A control device for Diesel engines is proposed in which a rapid shutoff of the engine can be effected by evacuating the suction chamber of the injection pump. The control device includes a supply pump and a reversal valve, which in a stop position connects the suction chamber with the intake side of the supply pump and connects the compression side of the supply pump with the fuel tank. A check valve is provided in the supply line between the supply pump and the fuel filter which, when closed, is vacuum-tight; this check valve is disposed to open toward the filter, counter to the force of a valve closing spring. Another check valve, comprising an overflow valve determining the suction chamber pressure, is provided in an overflow line leading from the suction chamber to the fuel tank; this overflow valve is also vacuum-tight when closed. When the reversal valve is actuated by an electromagnet, a similar key-actuated shutoff to that known in gasoline engines can also be effected in Diesel engines. The circuitry of this embodiment also enables an involuntary "rolling start" to be blocked, and allows for a fail-safe shutoff of the engine in case of a malfunction in the governor shutoff device.