After many years of private medical practice, I was called to Berlin in 1934 by the Reich Chief of Physicians, Dr. Gerhard Wagner. There I took over the position of adjutant in the main office of the German Red Cross. Furthermore, it was my task from 1935 on to organize medical higher education.
"3. In 1939 I became deputy to the Reich Chief of Public Health, Dr. Leonardo Conti, who was Dr. Wagner's successor. I represented Dr. Conti in his position as a) Chief of the Reich Medical Association, b) nominally Chief of the Main Office of Public Health of the Party, c) nominally Chief of NS Medical Association.
"4. In consequence of my above mentioned positions I am able to state the following:
"5. My knowledge of a program to kill persona mentally ill originated in rumors. When I heard that such a program was planned I discussed the matter with Dr. Conti. The latter refused to discuss any details of this program. However, Conti did state that it concerned a secret order given to Bouhler and Brandt. One day I got an invitation to a conference in 1940 or 1941. I cannot remember the exact date of the conference which took place in Munich. Dr. Conti informed me that this conference had been provoked by him and that Dr. Karl Brandt intended to present details of the Euthanasia Program. Viktor Brack represented Dr. Karl Brandt at this conference and presented an alleged Euthanasia Law signed by Hitler. This was to become effective and be published at the end of the war. During the years 1939 to 1941 the mercy killings were undertaken on the basis of a so-called secret law which, however, was never published. In 1941 Hitler prohibited continuation of the program. In wide medical circles this program was considered contrary to the existing morals and customs, and illegal.
"6. In 1943 I was appointed Commissioner for Cancer Research. This research was conducted by the Reich Research Council over which Hermann Goering presided.
"7. In 1943 a conference took place at Berlin. The object of this conference was to discuss the possibilities of employing an alpine plant as a cancer cure.
This method had been proposed by a cousin of Himmler, Dr. von Luetzelberg. Dr. von Luetzelburg, Professor Holz, Wolfram Sievers, and Dr. Rascher participated in this conference.
"8 Dr. Rascher told me that he had executed experiments on human being at the Dachau concentration camp. One of them served to determine the effect of polygal on blood coagulation in the care of wounds incurred on the battlefield and during operations, etc. Rascher showed me laboratory studies concerning blood coagulation. Polygal seemed to be of value to our Armed Force Here the defendant Blome has referred to the fact that Rascher showed his laboratory studies.
You will see throughout the presentation that Blome's knowledge was considerably greater. He may well ask us to believe that these laboratory studies, so to speak, were merely the results of needle pricks in the end of an inmate's finger, followed by an application of a coagulant drug or some such defense as that. I read from the affidavit, paragraph 9.
"9. Experiments on Human Beings. I became fully aware that experiment on human beings were conducted in concentration camps. Dr. Rascher informed me of completed water experiments and I remember that he stated, when asked, that during these one case of death had occurred. Himmler discussed with me experiments on human beings important for the war effort and stated that refusal was treated as treason. For the experiments, only common criminals, who had been sentenced to death and who were to be granted amnesty under certain circumstances after the experiments, were to be used. I discussed with Himmler the possibility of, after the war, finding a legal way for conducting such experiments for the solution of the cancer problem on a voluntary basis. (Signed) Kurt Blome."
Here, Kurt Blome, I might mention in passing, admits that the programs which he was involved in medical experimentation had no legal basis, as he a* Himmler were getting together to determine what could be done to find a legal way for conducting such experiments after the end of the war.
We turn now to Page 10 of Your Honor's Document Book, Document Number NO-611 which will be offered as Prosecution Exhibit 239. This is a letter from the notorious Rascher to Wolfram Sievers, dated 15 September 1943:
"Dear Standartenfuehrer: For your information and further action, I am sending you in the enclosure two copies of the essay 'Experiments with a new hemostat "Polygal 10"', which is in tablet form and is to be administered orally.
