Adolf Hitler's directives

However, they should not be confused with the Führer's Orders that Hitler began to issue later in the war, which were more precise and low-level, could be written or oral and were as binding as the more general directives.

This new power meant that the Nazis could now freely turn their political ideologies into national policy without worry of hindrances from existing legislation.

It was called Instructions on the Treatment of Political Commissars and began:[6] In the struggle against Bolshevism, we must not assume that the enemy's conduct will be based on principles of humanity or of international law.

In particular, hate-inspired, cruel and inhumane treatment of prisoners can be expected on the part of all grades of political commissars, who are the real leaders of resistance... To show consideration to these elements during this struggle, or to act in accordance with international rules of war, is wrong and endangers both our own security and the rapid pacification of conquered territory...

In February 1942, two months later, chief of the Armed Forces High Command, Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel extended it to all persons in occupied countries who had been taken into custody and were still alive eight days later.

The name referred to a magic spell involving the "Tarnhelm" (stealth helmet) from Richard Wagner's Rheingold, which could make its wearer invisible and instantly transport him far away.

The decree was meant to intimidate local populations by denying friends and families of the missing any knowledge of their whereabouts or their fate.

46 was issued on 18 August 1942 under the title Instructions For Intensified Action Against Banditry [Bandenbekämpfung] In The East, marking the radicalisation of so-called anti-partisan warfare.

In practice, this meant that the aims of security warfare was not pacification, but complete destruction and depopulation of "bandit" and "bandit-threatened" territories, turning them into "dead zones" (Tote Zonen).

It was countermanded by among others such as, Albert Speer, Minister of Armaments and War Production, who wanted to preserve as much of the country's infrastructure as possible following the imminent defeat.