Part 3 of 8
[Document #1 in German][Translation of Document #1]
AMERICAN GERMAN VOLKSBUND. GERMAN AMERICAN BUND
Basic Instructions For Unit and Branch Directorates
German-English index of jurisdictional, service, and headquarters designations and rank insignia
Rules For the Conduct of Meetings and the Celebration of Festivals
UNIT ORDER LISTS WITH DESCRIPTIONS AND SAMPLES
The Unit The Branch OF THE German-American Bund
To the Unit Leader/ Branch Leader/of _____ Bund Member _____ Address _____
BASIC INSTRUCTIONS FOB UNIT AND BRANCH DIRECTORATES
(1) The Unit/the Branch/ _____ is number (command number) and is a part of Section No. _____, District No _____, Region No _____, and Department No._____
(2) Your Section leader is Bund Member _____, telephone _____, address _____. Your Department Leader is Bund member _____, telephone _____, address _____.
Our Bund Fuehrer is Bund member Fritz Kuhn, Address: Fritz Kuhn, German American Bund, P. O. Box #1, Station "K," New York, N. Y.
(3) Mail for the National Executive Committee but not for the Bund Fuehrer personally, (new applications, settlements, orders, and (official communications intended only for some particular office of the National Executive Committee), should be addressed to the German-American Bund (office) P. O. Box #1, Station "K," New York, N. Y.
Each different type of inquiry, settlement, or order should be submitted under separate cover, the combining of different types of questions, etc., in one and the same letter causes much needless work and considerable delay in replying; since not all problems are handled in the same office and such a letter must be transmitted from one office to another.
(4) Checks and Money Orders should be made payable to: German American Bund, except for payments to the "Weckruf" (the Call) or to the DKV. (German Consumers League)
Checks, remittances, reports, notices, and subscriptions for the "Weckruf" should be sent to _____.
Checks and other mailable matter for the German Consumers' League should be mailed to _____.
(5)
Except in the case of the address of the National Executive Committee and the "Weckruf" all names and addresses of Bund members and officers must be kept confidential and must not be divulged to anyone. Where units and branches begin to operate publicly they must rent a P.O. Lock Box under the name "AVAU"; such an address may be made public without exposing the office or the address of the officer to the general public.
(6) MEMBERSHIP. DUES. PERSONNEL RECORDS
(a). New admissions of Bund members: Newly proposed Bund members (BMR) are considered merely as candidates for membership until they have been obligated at a member meeting and have received their membership cards. This cannot be done until a period of four weeks has elapsed.
During the period of candidacy three investigators appointed by the Unit-Branch inquire into the accuracy of the candidate's personal declarations (address, passport, citizenship papers, sureties, etc.) In addition, the associational or lodge affiliations and degrees of the candidate must be ascertained. Membership cards must not be sent to candidates through the mails but must be presented to them ceremonially at a member meeting as provided under "Regulations for meetings" and "festival celebrations". (Registration.)
(b)
Enrolling of Patrons: It is not necessary to investigate the personal declarations of patrons, since they are not members and are not admitted to member meetings. Patrons' cards are mailed to them. (c) New admissions of Youth Command Members: Youth Command Membership cards are presented ceremonially to Youth Command members (JMR) at a meeting of the Youth Unit Command by the Youth Unit Commander.
(d) Acceptance of Youth Command Members into full AV Membership: Youth Command Members (JMR) who have reached the age of acceptance receive their Bund membership cards as described in the foregoing, without being subjected to the delay required of candidates and without an investigation of their personal declarations.
(e) Member, Patron and Youth Command Acceptance Certificates: New acceptance (admission) certificates for Bund members and patrons, according to form, and filled out legibly with a typewriter or in ink and undersigned (subscribed) by the Unit, or, Branch leader are to be transmitted to the National Executive Committee accompanied by an admission fee of $1.00 and half the voluntary propaganda contribution after the unit and branch directorates have recorded the personal declarations of the new Bund members in duplicate upon personal (personnel) cards provided for the purpose. (Explanation of personal, (personnel record) cards under "h") . One card is retained by the Unit or Branch; the second is transmitted to the National Executive Committee with the certificate of admission (acceptance).
Youth Command admission (acceptance) certificates, undersigned by the Unit or Branch leader are to be transmitted to the National Youth Command with an admission fee of 20 cents and a Youth Personal (Personnel) Record. The second (duplicate) Youth Personnel Record Card is retained by the Unit or Branch.
(f) Requirements for Admission: Consult the text of the different certificates of admission.
(g) Dues. The monthly member or patron dues for men and independent women Bund members or patrons are 75 cents. Of this sum, 25 cents are to be sent to the National Executive Committee with the monthly settlement, and 5 cents to the Department Directorate; 45 cents are retained by the Unit or the Branch.
The Unit or Branch leader may reduce the monthly dues of a needy Bund member to a minimum of 30 cents, which must be accounted for (for which settlement must be made). In special cases this minimum should be paid by the fellowship (Kameradschaft).
Married women and unemployed adult women members of Bund members' families and members of their household pay 30 cents monthly as Bund members or patrons, of which only the 25 cents for National Executive Committee must be accounted for.
Youth Command Members pay maximum monthly dues of 20 cents, of which 10 cents must be transmitted to the National Youth Command with the monthly Youth Command settlement. The remaining 10 cents are retained by the Unit or Branch Treasury. Youth fuehrers (male) who have completed their eighteenth year, and youth fuehrers (female) who have completed their twenty-first year do not pay Youth Command dues but are full Bund members. The obligation of the Units or Branches to contribute to the Department, Bund, and National Youth treasurer is not determined by the punctuality of payment of Bund members, Patrons, or Youth Command members, but by the appearance of the respective names on the Bund members, patron, or Youth Command registers (lists).
(h) Record Cards (Karteikarten):
Record cards containing personal information about friends, enemies, merchants, politicians, association officers, and similar persons whom we should know are to be made out in duplicate exactly as are those for members, patrons, and Youth Command members, and submitted monthly: one card is to be retained by the Unit or Branch Directorate; (lie other is to be sent to the National Executive Committee.