"As already discussed in Munich, the manufacturing of this medicine 'Polygal 10' would be quite possible in an establishment near Brogenz, whereby some phases of the manufacturing process would be carried out in other existing enterprises. In order to make it a prosperous enterprise, it would, of course, be necessary that tho patentee, Herr Feix, personally see to the manufacturing possibilities in Bregenz, etc. Conditio sine qua non to this would be the release of Feix. I would be grateful to you if it were possible for you to contact SA-Gruppenfuehrer Professor Dr. Blome in this regard, since it is requisite for an eventual release that he be reinstated to his former state as half-Aryan. Dr. Blome has given me great hopes in this respect. The release of Feix would be possible only if the Reichsfuehrer SS, seeing the results of our work, would get a somewhat different picture of Feix's person than he received from people who were interested in Feix's destruction. The picture of Feix resulting from the investigation of the Gestapo, is in any case, as far as I know, favorable throughout. Only I don't believe that this report was submitted to tho Reichsfuehrer SS. With best regards and Heil Hitler, Yours very truly, Sigmund Rascher."
We note in this letter that our defendant Blome now looms as a mighty important figure as the man who will get the release of Feix so that Feix can continue to work on the Polygal produc tion.
The Tribunal will recall the testimony of the witness Viehweg, which is on page 431 of the transcript, in regard to the experiments conducted at Dachau with coagulating drugs. I also call to the attention of the Court, the testimony of the witness Stoerr on Page 586 of the transcript. The witness Stoerr stated that blood coagulation experiments were carried out in the crematorium and that one had to assume that the experimental subjects died because nobody over came out alive from the crematorium. I also request the Tribunal to refer to the testimony of the witness Walter Neff on blood coagulation which is contained on page 639 of the transcript.
We turn now to Page 12 of Your Honor's Document Book, Document NO-436 which is offered as Prosecution Exhibit Number 240. This is a report by Rascher. The date on the top is a marginal note, handwritten to Dr. Schri, delivered 20 December 1943. That is not the date of the instrument. This report is from the Institute for Military Scientific Research (Department Dr. Rascher), which, of course, is part of the Ahnenerbe Society. "Polygal 10", a homostat to be administered orally. A hemostat, of course, is a blood coagulant or a blood stopper as we might say. This is by Dr. Sigmund Rascher, Munich, and Dr. Medicine H. Haferkamp, Waltershausen (Thuringia).
"A good hemostat has to have the following qualifications:
"1. It must be harmless, "2. it must be administered easily (orally), "3. it must not have a bad taste, "4. it must have a deep and long lasting effect on the bleeding and clotting time, "5. alter the effect wears off it must be possible to administer another dose without any danger.
"Hemostat now for sale commercially meet these demands only partially. Especially no unobjectionable hemostat is known up to now which is in form of tablets, durable, unimpaired by cold temperatures and therefore easily transportable.
But it would be worthwhile to produce such a preparation whose application would have the following important advantages:
"1. It could be given prophylactically to the combat troops before an attack and to air crows before action. Too great a loss of blood could be avoided that way when tending to wounds is delayed; similarly it could be avoided that the wounded become incapacitated by a delay of loss of blood.
"2. Before operations in which greater areal bleeding is to be expected it could be used to keep the operational region clear of interfering bleeding.
"3. Persons having a high blood clotting time could benefit inestimably from such a remedy in cases of teeth extraction, etc.
"4. In severe cases of lung or stomach-hemmorrhage which cannot be treated surgically at once, such a remedy could be life saving.
"We believe to have such a remedy in 'Polygal 10', a preparation composed and tested in our institute, which does fulfill the above requirements. 'Polygal 10' is a drug composed on a 'pictin' base; its new method, differentiating it from other homostats on a Pectin basis is to be found in the activation of Pectin before composing it into the hemostat.
"Before we tried the clinical use of the drug and had it probed, it was tested on human beings by thorough experiments as to its influence on tho period of clotting and bleeding. The period of clotting was occasionally established in short intervals by 10 parallel definitions of freeflowing venous blood according to the method of Buercker. The period of bleeding was measured by a stopwatch after a wound at the ear had been inflicted by a 'Frankeschen Schnepper.'
"On the following graphic chart the curves of two experi mental persons are displayed (experimental person numbers 200 and 207)...." which might indicate to Your Honor that they had experimented up to this time up to 207 inmates with this particular inmate ...." The depth of decline and the duration of effect correspond to the average.
It is to be mentioned with reference to the curves that various persons were always used for the experiments in order to avoid a possible accumulation of effect by the drug."
