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It is the duty of all troops and police in my command to adopt the severest measures. Every act of violence committed by partisans must be punished immediately. Reports submitted must also give details of countermeasures taken. Wherever there is evidence of a considerable number of partisan groups a proportion of the male population of the area will be arrested, and in the event of an act of violence being committed these men will be shot.

Albert Kesselring#8

WarJusticeOccupationViolence

About this quote

What does it mean?
Harsh collective punishment and immediate retaliation were mandated to suppress partisan violence.
In plain terms
Violence by partisans requires immediate severe punishment including arrests and executions.
What can you take from it?
Strict collective punishment was used to deter partisan attacks.

Where it applies

  • occupation zones
  • counterinsurgency ops
  • security policy

Putting it to work

  • implement security protocols
  • assess civilian risks

Questions to consider

  • Does harsh punishment stop insurgency?
  • What are the costs of collective punishment?

Another view

Collective punishment violates human rights and often fuels further resistance.

More from Albert Kesselring

  1. Allied air power was the greatest single reason for the German defeat.

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  2. ...it was nearly a crime that they came launch to the attack, mainly because they were incapable of counterattack... and they fell, one after the other, easy p…

    Permalink to quote #9
  3. The partisan situation in the Italian theater, particularly central Italy, has deteriorated to such an extent that it constitutes a serious danger to troops, s…

    Permalink to quote #6

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