A white card printed in black is provided for German-speaking Bund members; and a similar one, printed in red, is for English speaking Bund members. The same kind of cards but bearing a star at the top, are for patrons.
Membership and patron cards bearing a red stripe are to be used for Bund members and patrons who have withdrawn voluntarily. But they must always show the reason as, for example, "loss of interest", "gone to Germany", etc. "Those cards must not be used for excluded Bund members (BMR).
Rose colored (pink) cards, bearing the letter "D", are intended for German-speaking non-members who may be regarded as at least not inimical.
Green cards, bearing the letter "A" are intended for non-inimical English-speaking Americans.
Yellow cards bearing the letter "F" are intended for enemies. Where they are German a "D" is to be inserted at the top. They are not to be used for Jews.
Light blue cards bearing the letter "J" are for Jews. Large pink cards with the letters "JV" are for youth; yellow cards with the letters "JM" are for the Young Women's Unit; blue cards with the letters "JS" are for the boy's unit: green cards with the letters "MS" are for the girls' unit; and white cards with the letter "M" are for the maidens' union.
For friendly associations a large green card has been provided; for neutral and doubtful, a white; and for enemy a red. (7) ACTIVITIES, REPORTS, WORK PLANS
(a) A brief, factual, activities report on the work of a preceding month is to be prepared monthly as well, also, as an activities plan for the two months next ensuring. Reports and suggestions are to be organized as follows:
1. Member meetings.
2. Public Speaking Evenings.
3. Fellowship Evenings (Kemeradschaft).
4. Motion Picture or other Cultural Evenings.
5. Celebrations.
6. Programs in Camps or National homes.
7. Participation in the programs of other organizations.
8. Branch Meetings (OD Youth, Women).
9. Miscellaneous (parades, propaganda).
(b) A copy of the activities reports and plans is to be sent to the qualified Section and Department Directorates and to the National Executive Council.
(8) OFFICE SUPPLIES. PRINTED MATTER. FLAGS
The necessary printed matter, forms, certificates, cash-books, seals, insignia, flags, etc. may be requisitioned from the National Executive Committee under the terms of the enclosed order list.
(9) FUEHRER PRINCIPLES. ELECTIONS. APPOINTMENTS AND REMOVALS
(a) The AV is conducted upon the fuehrer principle. Consequently there are no elections nor majority resolutions (decisions) except as provided under (b) and (c). (b) At the January member meeting the annual secret election is held under the supervision of the qualified Department leader or his deputy. All attendent Bund members who are not in arrears may participate in the election by a vote of "Yea" or "Nay" ("Ja" order "Nein"), according to whether or not they are in agreement with (approve of) the conduct (management) of their Unit- Branch leader. Unmarked ballots are counted as "Yea". If more than one-third of the ballots cast are "Noes" the Unit-Branch leader is replaced by another by the Department leader according to regulations.
(c) At the final member meeting before the annual National Convention, the Unit-Branch leader proposes (nominates) members of his Unit (Branch) as delegates to the Convention. He should, if he is not indispensible, be a delegate himself, the remaining delegates should at least be officers.
The number of delegates is fixed by Bund orders and depends upon the numerical strength of the Unit (Branch. At this member meeting the Unit-Branch leader holds an election for the delegates. Only those candidates who receive at least a two-thirds vote are chosen.
(d) In all other matters of an official nature the Unit-Branch leader makes the final decision, naturally in conformity with the regulations of his superior.
He, himself, receives his commission from his Department leader with the approval of the Bund fuehrer.
The Unit-Branch leader appoints his officers with the approval of the Department leader. (Youth fuehrers are appointed with the approval of the National Youth Fuehrer, and OD Fuehrers with the approval of the National OD Fuehrer). Even in connection with these appointments the qualified Department leader is notified opportunely of every contemplated appointment. The Unit-Branch leader may remove his officers under the same circumstances.
To resign voluntarily from office constitutes evasion of duty, he who would relinquish his office honorably first makes application to his superior to be relieved of the duties of office, recommends a potential successor, and continues to perform his duties until his application is accepted.
Appointments: The Unit-Branch leader fills out a commission according to the following form for his officers and sends it with a copy for approval to the Department leader, or the National Youth Fuehrer or to the National OD Fuehrer.
AV Letterhead
Unit Directorate X
Branch Directorate X
Date _____
Address:
Certificate of Appointment
I Herewith appoint Bund member No _____ N _____ N _____ to be (a) (an) (OD Unit Commander) (Public Relations Leader) (Treasurer) (respectively) of the Unit (Branch) X _____.
Free America! Signed _____
Unit Leader
Branch Leader
[seal]
Approved _____
Department Leader
(Natl. OD Fuehrer)
(Natl. Youth Fuehrer)
Until approved by the Department leader, the National OD Fuehrer or the National Youth Fuehrer all such appointments are merely provisional and all removals merely furloughs (suspensions?).
Members of secret societies (lodges, etc.) are not eligible to become officers or auditors. Consequently all responsibility is at the top and every officer holds his office solely as the deputy of his superior. But it must be understood that true fuehrership is constructed not upon "cadaver"-like submissiveness but rather upon confidence and voluntary allegiance: A superior should strive to stimulate the spirit and joy of initiative and of service among his Kamerads by a constant readiness to listen to their suggestions and to assure to them that authority within their respective spheres which their responsibilities entail. But title hunters who aspire to power while shirking responsibility he should not tolerate. The secret of the fighting strength of the movement lies in the principle of Fuehrership, the utilization of which makes it possible to impose responsibility upon some particular individual for every transaction and which excludes concealment behind anonymous majorities. In the filling of offices and the performance of Bund duties no fraternal chicanery may be permitted to intrude.
(10) DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNIT, BRANCHES AND SUBORDINATE COMMANDS
(a) (For Units and small Branches).