The first graphic chart we see shows the use of Polygal on the experimental subject Number 200 and the conditions of experimental subject Number 207. "From the next graphic chart (curve of experimental subject Number 96) it is evident that neither hard physical work nor the absorption of meals are able to exercise a noticeable negative influence on the effect on the drug." The Document contains that graphic chart number 2 therein. We continue with the last paragraph of the page.
"The very low period of clotting and bleeding rises a little and declines heavily later at work; the meal, consisting of white cabbage and potatoes, contained according to the analysis only traces of Pectin, so that the meal itself could not play any part there at.
"In itself the present curve is the ideal presentation of the effect of oral absorption of 'Polygal 10' or generalizing, even the ideal curve of the effect of a hemostat. It must be stressed that this curve does not represent a single case, but that we were able to obtain from various experiments a larger number of equivalent curves. It seems to be evident from these curves that the requirements of a hemostat are absolutely realized by 'Polygal 10'.
"The eventual changes in the composition of the blood will have to be treated thoroughly in another expose. It is already pointed out here, however, that substantial changes, transgrossing the limits of mistakes in measuring, could not be found.
"From the great number of clinical cases, in which we were able to test 'Polygal 10' until now, we would like to choose a few in order to demonstrate briefly the effect in the most varied operations and illnesses.
"Case Number 1 ... " These clinical cases were in the hospital at the Dachau Concentration Camp... "Male patient, 40 years, amputation of the right upper thigh. The day before the operation a blood transfusion of 500 centimeters was made in preparation of the operation. The day of the operation, the blood pressure was 130/80. I cite from tho operational chart: 'It was evident, how slightly the tissue bled. After the first provision of blood for the severed blood vessels carried out in a state of absolute bloodlessness, no further bleeding occurred after the domination of stagnation, so that it was not necessary to put any ligatures on the surface of the muscles, and the adipose tissue or the subcutaneous cellular tissue.' During the period of subsequent treatment the stump did not bleed anymore; before the operation, the surgeon had no knowledge of the use of 'Polygal 10' which had been administered 45 minutes before the operation started.
"Case number 2: 42 year old male patient, herniotomy on both sides. Blood pressure before the operation 145/80. Forty minutes before the beginning of the operation one tablet of 'Polygal 10' was administered. According to the statement of the operating surgeon, the drug agreed with the patient as usual, without causing any trouble. In particular, no disagreeable secondary effects occurred on the part of the stomach (narcosis). Bleeding was surprisingly slight. As in all previous operations where 'Polygal 10' had been administered before, it was also in this case only necessary to ligate the bleeding from the blood vessels, but this was necessary only at very few points, namely only where vessels had been injured by the operation.
Thus the favorable effect of 'Polygal 10' for operations does not only consist in the fact that the bleeding is diminished and thus a greater loss of blood avoided, but 'Polygal 10' makes also a considerably quicker operation possible, as the application of clips and the following ligatures require nevertheless a certain time, which can be saved by using 'Polygal 10'."
It goes on with cases 3, 4, and 5, which are in the same theme and which the Tribunal may read, but I won't road them here. I continue on page 17, the next to the last paragraph.
"Summary: A report is submitted on a new hemostat based on Pectin and to be administered orally which after a short time causes an extremely strong and long-lasting regular reduction of the bleeding and blood clotting time. The practical tests of this medicine, 'Polygal 10', showed under the most varied circumstances no failures up to now. No contradictory indications on the part of the heart or the circulation could be found, too, as was to be expected considering the composition of the drug.
"The idea of this experiment was to draw the attention of a larger circle to this preparation and get results of experiments from other clinics and hospitals. Smaller quantities for experiments are at disposal upon request. Address of author: Dachau 3 K."
I ask the Tribunal to take notice of the address, that is, Dachau, 3-K. Address, Dachau, 3K, is that which witness Viehweg mentioned as the Malaria Station.
The next Document, which is Document No. 612, and which I offer as Prosecution's Exhibit No. 241, dated 29 November 1943, a letter from the defendant Rudolf Brandt to Wolfram Sievers.
