| Abstract |
Marked "Flash, urgent, immediate delivery!" this document alerts the State Police that "anti-Jewish demonstrations are to be expected throughout the Reich in the course of this night—9-10 November 1938" due to the "attempt on the life of Legation Secretary vom Rath" (p.1). The document enumerates the terms on which these demonstrations will occur, including a directive that various police organizations and government leaders conspire to protect German (non-Jewish) lives, property, and businesses even as Jewish homes, shops, and synagogues are destroyed. The demonstrations are to occur under the supervision of the German authorities and are not to be interfered with as long as they develop within the stated limitations. Before the action begins, "the police will confiscate the archives of all synagogues and offices of Jewish communal organizations"; thereafter, "synagogues may be set afire only if there is no danger of spreading the flames to neighboring buildings" (p.1). Jews, particularly the well-to-do, will be arrested and interned in concentration camps. Despite the scale and severity of these actions, the document also states (without evidnet awareness of the irony), "Special attention will be paid that no Jew arrested in these circumstances is to be maltreated." (p.2). This document is a copy, re-typed on thin but stable paper. |