For the present hold only closed, unpretentious meetings at which only Bund members and dependable acquaintances are present in order that the outward battle may not begin until your group is ready to take it up. You will find that the necessary internal endowment and solidity combined with mouth to mouth propaganda and aided by means of leaflets or letters, even without public activity, is valuable, and yields rich rewards. A precipitous procedure could destroy your branch.
The time for the public appearance of your group will be determined by the Unit-leader under whose supervision you exist as a Branch leader or by yourself when your Branch has been declared to be a Unit.
(b) For Branches: First of all, appoint a Treasurer, an OD Fuehrer, and a Public Relations leader. You may appoint additional officers when you are ready to assume additional duties. Even though the importance of a uniformed, strictly disciplined OD unit may not be apparent at once to a new, small Branch we are constrained to observe after long experience that for the results we have obtained thus far we are indebted first and above all else to the existence of the OD, that has ubiquitously borne the chief burden of the practical work, and that without this service the Bund would not have been able to withstand several crisis. Even though the officer and the OD man may not often be able to appear publicly in uniform in their own small communities they should attend this important school nevertheless. In every one of even the smallest branches, therefore, an OD Unit unquestionably should be established, for by no other means and is it possible to secure for the Bund this most valuable support of discipline, preparedness and Kameradship.
See separately Issued OD Service Regulations.
(c) Rally the children of German descent! Organize a Youth Command regardless of how small your beginning may be. Open a language school or strive unceasingly to establish and promote a philosophical (weltanschanlich) German program in existing German schools. Distribute the periodical "Junges Volk." See Youth Command Regulations issued separately.
(d) Try to have the German, pro-German (deutschfreundlich), and non-Jewish commercial enterprises of your neighborhood join the German Consumers' League (DKV), the economic organization of the Bund. See Officer Regulations under Economics Director.
(e) Send clippings of all local press notices that might be of interest in our fight in quadruplicate to the Department Directorate and to the National Executive Committee. See Officer Regulations under Information Director.
(f) Note the provisions under Meeting Regulations and Celebrations. Use the Information Service letters of the National Executive Committee for short presentations on Public Speaking Evenings.
Distribute the most important single arm of the movement, the "Weckruf" (The Call). In all things conduct yourself according to the following guiding principles, (the only principles) by which the preservation of Germanic America can be effected:
The philosophical, political, and economic direction (Fuehrung) of Germanic America and the philosophical, political, education (rearing) of the youth of Germanic America is the concern of the German-American Bund and its branches alone (exclusively). In these spheres there is no place for illicit loves (paramours may not be recognized). Other organizations are to be treated according to their acceptance of these principles.
Part II
RULES FOR MEETINGS All public affairs, public speaking evenings, Kameradship evenings, etc., as well as all member meetings and other official appearances of the AV or its branches have at least one official (business) part that must be conducted in conformity With the following provisions, except where, under "Celebrations," exceptions have been noted or where they may be permitted by the National Executive Committee in writing.
It must be understood that these provisions constitute merely a desirable model and need be followed merely to the extent that circumstances may permit. The extent to which they may be adaptable to the different meetings and celebrations is explained under "Celebration Programs" ("Festfolgegestaltung).
These provisions do not apply to the conduct of the "German Consumers League" (DKV), The Newspaper Corporation, or the Settlement Associations.
(A) All in official attendance upon meetings wear the uniform of their service.
(B) The Chairman of the meeting is the qualified official. (Bund Fuehrer, Department leader, Regional leader, District leader. Section leader, Unit leader, Branch leader, Cell leader, Block leader, or his representative.)
(C) The official meeting begins with the first stanza of the National Anthem of the United States, "The Star Spangled Banner." The Chairman and all in official attendance face the audience. The anthem is announced only by the musical note by which it is recognized; the entire audience rises at once without request and sings. Those in uniform salute with their right hands at their caps, those not in uniform stand erect with their hands at their sides. (D) At Member meetings and at certain celebrations a text is read immediately after the signing of the National anthem while the audience stands, as follows: "Our meeting today (to be stated) is based upon the following text taken from (speech or book): (text)
'Free America'! At the closing, 'Free America!', by the Chairman, the audience responds, and all not on duty take seats. At meetings at which the reading of a text is omitted, the Chairman says merely 'Free America!' The Text chosen for a particular period is announced by the National Executive Committee."
(E) Then follows the greeting and a brief statement of the purpose of the meeting; the Chairman is not supposed to anticipate the remarks of the speaker selected for the occasion.
Speakers are introduced briefly as they arise, by stating their rank, place of service, name, and the subject of their address; although the audience should be given all necessary information about the speaker, all fraternal flattery is absolutely prohibited. Groups are presented either by their group designations or by the rank and name of their leader.
Any comments about speakers at the conclusion of their remarks must be brief, simple and truthful: Expressions of thanks are to be reserved for non-members and should not be extravagant. In greeting (or welcoming) the salutation. "Ladies and Gentlemen" should be avoided (omitted) disciplinary reasons.
Bund members and guests of German nationality are not to be introduced as Mister ("Herr") but as "Bund member" or "fellow-countryman" (Volksgenosse). The term "Mister" ("Herr") is to be applied only to persons not of German descent.
(F) The official conclusion consists of the erstwhile prescribed closing song and "Free America," which follows immediately. Flag retirements follow "Free America." The concluding "Free America" never must be omitted at any meeting; and during its recital all standards must be at the front. The Chairman announces the conclusion as follows: "We shall now close our _____ (the official part of _____) _____ with the (song) _____ '.
No long-winded exhortations to rise, etc. The musical note is struck, and all rise and sing while giving the official salute. The Chairman and all officiating personnel stand in front of and face the audience. For information concerning the salute see OD Service Regulations, p. 15, under "Official Salute".