"Dear Comrade Sievers:
"The matter Polygal No. 10 did not develop as quickly as you and SS Hauptsturmfuehrer Dr. Rascher expected. The Reichsfuehrer SS has talked to SS Gruppenfuehrer Professor Dr. Gebhardt. He allowed himself to be convinced that for various reasons it is still necessary to make thorough tests at Hohenlychen which are previously to be discussed by SS Hauptsturmfuehrer Dr. Rascher with the competent physician at Hohenlychen and/or SS Gruppenfuehrer Professor Dr. Gebhardt personally. I shall also write a few lines to that effect to SS Hauptsturmfuehrer Dr. Rascher and I shall ask him now to remain really objective and cool and not to get excited because things cannot be done as quickly as he originally thought. SS Hauptsturmfuehrer Dr. Rascher will furthermore be given the opportunity to get in touch with a competent specialist in Berlin, as far as I know professor Seitz, in order to discuss the whole problem and possibly further experiments.
"Heil Hitler!
"Yours "R. Brandt "SS Obersturmbannfuehrer."
Here is Gebhardt coming forward and apparently expressing himself quite openly. The report indicates to him that further investigation is necessary. This dated 29 November 1943. We see the position of the defendant Gebhardt, and its connection with Himmler. The investigation got into these experiments and it was suggested and recommended that further experimentations or any other action be taken, and which is a considerable and important figure in this whole picture.
We turn to the next Document, which is Document No. 758, and which is to be offered as Prosecution's Exhibit No. 242, dated 10 December 1943. It is a teletype addressed to the defendant SS Standartenfuehrer Sievers.
"At present at Field Command Office of Reichsfuehrer SS "Standartenfuehrer:
"Today I had to send the following teletype to SS Obersturmhannfuehrer Dr. Herndorff:
"'Today I was advised that the protective-custody prisoner Boris Krajac born 25 December 1913 in Kentrida, No. A 8255, is to be released in accordance with writing of 19 November 1943 and to be sent to Berlin RSHA LV C 2. I continue to warmly recommend Krajnc's release, but urgently request that Krajnc not be taken away from me as a worker since he is my best chemist and is in the middle of some work ordered by the Reichsfuehrer SS. Krajnc is, as far as he knows, the only chemist here who can carry the work through pertinently and correctly. I therefore ask that it be arranged to have Krajnc transferred to me as a civilian worker, has employment in my division within the Ahnanerbe Society would follow.
"'May I respectfully request that this be followed through, since otherwise the theoretical part of the polygal work cannot be carried further because Krajnc is my only organic chemist.
"'Many thanks.
"'Heil Hitler "'Very respectfully "'(signature) S. Rascher.
'" This indicates the position of defendant Sievers -- the importance of how he could retain men to work on the various projects.
We turn now to the next Document, which is Document No. 613, and which is to be offered as Prosecution's Exhibit No. 243. This is a document which has been initialed with an "R" and followed by "Si", which are the initials of the defendant Sievers, and the "Si", was later crossed out. It is address to Dr. Graue, Manager of Wartime Economic Office in the Reich Research Council.
The letterhead is that of the Institute for Military Scientific Research, Dachau 3 K.
"Dear Dr. Graue.
"Referring to our conversation of today I beg to answer briefly your questions concerning Polygal.
"1.) Extracted slices of sugar beat, apple-pectin as well as Dextrose are used as basic material.
"2.) Aim of Polygal, Hemostatic remedy in tablet form, especially useful as a prophylactic hemostyptic. Very important for air crows, actions by shock troops etc. Briefly expressed, adventageous in cases where there is a long period of time between being wounded and having the wound dressed.
"3.) Advantages that cannot be secured by other hemostyptics are, the tabletsform, (no Breakable capsules), very simple application: merely let it melt in the mouth and swallow it slowly, lasting effect, 4 - 6 hours, non sensitivity of the remedy to temperature changes.
"4.) The remedy is absolutely non-toxic and can therefore be taken frequently without risk of injury. (Absolutely no danger of thrombosis or embolism "5.) The price of the ready produced on a large scale works out cheaper than that of those hemostyptics at the present on the market, thus the price question is of no consequence in practice.
"With kind regards "Heil Hitler!"R. (followed by "Si" later crossed out)".This document indicates the close contact between the Institute Ahnenerbe and the Reich Research Council, and they all fit in together.
The problems were discussed among the members of both organizations, and the continuation of further programs of these experimentations.
The Document on Page 23 of your Honor's Document Book, Document No. 616, which is offered as Prosecution's Exhibit No. 244, is a note from the defendant Sievers, dated 10 February 1940.
"Note "Subject:
Publication RASCHER HAFERKANP in the Munich Medical Weekly."
