That Was Jersey
Local history for everyone
CHANNEL ISLANDS

Occupation

The arrival of the Germans

Orders dated 8th July 1940

Orders of the Commandant of the German Forces in Occupation of the Bailiwick of Jersey. Dated the 8th day of July, 1940.

  1. The German Commandant is in close touch with the Civil Authorities and acknowledges their loyal co-operation.
  2. The Civil Government and Courts of the Island will continue to function as heretofore, save that all Laws, Ordinances, Regulations and Orders will be submitted to the German Commandant before being enacted.
  3. Such legislation as, in the past, required the Sanction of His Britannic Majesty in Council for its validity, shall henceforth be valid on being approved by the German Commandant, and thereafter sanctioned by the Bailiff of Jersey.
  4. The Orders of the German Commandant, heretofore, now, and hereafter issued, shall in due course be registered in the records of the Island of Jersey, in order that no person may plead ignorance thereof. Offences against the same, saving those punishable under German Military Law, shall be punishable by the Civil Courts, who shall enact suitable penalties in respect of such offences, with the approval of the German Commandant.
  5. Assemblies in Churches and Chapels for the purpose of Divine Worship are permitted. Prayers for the British Royal Family and for the welfare of the British Empire may be said. Church Bells may ring ten minutes before Service. Such Assemblies shall not be made the medium for any propaganda, or utterances against the honour or interests of, or offensive to, the German Government or Forces.
  6. Cinemas, Concerts, and other Entertainments are permitted, subject to the conditions set out in Order No. 5 above.
  7. Prices must not be increased or decreased. Any shopkeeper offending against this order is liable to have his shop closed, and also to pay any fine that may be imposed by the Competent Authorities.
  8. The sale and consumption of wines, beer, and cider is permitted in such premises as are licensed by the Civil Authorities.
  9. Holders of Licences for the sale of such intoxicating liquors (wines, beer, or cider) shall take the most rigid precautions for the prevention of drunkenness. If drunkenness takes place on such licensed premises, then without prejudice to any other civil penalty the Island Police shall and are hereby empowered to close the premises.
  10. All traffic between Jersey and Guernsey is prohibited, whether direct or indirect, for the time being (other Regulations will follow).
  11. The Rate of Exchange between the Reichsmark and the Pound had been fixed at Eight Marks to the Pound.
  12. The Continuance of the privileges granted to the civilian population is dependent upon their good behaviour. Military necessity, however, may from time to time, require the Orders now in force to be made more stringent.

For and on behalf of the German Commandant of the Channel Islands
[Signed] Gussek, Hauptmann, Commandant, Jersey.

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