War Diaries (May 17) (nonfiction)
Previous: May 16 - Next: May 18
Diaries
Franz Halder: May 17, 1940
Noon: Meeting Fuehrer ... Apparently little mutual understanding. The Fuehrer insists that main threat is from the south. (I see no threat at all at present!)
1630: Conference: Kraushaar details his impressions. Dutch officials cooperative. It would be desirable to put a generally respected Dutchman at the head of the Dutch administration (van Vlissingen). Trust in German army. Emphasizes the need to assure permanency of the established Military Administration.
2130: Talk ObdH with Keitel: Set-up in Holland to be the same as in Norway. No elaborate administrative machinery of our own, as Seyss-Inouart** will be put in charge. We are to furnish personnel and equipment. ObdH insists on forthright definition of jurisdictions for military and civilian chiefs.
Rather unpleasant day. The Fuehrer is terribly nervous. Frightened by his own success, he is afraid to take any chance and so would rather pull the reins on us. Puts forward the excuse that it is all because of his concern for the left flank! Keitel's telephone calls to AGps, on behalf of Fuehrer, and Fuehrer's personal visits to AGp. B have caused only bewilderment and doubts.
Action in the question of Military Administration in Holland has demonstrated once more the utter dishonesty of our top leaders in relation to OKH.
—Franz Halder (war diary)