This refers to a report I read a few moments ago, which is Document No.431 "On the occasion of my presence in Munich at the beginning of January, SS-Hauptsturmfuehrer Dr. Rascher and Dr. Haferkamp informed me about the publication of an article which they wrote together and which they planned for the Munich Medical Weekly.
Dr. Rascher received the necessary authorization from me, as he had left the Luftwaffe and had not yet been taken over by the Waffen-SS and thus had to obtain the authorization from the competent office, namely the "Ahnenerbe". The article planned was also known to the deputy Reichsaerztefuehrer, SA-Gruppenfuehrer Professor Dr. Blome and had met with his approval".
On the margin you will note? "On 15 January I spoke about this to Blome.
"Dr. Haferkamp declare that he did not need an authorization as he was leaving the Waffen-SS. On 31 January 1944, a discussion took place between SS Standartenfuehrer Dr. Lolling, SS Hauptsturmfuehrer Dr. Rascher and myself. in the course of which Dr. Haferkamp was mentioned. On that occasion, it was discovered that Dr. Haferkamp had not yet left and certainly had to have the authorization of the Reichsarzt-SS for the publication. Following this discussion, I immediately sent this teletype to the Munich Medical Weekly: "Publication RASCHER-HAFERKAMP must by no means take place as HAFERKAMP without prescribed authorization.'
"On 4 February 1944, I was informed by SS-Hauptsturmfuehrer Dr. Rascher that the publication had already taken place when my teletype was received.
"SIEVERS "SS-Standartenfuehrer".Document No. 614, which is offered as Prosecution's Exhibit No. 245, is a letter from Dr. Grawitz, who is complaining about the publication of this report.
He severely opposed the publication of this report as he deems it very essential to keep it a secret. This is addressed to:
"SS-Hauptsturmfuehrer Dr. Rascher.
"Re.: Your article in No. 3/4 of the Munich Medical Weekly of 28 January 1944.
"In the Munich Medical Weekly No. 3/4 of 23 January 1944, there is an article 'Polyal 10' a haemostyotic to be taken per os by Dr. Rascher and Dr. Haferkamp. 'Dachau 3 K' is indicated as the address and human experimental subjects are mentioned in the article.
"The publication of scientific treatises is subject to the granting of the authorization to print by the senior professional authority (for SS-physician the Reich Physician SS and Police) as well as by the High Command of the Wehrmacht.
"This subjection to censorship is also known to the editorial offices of professional periodicals.
"You are requested to let us know why you did not apply for the necessary consent for publication.
"Heil Hitler!
"signed: Grawitz."
We turn now to the next Document, Document No. -
THE PRESIDENT: The Tribunal will recess.
(A recess was taken until 1330 hours.)
AFTERNOON SESSION (The hearing reconvened at 1330 hours, 2 January 1947.)
THE MARSHALL: All will rise.
MR. HARDY: May it please the Tribunal, we turn now to Page 26 of the English Document book. This is document No. 615, which is offered as Prosecution Exhibit No. 246. This is another letter registering an objection to the Rascher Report; this letter was written by SS-Obergruppenfuehrer POHL, Chief of the Waffen-SS, addressed to Rascher, and reads as follows:
"Dear Rascher, In the Munich Medical Weekly Journal of 28 January 1944, you published an article about 'Poligal 10' I deem it necessary that in future publications you avoid carefully everything which could induce people who are familiar with the subject (and one must always consider that such people exist) to the conclusion that experiments on prisoners are involved.
This is possible from various passages in the above mentioned article. It is paramount that you do not use 'Dachau 3 K' as the authors address."
Heil Hitler!
Yours P (initial for POHL)
MR. HARDY: Copy went to the Defendant Rudolf Brandt and the Defendant Wolfram Sievers. Here, we see the unspeakable POHL, worrying about the consequences of the Act!
We turn now, to Document No. 656, on page 31 of your Document Book, your Honor, which is offered as Prosecution No. 247. This is a four page document dealing with POLYGAL. The letter contains a reference to matters of different origin. On the first page, 29, the file has a statement in regards to the assignment of S. RASCHER MD. by the Reich Research Council: It has the date: 8 May 1944. Over to the left appears "The Reichsfuehrer-SS Personal Staff Office 'Ahnenerbe', and in the center the word 'SUMMARY' and then the words: "SS-Hauptsturmfuehrer S. RASCHER MD. was assigned the following research tasks by the Reich Research Council:
1.) On 4 October 1943 Journal No. rf 1157/43 g Codeword:
'Rewarming Humans' Research ordered:
1.) Rewarming after general freezing of the human body.
