September 27, 1941

 

48 copies
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(36th copy)

 

Einsatzgruppe C

Location: Kiev

Vorkommando 4a directly with the combat troops in Kiev since September 19. Einsatzgruppe HQ came up on September 24. Office Building NKVD, October 24th street, assigned and commandeered as the seat of Einsatzgruppe Headquarters. The building was evacuated this morning to move into emergency quarters in the one-time Tsar's castle.

The town was almost destroyed upon entry of troops, Numerous barricades and tank traps were placed in the main streets. In addition, other strong defensive installations were setup in the town area. On September 20th, the citadel blew up and the Artillery Commander and his chief of staff  were killed.

On September 24, violent explosions in the quarters of the Feldkommandantur; the ensuing  fire has not yet been extinguished. Fire also burns in the center of the town. Some very valuable buildings have been destroyed as a result. All fire-fighting efforts have thus far had no effect. Demolitions by blasting being carried out to bring the fire under control. Fire also rages in the immediate vicinity of this office and forced us to evacuate due to considerable damage from the blasting. The blasts continue.

Up to now, 670 mines have been detected in buildings, according to a mine-laying plan which was discovered; all public buildings and squares are mined, among them is stated the building appropriated for the future use of this office. The building was then search most assiduously  and in the course of this search 60 Molotov cocktails, and various forms of explosives were detected.

In the Lenin Museum, 8000 lbs of dynamite were discovered which were to be detonated by a wireless control. It was repeatedly observed that fires broke out the moment the buildings were taken over by German forces. As has been proved, Jews have played a major role in this sabotage.

Allegedly  150,000 Jews living here. Verification of these statements has not been validated yet. 1,600 arrests were made in the course of the first action, measures underway to check the status of the Jewish population.

Execution of at least 50,000 Jews planned. The German Army welcomes measures and demands drastic procedure. Garrison commander advocates public execution of 20 Jews.

A larger number of NKVD officials, political commissars, partisan leaders and partisans have been arrested. According to reliable information, demolition battalion of the NKVD and considerable number of NKVD men in Kiev.

This morning, enemy plots detected. Contact established with German Army and authorities. Participated in setting up initial town administration. Informants posted, Vorkommando of the Higher SS and Police leaders have arrived.

Detailed reports to follow.