Immediately upon the conclusion of the closing song and before he (as the audience) has lowered his arm the Chairman recites 'Free America'! as follows: "To a free, Gentile-ruled United States and to our fighting Movement of awakened Aryan Americans, a three-fold, rousing, 'Free America!' 'Free-America!' 'Free-America!'." The audience repeats the word 'America' after the Chairman, and arms are lowered after the third repetition. The salute is concluded by bringing the right hand to the left breast and then lowering it to the side. The English conclusion is used only at meetings conducted entirely in English.
(G) General:
(G1) American and Bund flags occupy the place of honor at all meetings, except as otherwise provided under "Celebrations program"; they should be OD standards. Standards are never hung but must always be kept on staffs and set-up by uniformed OD guards.
(G2) In the decorating of auditoriums all "tricky", fraternity "stuff" is to be avoided. Flags and more flags, arms, shields with battlecries, swastika (Hakenkrenze) and Bund emblems, living green; the colors red, gold, white, green and blue preferred. Simple, dignified decorum. At the celebration for the establishment of the Reich and Adolf-Hitler Birthday Celebrations, pictures or busts of Hitler; at George Washington Birthday celebrations and American Independence Day celebrations pictures or busts of Washington.
(G3) Smoking and drinking are prohibited during the business part of all meetings. At long celebrations refreshment pauses may be provided. (G4) All flag drills must be held immediately before the singing of the American National Anthem, in order that the flags may be at the front during the singing of this song. During long celebrations all (members of the drill team) but the color guard may retire, to return again at the conclusion.
The retiring of the standards follows immediately after the conclusion. When the Bund fuehrer or one of his proxies speaks all participating uniformed branches stand during his address.
(G5) During the visits (presence) of representatives of a higher ranking officer, the officer in charge must provide these visitors with orderlies and guards. In addition seats must be reserved for them to which they must be conducted immediately before the beginning of the official part of the program. When the Bundfuehrer appears the OD forms in line.
If the Bund Fuehrer or his representative appears during a meeting, the Command "Attention" is given, and the program is interrupted in order to welcome (greet) him.
When the Bund Fuehrer or his representative appears as the speaker no one will follow him, except the Chairman, who will close the meeting.
(G6) When a representative of the Reich speaks at a celebration, the German national anthem is to be played immediately after his address. But if (according to regulations) the closing song of the particular celebration should be the German national anthem, then the Bund Propaganda song is to be substituted for it as the closing song.
When representatives of nations other than America are present in their representative capacity the National anthem of their country is played immediately after their address. (G7) Dancing is permissible in connection with all celebrations except at memorials, etc. See "Rules for Celebrations"
Programs should be arranged so that after the official part at least two or more hours may be devoted to dancing before the legal closing hour. The accompanying dance, provided "Jazz" is prohibited, is a permissible attraction throughout. (G8) Booktable, "Weckruff" and order blanks, Youth literature, propaganda literature, and certificates of admission should never be omitted at a public meeting.
Festival (Celebration) Programs The following provisions are intended to supplement the regulations under "Meeting Regulations". Except for the changes effected by the written orders of the National Executive Committee all official meetings and celebrations of the AV and its branches are to be conducted strictly in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the following regulations so far as circumstances may permit. Exceptions: Programs of the DKV, the Newspaper Corporation and the Settlement Associations intended for their own development, even though having a philosophical (weltanschaulich) aspect.
(1) EXECUTIVE MEETINGS, FUEHRER CONFERENCES Meeting regulations. Executives (officers) or associates or subordinate fuehrers submit reports on their activities and are given instructions for future work. The Chairman should urge constant criticism, advice, and suggestions and constantly stimulate his associates to independent thought and action, ever mindful of the fact that every proper fighter renders more, and more willing, work when he has been given the authority and the freedom of action which his responsibility necessitates. And
every associate must be conscious of the fact that he is responsible neither to his Kamerads nor to the public, but only to his superior, and that in any given case he must conduct himself strictly in accordance with the decisions of his superior. (2) MEETINGS AND "HOME EVENINGS" OF THE BRANCHES Consult OD Service Regulations, Youth Command Regulations, Women's Division Regulations.
The most important essential of profitable activity and in the removal of misunderstanding, suspicion, and discord between the different branches is the restriction of each branch to its own domain. At meetings of the OD only OD matters should be discussed; at Women's Division meetings only matters affecting Women; and at Youth meetings only matters affecting youth, should be considered.
If Fuehrers (men or women) of any branch desire to have proposals, criticisms, or complaints concerning other branches considered, they should call on the qualified fuehrer of the Branch affected and not on other associates of their own Branch, or, indeed, upon the general membership.
(3) MEMBER MEETINGS A, B, C, D, E, F, and G as under "Meeting Regulations". Only Bund members (BMR) and Youth Command members (JMR), with their membership cards as evidence, who are not in arrears, are admitted. Patrons are not admitted. Candidates for membership whose membership cards have reached the Unit from the National Executive Committee should be provided in advance with a written invitation, which will admit them for the purpose of acceptance (into the Bund). All participants are on duty and consequently wear uniforms and insignia. OD standards in front. Officers in front, facing the audience. Uniformed personnel advance at the opening and do not withdraw to take their places until they have been inspected and ordered to do so by the commanding officer. Procedure: Before opening, payment of dues, entry on the "present list" (roll). After the reading of the text and the welcome, inspection of uniformed branches; report of officers; strictly in accordance with the previously received instructions of a Chief Executive the reading of certain portions of Bund orders currently received and intended only for the ears of the membership; discussion of the work of the past period, and information concerning the distribution of the work of existing projects and meetings; discussion of proposals and criticisms by members; and in conclusion obligating of New BMR, (Bund Members) and the ceremonial installation of new officers.
Registers (rolls) never are read and in no other way is the audience to be given any information concerning the numerical strength of any Unit. The regularity of the treasury conduct is to be certified to the membership quarterly by accounts-and-treasury (book and treasury) auditors appointed by the Chief Executive and bound to secrecy except to their superiors, but
no detailed information concerning the financial status of the Unit is to be given to the membership. This is necessary because unfortunately no member assembly is actually a closed meeting from which nothing reaches the general public and because the financial or other strength or weakness of a Unit is not a public matter.
