The following intelligence report was originally published in Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 45, April 1, 1944. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

GERMAN "PAPER WAR" There is a definite relationship between paper work and morale. Distasteful to the combat officer at all times, paper work at the front is cut to the minimum. Yet, the accompanying somewhat plaintive communication of the adjutant of the 67th Panzer Grenadier Regiment, would indicate by its contents and surprising tone, that all is not well in this, one of the better German regiments. *          *          * 67th PGR, Adjutant Regtl CP, 11/11/43 To the CO Cos, and to the COs of 9th Co and HQ Co, and to Bn Adjutants. 1. I must insist that the red tape war, i.e. the periodic reports and deadlines, be handled precisely and exactly as requested by myself. I have great patience, but in the long run even the strongest man cannot bear a daily series of god damned rebuffs. I entirely realize that it is extremely difficult to deal with the red tape end of the war promptly, considering the difficult communications here and the continuous strain. But all of us are obliged also to fulfill these tasks. 2. I beg the COs of HQ Co to appear at least once every two days at Regtl CP, so that all questions may be clarified orally. 3. Despite the discussions of the CO's with the colonel, at the respective CP's, in which the situation, overlays of advanced front lines,* etc. are dealt with, I must insist that immediately after these conferences with the Rgtl CO, I be informed on these issues by telephone. 4. Whenever the front lines, or the CP is changed, a sketch will be added to the noon report. 5. Reports on losses must be handled with greater care. If, at the ordered deadlines, the exact figures of losses are not at hand, I ask that a preliminary list of losses be submitted by telephone. 6. The adjutants will be kind enough to inform me every morning at 0400, by telephone, on the events of the night. s/Messmann. *Intended change of CPs, withdrawal of advanced front lines

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