2.) Recovery from partial freezing, especially of the extremities.
3.) Adaptation to cold of the human body variously nourished to establish whether an increase of resistance against freezing can be attained. Priority SS.
Wehrmacht order number: SS 4891-0328 (1879/15)-III/43
2.) On 23 February 1944 Journal No. Rf 3717/44 g Codeword:
'Polygal' Research task for the development of production methods for the preparation of the humostat Polygal."
MR. HARDY: Continuing on: "Priority SS/44 Wehrmacht order number SS 4118/0391/44 Rf 2829 Point 11 as an addition to the task Procurement of supplies etc.
has a priority rating SS 4950 (Group 1).(Signature illegible SS-Pbersturnfuerer"
MR. HARDY: We turn to the next page. This is a letter written by Dr. KAHR, at Dachau, written in the Dachau Hospital, to RASCHER, dated 10 December 1943, and the subject "Administering 'Polygal' upon amputation of the thigh of a 40 years old male patient. It is addressed to:
"To:
Stabsarzt Dr. RASCHER Dachau"
MR. HARDY: This is obviously the same one, referred to in the report. (Reading) "On 10 December 1943 the effectiveness of 'Polygal' in the case of the amputation of the thigh was tested. The drug was administered 45 minutes before the operation per os and was placed in the patient's mouth to be dissolved.
A blood-transfusion of 500 com had been made the previous day in preparation for the operation. Blood pressure on the day of the operation was 130/80.
As regards the effectiveness of 'Polygal' one can say that it was absolutely evident how little the tissues bled. After the first rush of blood from the vessels which had been cut when completely emptied of bleed, no more bleeding occurred after this first issuing of accumulated blood, so that it was not necessary to apply any ligatures to the surface of the muscles and the fatty tissues, or the subcutaneous tissues, as had always been the case with other amputations. The effectiveness of 'Polygal' must in this case be described as complete."
MR. HARDY: Signed by "The First Camp Physician Concentration Camp Dachau.
Dr. Kahr.
Court.No. 1
MR. HARDY: We turn to the next page, 31, still the same document, No. 656, which is another letter from Dr. Karr to Rascher. This letter I won't bother to read. I will merely mention it in passing, as it also substantially contains the information in the report.
In order to consummate the production of polygal various arrangements are being made by Standartenfuehrer Sievers, as we will see in document No. 757, page 33 of your Honors' document book, which will be offered at this time as Prosecution Exhibit No. 248. It is a letter from Sievers to Walter Neff, a witness who has testified before this Tribunal, dated the 26th of May, 1944:
"I have received and read with interest your report on 15 May, 1944. If we can continue to work in the Nicolodi factory until the end of August or perhaps longer, that would be the most favorable solution.
"I ask that you make it a point to send a copy of all reports, which you believe it necessary to send directly to me, to SS Hauptsturnfuehrer Dr. Poetner, who is the competent Department head.
Heil Hitler, (signature) Sievers" That was a letter from Walter Neff when he was up in the Black Forest to establish a factory for the production of polygal.
Now we come to page 34 of Your Honers' document book. This has been previously introduced as Prosecution Exhibit No. 123, and is document 3546-PS, Sievers' Diary for 1944. There are some entries in here which are quite significant in this regard, and I wish to call to the Tribunal's attention at this time, and you will note on page 34, the first entry of 5 January:
"SS Hstuf. Dr. Rascher and Dr. Haferkamp: Work on Eigenblutbehandlung (Own blood treatment)" This obviously referred to polygal in the report which has been written by these two gentlemen and which has been referred to previously.
We turn now to the entry of 9 January, approximately in the middle of the page. On the 9th of January we see entry No. 3:
"Report on conference SS Ogruf. Pohl in connection with production of polygal."
Next we turn to page 35 of Your Honors' document book, at the top of the page, entry No. 5, under date 22 January, the very first entry on the page:
"5. Generator car for production of polygal, Lustenau-Schlachtors."
Now we come to the 28th of January, and I wish to note in passing, the mention of the initials RFR, which are the initials for Reich Research Council.