Executives and officers never should assail or criticize one another in the presence of the membership. Differences of opinion which cannot be adjusted within administrative circles must be fought out at the top; externally and below there must be absolute unanimity between administration and executives. Discussion in the member meeting is based upon the request of the Chief Officer for criticisms of past performances and activities and for suggestions concerning prospective meetings and undertakings. The practice of criticising persons and the preferment of complaints has no place at meetings and is to be prohibited. Such criticism must be presented to the qualified officer of Chief orally or in writing without drawing the general membership into sympathy; complaints must be adjudicated officially. (See Officer Regulations and statutes of the AV). Arguments or other characteristics of a parliamentary Jewish school ("Polish diet," "hell broke loose") have no place in a member meeting. The confidential (secret) voting (elections) in January and prior to the National Convention must be the only deviations from a strictly disciplined muster.
If an excess of suggestions and criticisms from otherwise indifferent Bund members (BMR) develops meetings it can be brought to an end most quickly by calling upon these Bund members (BMR) to take hold immediately of the problem themselves in order that through diligent cooperation they may first win the fight to become bombastic critics.
We need to learn from the conclusive experiences of those Units that never have permitted boasted liberalism to develop and therefore have been able best to withstand the severest tests of our movement.
The obligating of new Bund members (BMR) proceeds as follows:
The standard bearers align themselves on the right and left of the Officer (The American flag on the right of the Officer with the front toward the audience) and the Treasurer gives him (the officer) the membership cards. The candidates are requested to step forward and stand in front of the officer facing the audience. The officer presents the candidates to the membership and asks if there be (are) any objections to the acceptance of any one of the proposed candidates, in order, in a given case, to postpone a challenged acceptance until after investigation. The candidates face the Officer, who explains to them briefly the principles of the Movement. He then proceeds from one to the other, addresses each by name, requests of them the pledge (no oath) to obey the regulations of the Bund according to their duty as Bund members (BMR), (Whereupon they answer "Yes"), gives them their membership cards and the regulations of the Bund extends them his hand and greets them as new Kamerads with 'Free America", and the official salute, which they repeat after him.
The meeting is closed immediately after the new Bund members (BMR) have been obligated. Closing song: The Bund Propaganda song.
(Candidates who for weighty reasons prefer to remain unknown need not to accepted (admitted) publicly: but in such cases the investigation before final acceptance must be conducted with particular thoroughness. Installation of new officers takes place before the obligating of new Bund members (BMR). (See Officer regulations.)
At the close of the meeting Kameradly "get-together" and the singing of camp songs.
(4) EDUCATIONAL AND SPEAKING EVENINGS A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, as under "Meeting Regulations." Standards in front, Chairman and Speaker in front, facing the audience. Book-table, information and application table. Chairs in rows, seat at tables. Speaking Evenings are intended for the general public.
Addresses and presentations to be simple (easily understood) not too deep nor too numerous. All presentations to be directed toward a central theme. One or two languages.
The language meetings begin in English and close in German with a brief intermission between parts in order that persons unable to speak German may have an opportunity to leave. Educational evenings to present an educational atmosphere; audience to be inspired, "essential points to be transcribed." References to appropriate literature.
At both meetings stimulate questions of a philosophical (weltanschaulich) political nature. Educational evenings may be combined with Member meetings or Branch musters. Closing song: English stanza of the Bund song. (Salute while singing).
(5) MOTION PICTURES AND STAGE PROGRAMS, CHAMBER-MUSIC, LITERARY AND OTHER PURELY CULTURAL EVENINGS B, C, E, F, and G as under "Meeting Regulations." A not required. D may be omitted down to the Welcome. No standards. American and Bund flags. Official conclusion matter of choice or according to the cultural presentation. Closing song: English stanza of the Bund song (salute) Accompanying dance permissible.
Cultural or Propaganda Evenings under cover titles or without the official part may be held only under special, written permission of the Department Directorate.
(6) KAMERADSHIP EVENINGS A, B, C, D, E, F, and G as under "Meeting Regulations." D is omitted down to the welcome. The official part constitutes the beginning and should be very brief; the Kameradshaft evening proper follows immediately after the closing "Free America"! The official part consequently consists of the usual singing, welcome, statement of purpose, and conclusion. Closing song: English stanza of the Bund song (accompanied by salute). Standards front during the official part.
Kameradship evenings should be held by those branches for which in any given case it is necessary to propagandize; and when possible the chairmanship is turned over to the Fueherer (man or woman) of such branch. But such evenings may be held also as manifestations of the solidarity of the movement by the Units (of the Department) under the direction of some particular branch. American and Bund flags as decorative flags.
Neither at Kameradship evenings nor at any other time may there be any stage presentation that may be designated as tending to ridicule or traduce (defame) any religious faith; for to attack us on this ground is the favorite pursuit of our opponents. And it must be observed strictly that national anthems and other ceremonial, national songs are not to be sung at the bar (beer-table) and they must not be used as dance tunes.
(7) PROPAGANDA EVENINGS As under (4), (5) or (6) according to circumstances. The purpose of the Propaganda Evenings is not merely to explain generalities in broad outlines, to indoctrinate the initiate, or to serve our nationality by cultural offerings, but above all to induce non-member fellow-countrymen, who have been solicited, to join.
(8) CONSECRATION OF FLAGS. ANNIVERSARIES (FOUNDATION CELEBRATION) A, B, C, D, E, F, and G as under "Meeting Regulations". They must be strictly ceremonial and martial, without pretentiousness. Martial spirit. German or German and English. All participating branches must wear uniforms. If possible parade of colors with cooperation of other Units and organizations. Brass band, chairs in rows, not at tables. American and Bund flags as decorative flags. Foundation celebrations of the Bund are not "Anniversaries" (Stiftungsfeste)!
