FG_Akte_precis_docs - Focal Point Publications

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British Army 1945 documents relating to the finding and exploitation of the genuine Franke-Griksch Report

After the war was over SS Obergruppenführer Maximilian von Herff, one of the more cerebral of the Gruppenführer, was taken into British captivity at Mürwick, and interrogated, before ending his life in September 1945. An interesting document was found in his possession. The original is still (2010) missing. A nearly complete translation is in PRO file WO 309/374. In a file released much later, probably in the 1980s, is now found a further summary, which is of equal forensic interest.

(1); [Rubber stamp: 'A' BRANCH 26MAY1945 H.Q. 21 Army Group]; Subject:- Concentration Camps 21 A Gp/INT/2428(190); A (PS) 4 24 May 45; -------- ---------; Attached please find a precis of a report found among; the documents of SS Ogruf Von HERFF who is now under inter-; rogation in England.; It would be appreciated if this branch could be; informed whether general information of this type is of; any value to your branch.; [handwritten markings:; Reply at 2A]; G H Noakes; ... Major; BGS'I'
: GSI,; Main HQ 21 Army Gp,; BLA; ------------------; REGD SDS; [Manuscript note reads:]; Ask Noakes whether we can have; the full report in order that it may; form the basis of Wanted Reports; in respect of those in the list of; personalities. Or have these; names already been reported; by I?; AH

(2); SUBJECT:- Report by SS Stubaf; FRANKE-GRIKSCH. S E C R E T; 21 A Gp/3796/2/A(PS.4); GS(I). 27 May 45; ______; Ref your 21 A Gp/INT/2428(190) of; 24 May 45.; 1. General information such as is; contained in the precis of SS-Stubaf. Franke-; Griksch's report is of value as it enables; this section to "keep in the picture".; 2. May this Section have a copy of the; full report please in order that it may form; the basis of Wanted Reports in respect of; those in the list of Personalities. Or have; these names already been reported by 'I'.?; V. T.; for Colonel,; (A(PS).
: Rear HQ,; 21 Army Group,; B.L.A.; [handwritten markings:; Reply at 3A]

(3)

[Rubber stamp: 'A' BRANCH 11JUN1945 H.Q. 21 Army Group]

Subject:- Maximillian [sic] von HERF(F) SECRET

21 A Gp/INT/2428(190)

TO:- A (PS) 4. 10 June 45

Reference 21 A Gp/3796/2/A(PS.4)of 27 May 45.

Owing to the length of the report and the shortage

of typists it has not been possible to make further

copies.

It is requested therefore that when you have exam-

ined same, you return it to this branch please.

If you wish there is no objection to you making a

copy for your own use.

[handwritten:

Action at 4A]

James Wisley,

Capt.

B.G.E. "I"

REGISTERED

[Faint red crayon: Sent to IRQ (...)

for perusal by Capt STEWART

... his ... return to

A Gp [?] thereafter]

(4); SUBJECT:- Report by SS Stubaf; FRANKE-GRIKSCH. S E C R E T; 21 A Gp/3796/2/A(PS.4); JAG(WCS) 15 JUN 45; _________; 1. Attached is a precis of a report; found among the documents of SS Ogruf VON; HERF [sic], together with a copy of the full; report (in German). GS(I) have requested; that the full report may be returned after; examination.; 2. If you require assistance with; regard to the translations of the full; report, and will let us know, it may be; possible to obtain some assistance from; the French Liaison Group.; [handwritten initials]; Major,; DAAG,; A(PS.4)
: Main HQ,; 21 Army Group,; B.L.A.; Tele: 2408.; ------------; HG/SWB-C. [handwritten note:; Carded; & fully; recorded; [illegible initials etc]