"1. Research Department of the Waffen SS "2. Collaboration with Institute R (Rascher) Dauchau "Work on Rascher proposals for polygal production."
And we turn now to the next day, 29 January, item No. 6:
"Reasearch instructions and top priority for polygal.
"7. Name of polygal.
"8. Supplies and prerequisites for polygal production: discussion on the basis of Rascher's report of 21 January.
"9. Requisition for the production of a pectin lotion by Dr. Ploetner."
And we turn now to the next significant entry on the 31 January, No. 3:
"Stop collaboration with Dr. Haferkamp" which refers to the document introduced previously, and entry No. 2, under SS Stubaf. Faelschlein:
"2. Giving leave of absence to prisoners for polygal production." which obviously refers to leave of absence granted to prisoners such as waiter Neff and other personnel needed for the work in the Black Forest concerning the production of this blood coagulator.
And the next one:
"Giving leave of absence to prisoners. Discussion in connection with polygal production."
And another interesting item, the next item on the page for 1 February:
"Reich Research Council (RFR) Dr. Graue - Dr. Rascher:" which has been referred to in the document I have just presented:
"Production of polygal as War Economy Industry of the Reich Research Council. Discussion of necessary supplies. Top priority, requisition forms, etc."
I thought we might note in passing the item under 2 February, on page 36, which doesn't have any connection with the polygal production, but you will see it is an item which is very interesting:
Met Professor Bickehbach in Karlsruhe, and he advises that he has put his research work under the central of General Commissioner, Prof. Dr. Brandt," which clearly indicates that these Commissioners were fully aware of all research problems in the medical world of Germany, and again it is followed through on the same day by a discussion with SS Hstuf. Hirt:
"1. Prof. Dr. Bichenbach, without instructions from Hirt and Prof. Stein, contacted General Commissioner Prof. Dr. Brandt concerning the phosgen experiments and was in Natzweiler with him. Commission is to be withdrawn, for our part Natzweiler to be closed."
which clearly indicates it was one of his projects, and here is Professor Karl Brandt visiting Natzweiler concentration camp where most of the experiments were conducted.
We turn now to page 37 of Your Honors' document Book, an entry under 22 February, following the top of the page on down until you get to the item. No. 3:
"SS Stubaf. Dr. Rascher-"
and there are several entries here:
"d. Supply questions for production of polygal."
The last entry is rather amusing in so far as he notes Rascher took blood from the finger tips of inmates.
"e. Experiments Professor Blome" and the next entry:
"f. Polygal report to SS Gruppenfuehrer Prof. Dr. Gobhardt."
That has been mentioned in the document I mentioned this morning.
And the next entry:
"g) SS Ostuf. Eben as manager of pelygal manufacture."
And the next two entries concern the work on Lost, and the next entry under L:
"1) Success report on polygal."
And we note the next entry, 24 February:
"personal Staff Ress:
"2. SS Stubaf. F. Elschlein:
Ress order of 18 February, thoroughly discussed for information SS Hstuf. Dr. Rascher and Prof. Blome."
Now here we definitely have Professor Blome.
In the next entry under 25 February, the last item:
"Prof. Blome (by telephone): Advised of RESS order concerning his work at Dachau and collaboration with Rascher," which seems to in indicate to me that his work was a little bit more than a casual visit and chat with the notorious Rascher, and again the next entry of 28 February:
"Reich Research Council: (R*R): Dr. Graue arranged a discussion with Prof. Thiessen, Prof. Blome, Dr. Rascher.
"Commssioning of Dr. Rascher to do Research. Experimentation plan Borchers. Introduction of discussion of L Research."
And then the last entry on the page, under 8 March: Here we have Neff reports on possibility to initiate polygal production (about 3000 daily) at Hoefelmayer, Schlachters, if factory is ceded for four months.
We turn now the the next page, Your Honors', page 38, the entry under 22 March. Naturally, that is SS Rstuf. Dr. Rascher:
"Bursiness discussion, among other things polygal production. Results of experiments with agar capsules. Preparations for freezing experiments during the winter months 44/45. Demand for prisoner command for Schlachters" We turn now to the entry of 23 March, the second paragraph, under 2000 to 2200:
"Discussion with SS Hstuf. Dr. Rascher, among other things compilation of reports on success with polygal".