At flag consecrations all cultural offerings occur in the first part, while the actual consecration ceremony constitutes the principal part and the close. At the consecration all advance. The flags to be consecrated are covered (veiled) carried to the stage by a qualified officer accompanied by an OD detail, consecrated by the Bund Fuehrer or his proxy and turned over to the color guard. During consecration the soft music, to accompany the Star Spangled Banner or the Bund song, according to whether it is an American flag or a Bund flag.
American flags must be consecrated first. During consecration all give the official salute. Closing song: The Bund song. (Salute during last stanza) Accompanying dance permissible.
(9) ALLEGIANCE OBSERVANCES The George Washington Birthday celebration in honor of the founder of the Nation, the Adolf-Hitler Birthday celebration in honor of the philosophical (weltanschaulich) "leader". Symbol of all German descendants, the Independence Celebration, and German Day are the four allegiance celebrations that must be observed by every Unit no matter how small it may be and, whenever possible, on the day prescribed below. An alternate day may be the following Saturday or Sunday. If it is not possible to hold a large celebration, it may be observed in a private home.
(9a) GEORGE WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION February 22. A. B, C, D, E, F, and G as under "Meeting Regulations". In English. All branches in uniform. Parade of the colors, if possible. American and Bund flags (American flags predominant). Washington pictures and busts. Chairs in rows, not at tables. Recite "Pledge of Allegiance", with soft music and singing of "My Country 'tis of Thee". (America). Clothing song: English stanza of the Bund song. (Salute). Accompanying dance permissible.
(9b) ADOLF HITLER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION April 20. A, B, C. D. E. F, and G as under "Meeting Regulations". In German, with a short introduction in English in consideration of the non-German-speaking participants. All branches in uniform. If possible flag presentation. German flags among others. Hitler pictures or busts. Chairs in rows, not at tables. Cultural activities in first part. Second part martial, with the principal address immediately before the close, and retirement of the colors. Closing song: German National anthem. Accompanying dance permissible.
(9c) INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION July 4. Outdoors if possible. As under (9a).
(9d) GERMAN DAY October 6 or on the first Saturday or Sunday in October. Washington and Hitler pictures or none. All other details as under (9b). German Day represents not merely the participation of Germania in the development of the United States but also its national-philosophical (weltanschaulich) alliance with the old home.
Allegiance Celebrations may be held with or under the direction of other organizations provided the conditions under (10) are complied with.
(10) REICH FOUNDATION CELEBRATION, JAN. 30 Potsdam Celebration. March 21; and other similar celebrations especially associated with Germany: As under (9b).
(11) LABOR DAY May 1. Outdoors. A, B, C, D, E, F, and G as under "Meeting Regulations". German and English. All branches in uniform. Brass bands. Afternoon, popular amusement. Toward evening, if possible, torch-light procession. Parade of the Colors. Official part around a May fire. American and Bund flags. Flags on poles. If possible, the allegorical presentation of the different crafts and the unity of all laboring fellow-countrymen of hand and head (that is the unity of Labor, mental and physical).
(12) HARVEST THANKSGIVING DAY In honor of Agriculture (Farmers).
First Sunday in October or last Sunday in September. Outdoors. No fire. Generally as under (11).
(13) MEMORIALS A, B, C, D, E, F, and G as under "Meeting Regulations."
German or German and English. Formal and martial. All branches in uniform. Chairs in rows, not at tables. At celebrations reminiscent of Germany or held concurrently with Germany, German flags may be included (among others). No gay garlands or trumpery in the auditorium. Welcome by the officer, remainder of the program in the hands of the OD with place of honor for retired soldiers. No religious ceremony nor the reading of scriptural passages; no speeches that, lacking skillful or masterful handling, might make the speaker appear laughable or ridiculous. Advance of the colors with roll of drums and slow cadence. First part of the celebration in undertones with decorations and lighting in accordance with the desired psychological effect.
No weepy, weak celebration with a depressive psychology. At the roll call of the fallen: Roll of the drums.Conclusion of the first part with a lowering of the colors (except the American) and playing of the song of the good Kamerad (guten Kamerdan). Immediately thereafter, without pause, the command "Standards up" ("Fahnen hoch"!), elevated spirits, and brighter lights. Retirement of the colors lively with march music (in marching time). Closing song at "Horst-Wessel" memorials and other memorials in honor of the fallen of the Hitler-Movement: All four stanzas of the "Horst-Wessel" song (salute during last stanza). Closing song at German National Memorial day at other War Memorial Celebrations reminiscent of Germany: the German National anthem. Accompanying refreshment permissible. No dancing of any kind at such celebrations.
(14) CELEBRATION OF THE SOLSTICE Outdoors. A, B, C, D, E, F, and G as under "Meeting Regulations". In German. Formal and martial. Trumpets and brass bands. Presentation of the colors and torch-light procession in honor of the Youth branches. All participating branches must be in uniform. During the day Youth Convention. Official part during the evening at the solstice fire. Large flags on poles. (American and Bund). An erected or suspended large, white or silver-striped "Swastika", in front of and beneath which the Chairman and the Speakers stand. Presentations quartered about the wood pile: standards in front in a circle about the wood pile. The Officer lights the fire while an oath of allegiance is directed upon the flames. Memorials and lowering of the flags (up to the American). Fire speech of each branch. All sing: "Flamme empor" (Flames empor) (Flames aloft). Principal address. Conclusion, and retirement. Closing song: The Bund Propaganda song (salute during last stanza). No proceedings or speeches indicative of any particular faith; but likewise no ridicule of any particular creed. Accompanying dance permissible.
Significance of the Winter-Solstice Celebration: (Gratitude to the Almighty for the proclaimed return of the life-giving sun. Gratitude for the victory of light over darkness; of life over death. Rededication to the continuation of the battle of Good over Evil; of the Gentile spirit, the spirit of the affirmation of life and ennobling exaltation, over the Jewish spirit of life negation, red destruction and the enslavement of Gold. Confession of nationality.
