCCUPIED DUTCH TERRITORY [Verordnungsblatt fuer die besetzten niederlaendischen Gabiete] No. 1, June 5, 1940, page 6 Proclamation of the Reich Commissioner for the Occupied Netherlands Territories to the Netherlands Population, May 25, 1940 On this day I have assumed supreme governmental authority within the civil domain in the Netherlands. It is due to the magnanimity of the Fuehrer and the power of the German armed forces that within a few days after the catastrophe brought about by the former leadership of the Netherlands, an order of public life is restored which will interfere with the usual and prevailing state of affairs only to the extent demanded by the special conditions. As Reich Commissioner I hold supreme governmental authority in the civil domain in the Netherlands territories placed under the protection of German troops, for the purpose of safeguarding public order and public life. I shall take all measures, including those of a legislative nature, which are necessary for the fulfillment of this task. It is my will to leave unimpaired, as far as this is possible, the Netherlands law as heretofore in force, to avail myself [Page 322] of the Netherlands authorities for the fulfillment of administrative tasks, and to preserve the independence of the judiciary. I expect, however, that all Netherlands judges, officials, and employees presently active in public service will conscientiously comply with my orders directed toward that objective, and that the Netherlands nation will follow this leadership with understanding and self- discipline. The Netherlands soldiers have fought well in battle. The Netherlands civil population has adopted a satisfactory attitude toward the fighting troops. There is nothing which should prevent us from meeting each other on a plane of mutual respect. Under their Fuehrer the German people are fighting a decisive battle for their survival or destruction, a struggle which the hatred and envy of their enemies have forced upon them. This struggle compels the German nation to exert all its strength and gives it the right to avail itself of all means within its reach. This compulsion and privilege will also necessarily affect the life of the Netherlands nation and its economy. It will, however, be my concern that the Netherlands nation, akin in blood to the German nation, shall not be subject to living conditions less favorable than those necessitated by the community of fate and the destructive intentions of our enemies at this time. As Reich Commissioner I have to safeguard the interests of the Reich in the Netherlands territories placed under the protection of the German troops and I shall safeguard them. The Netherlands nation, in fulfilling the duties resulting from the common task, will be able to secure its country and its liberty for the future. Headquarters of the Fuehrer, May 25, 1940. SEYSS-INQUART Reich Commissioner for the Occupied Dutch Territories
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