Chapter L: Section I: of the directive is headed “Area of Operations and Executive

Power” and outlines who was to be in control of what and where. It states that while the campaign is in progress, the Supreme Commander of the Army has the executive power in territory through which the army is advancing. During this period, however, the Reichsfuehrer SS is entrusted with “special tasks.” This assignment is discussed in paragraph 2b:

“* * * _b._ In the area of operations, the _Reichsfuehrer SS_
is, on behalf of the Fuehrer, entrusted with _special tasks_ for
the preparation of the _political administration_, tasks which
result from the struggle which has to be carried out between two
opposing political systems. Within the realm of these tasks, the
Reichsfuehrer SS shall act independently and under his own
responsibility. The executive power invested in the Supreme
Commander of the Army (OKH) and in agencies determined by him
shall not be affected by this. It is the responsibility of the
Reichsfuehrer SS that through the execution of his tasks
military operations shall not be disturbed. Details shall be
arranged directly through the OKH with the Reichsfuehrer SS.”
(_447-PS_)

The order then states that, in time, political administration will be set up under Commissioners of the Reich. The relationship of these officials to the army is discussed in paragraphs 2c and 3:

“_c._ As soon as the area of operations has reached sufficient
depth, it is to be _limited in the rear_. The newly occupied
territory in the rear of the area of operations is to be given
its own _political_ administration. For the present, it is to be
divided, according to its genealogic basis and to the positions
of the Army Groups, into _North_ (_Baltic countries_), _Center_
(_White Russia_) _and South_ (_Ukraine_). In these territories
_the political administration is taken care of by Commissioners
of the Reich_ who receive their orders from the Fuehrer.

“3. For the execution of all _military tasks_ within the areas
under political administration in the rear of the area of
operations, _commanding officers_ who are responsible to the
Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (OKW) shall be in command.

“The commanding officer is the _supreme representative of the
Armed Forces_ in the respective areas and the bearer of the
_military sovereign rights_. He has _the tasks of a Territorial
Commander_ and the rights of a supreme Army Commander or a
Commanding General. In this capacity he is responsible primarily
for the following tasks.

“_a._ Close cooperation with the Commissioner of the Reich in
order to support him in his political task.

“_b._ Exploitation of the country and securing its economic
values for use by German industry (see par. 4). (_447-PS_)

The directive also outlines the responsibility for the administration of economy in the conquered territory. This provision is also contained in