Significance of the Summer-Solstice Celebration: Gratitude for vitality (vigor) symbolized in sun and fire, which the continuation of the purifying battle has made possible. Renewal of pledges through approaching difficult and dark times. (15) CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION B, C, D, E, F, and G as under "Meeting Regulations". A not required. Standards not required. In German. Not martial. No brass bands. American and Bund flags may be used as decorations. On the stage, setting of winter forest; decorations of swastika, blue candles and evergreens with glittering snow, lametta, and white candles. Principal trees should not be brightly trimmed, except at the tip: swastika or blue candles. White-covered tables in the auditorium, with evergreens and blue or red candles. Distribution of children's presents on the stage. Adults to be served with coffee and cake. Santa Claus (Christmas man) and the singing of Christmas carols permissible. No reading of scriptural passages; no manger performances etc; nothing that could be considered as symbolic of any particular creed; leave religious celebrations to the churches.
Speeches and other presentations should tend to explain the symbol of the celebration in reference to the significance of the Winter solstice, proclaiming the beginning of a new existence after the death of Winter and evoking the joy of giving, especially to youth. The swastika (Hakenkreuz) is symbolic of the will of the Gentile to live; the blue candles are symbolic of the community of all Germania at Christmas. Distribution of baskets of food, and certificates for coal, to the needy; but names of recipients of aid must not be read nor disclosed in any other way. Christmas "market", lottery, auction, etc., and accompanying dance permissive; but during the official part the spirit of the celebration must not be disturbed by the details of these matters.
Closing song: The Bund song. (Salute during last stanza).
(16) PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAMS OF OTHER ORGANIZATIONS Official participation is permissible only where Bund uniforms and Standards or a Bund speaker are admitted and where our sacred symbols and principles are respected; at German organizations only if (1) superiors attend, and (2) at every program at which we display German flags and at which we would sing the German National anthem, they do likewise. If at any program, at which the AV or one of its branches or subordinate units participates or is a guest, fighting Germania, its Fuehrer, or the old home is offended by a responsible official or from the stage, all Bund members (BMR) must at once leave the program under all circumstances except where a qualified Officer or Executive is present and commands a different course that would constitute an equally apparent protest.
"Weckruf", Youth periodicals, and other Public Relations Materials must be distributed at every opportunity. Wherever permissible the book table should be set up.
The constant first thought must be that strength, time, and money must serve the Movement and its members first of all, constantly and everywhere and that they may not be inconsiderately dissipated by filling the halls of universal organizations. Wherever the cause of the Bund is served, assistance may be rendered, but where such assistance would tend to contribute to the dismemberment of Germania, while little, moth-eaten organizations incapable of independent existence and consequently undeserving of further existence might be artificially kept alive by such assistance, it must be refused. Part III
Translation of Territorial, Service, and Rank Designations. (1) XXXXXXX Abschnitt Drei XXXXXXX
Uberseizung Der Gebiets-, Amts-und Dienstgradbezeichnungen
(1) — Gebietsieseichnungen: Territorial Designations: Bundes-, Landes- National
Gau- Department
Gebiet(s) Region
Kreis(-) District
Bezirk(s-) Section
Oetsgruppe(n-) Unit
Stutzpunkt(-) Branch
Zelle(n-) Cell
Block (-) Block
Gau Ost - Eastern Department
Gebiet Nr. I - Region No. I
Gebiet II - Region II
Gau Mittelwest - Midwestern Department
Gebiet II - Region III
Gebiet IV - Region IV
Gebiet V - Region V
Gau West - Western Department
Gebiet VI - Region VI
Gebiet VII - Region VII
(2) — Dienststellenbezeichnungen: Headquarters Designations:
bundeskanzlei - National Headquarters
Gauleitung - Department Headquarters
Geschaftsstelle - Executive Offices
Verlag - Publishing Offices
bundesheim - Bund Home
Jugendheim - Youth Home
Landheim - Country Home
Jugendlager - Youth Camp
Siedlung- Settlement
Versam Mlungsort - Meeting Place
(3) Amstbezeichnungen: (Beispiele) - Service Designations (Examples)
Bundesleitung - National Executive Committee
Landes-Op-Fuhruxg XXXXX (LODF) - National OD Command
Landesjugendfuhrung (LJF) - National Youth Command
Landesfrauenfuhrung (LFF) - National Women's Command
Bundesschatzmeisterei - National Treasury Directorate
Bundesgeschaftsfuhrung - National Secretariate
bundesorganisationsleitung - National Organizing Directorate
Bundeswerbeleitung - National Public Relations Directorate
Bundespresseleitung - National Press Directorate
Bundeswirtschaftsleitung (DKV)- National Economics Directorate Bundesnachrichtendienstleitung - National Information Directorate
Bundesuschla) Untersuchungs-und Schlichtungsausschuss) - National Arbitration Board
Gauk Assenleitung - Department Treasury Directorate
Gebiets-Op-Fuhrung - OP Region Command
Kreisjugendfuhrung - District Youth Command
Bezirksfrauenshaftsleitung - Section Women's Directorate
Ortsgruppengeshacftsfuhrung - Unit Secretariate
Stutzpunkschriftfuhrung - Branch Secretariate
Gauleitung - Department Executive Committee
Zelleleitung - Cell Executive Committee
OP-Abteilungsfuhrung - OP Unit Command
Jugendahteilungsfuhrung (OD- und Jugendeinheit der Ortsgruppe oder des Stutzpunktes). - Youth Unit Command
Lagerleitung - Camp Directorate
Siedlungsleitung - Settlement Directorate
Jungenschaftsfuhrung - Boys' Command
Madchenschaftsfuhrung - Girls' Command
Arbeitsdiensr- (AD)-Fuhrung - Labor Service Command
Sanitatsdienst- (SD_-Fuhrung - First Aid Command
Frontkampfer- (FK)- Fuhrung - War Veterans' Command
(4) - Dienstgradbezichnungens (Belsp'ele) - Rank Designations (Example) - Officer
Amtswalter - Assistant
Mitarbeiter - Cell Official
Zellenwalter Blockwart- Block Official
Der Bundesfuhrer - The National Leader
Gauleiter-Ost - Eastern Department Leader
Gebietsleiter-VI - Sixth Region Leader
Kreisleiter-Ohio - Ohio District Leader
Bezirksleiter-Long Island - Long Island Section Leader
Ortsgruppenleiter-Chicago - Chicago Unit Leader
Stutzpunktleiter - Branch Leader
Zellenleiter-Yorkville - Yorkville Cell Leader
Blockleiter-Yorkville-8 - Eighth Yorkville Block Leader
Landes-OD-Fuhrer (Der Bundesfuhrer) - Order Division (Op) Commander-in-Chief (The National Leader)
Lades-Op-Fuhrer - National Op-Commander
Gau-Op-Fuhrer - Op Department Commander
Gebiets-Op-Fuhrer - Op Region Commander
Kreis-Op-Fuhrer - Op District Commander
Bezirks-Op-Fuhrer - Op Section Commander
Op-Abteilungsfuhrer - Op Unit Commander
Op-Zugfuhrer - Op Detail Commander
Op-Gruppenfuhrer - Op Group Commander
Bundesschatzmeister - National Treasurer
Bundesgeschaftsfuhrer - National Secretary
Bundesfrauenshaftsreferent - National Women's Division Director
Landesfrauenfuhrerin - National Women's Commander
Landesjugendfuhrer - National Youth Commander
Landesjungenfuhrer - National Boys' Commander
Landesmadchenfuhrerin - National Girls' Commander
Bundespressleiter - National Press Director
Gauwertschaftleiter (DKV-AMTS Walter) - Department Economics Director
Gebeitswerbeleiter - Region Public Relations Director
Kreisorganisationsleiter - District Organizing Director
Bezirkspolitikleiter - Section Political Director
Ortsgruppenjugendreferent - Unit Youth Director
Jugendabteilungsfuhrer - Youth Unit Commander
Ortsgr/Frauenschaftsleiterin - Unit Women's Division Leader
Schriftfuhrer, Geschaftsfuhrer (Bei Fundesleitung Geschaftsfuhrer) - Secretary
Kassenleiter (Be Bundesleitung Schatzmeister) - Treasurer
Kommissarischer-Leiter - Acting-Director
Stellvertretender-Leiter - Vice-Director of __
Uschlavorsitzer - Arbitratoin Board Chairman
Rangabzeichen, Standort Abzeichen - Rank Insignia, Location Insignia
Bundesabzeichen - Bund Membership Emblem
Frauenschafts-, Jugendschaftsabzeichen - Women's Division Emblem, Youth Division Emblem
Division of the Nation Into Principal Jurisdictions
Eastern Department Region No. I. The Districts (States) Maine: New Hampshire; Vermont; Massachusetts; Rhode Island; Connecticut; New York; New Jersey; Eastern Pennsylvania, including the Sections (Counties) of Potter, Clinton, Center, Blair, Huntingdon, and Franklin. In addition, the Districts of Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia. The division of Pennsylvania into two parts for geographical reasons has no relation to political-party affairs in so far as they are statewide. In these matters the District Directorate of Western Pennsylvania is subordinate to that of Eastern Pennsylvania.
Region No. II. The Districts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Midwestern DepartmentRegion No. III. Pennsylvania west of the Section boundaries of the Districts of Eastern Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Region No. IV: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas,
Region No. V: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico.
WESTERN DEPARTMENT Region No. VI: Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California. Region No. VII: Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
The Principal (Chief) (Headquarters) Jurisdictions below the Section are the Unit, Branch, Cell, and Block. For more detailed explanation of the arrangement of these jurisdictions see "Organizational Structure of the German Bund" (Officer Regulations)
General DefinitionsHeadquarters (Principal) (Chief) Jurisdictions (Hoheitsbereiche):
Collective Geographical term: The Headquarters (Principal Jurisdictions of the AV are the Nation, the Departments, Regions, Districts, Sections, Units, Branches, Cells, and Blocks.
Headquarters (Principal, Chief) Officers: Hoheitstraeger: Collective Executive Designation: Officers at the heads of Directorates. The Bund Fuehrer the Department Director, Regional Director, District Director. Section Director, Unit Director, Branch Director, Cell Director, Block Director.
Division Chiefs (Fachamtswalter) Collective designation of executives who belong to the staff of a Headquarters Officer and who, therefore, direct a division within a Headquarters Jurisdictional Directorate: OD Fuehrer from the OD Command Fuehrer up; Youth Fuehrer, from Youth Unit Commander and Unit Branch Youth 'Director up; Women's Division Leader; Treasurer; Secretary; Press Director; Political Director; Information Director; Education Director; Organizing Director; Public Relations Director; Economics Director (DKV executive); Camp, Settlement, and Home Director from Unit-Branch officer up. Associates: Collective assignation for the immediate subordinates of the associates. Divisions (Gliederungen) OD Division, Women's Division, Youth's Division. Subdivisions (Untergliederungen) Youth (Young folk). Young Women's subdivision. Boy's subdivision, Girl's Subdivision, and Maiden's subdivision. Division Units (Gliederungseinheiten) The OD or Youth Unit, the OD Detail, Youth Detail the OD Group, and the Youth tenship (teenship?) Subordinate Organizations: The (DKV) German Consumer's League Inc., and the various periodicals-home-and settlement corporations, etc.
Order List Orders should be sent to James Wheeler-Hill, P. O. Box 75, Station "K", New York, N. Y. Orders should give the number of the article; all mailing costs must be paid by the purchaser:
Uniform articles, which become the property of the purchaser (pants, shirts, caps, leather, ties, coats, (etc.), may be ordered through appropriate offices or through the DKV.