1946-12-11, #2: Doctors' Trial (late morning)

Prosecution: high altitude & freezing experiments

THE MARSHAL: The Military Tribunal is again in session.

MR. McHANEY: If the Tribunal please, at this time I would like to ask that the witness Wolfgang Lutz be called to the stand to testify.

WOLFGANG LUTZ, a witness, took the stand.

DR. ROBERT SERVATIUS (Counsel for defendant Karl Brandt): Mr. President, we were to be told 24 hours in advance if a witness was to be called to the stand, but we were not told. We are not in a position to cross-examine this witness; at least, we have not had an opportunity to talk to our clients. Considering the great extent of the material, an announcement is absolutely essential. Therefore, I object to the examination of the witness at this time.

THE PRESIDENT: We will now hear from the prosecution.

MR. McHANEY: May it please the Tribunal, we filed yesterday morning, as I recall, a notice that we would call Wolfgang Lutz to testify with respect to the high altitude experiments conducted at Dachau, as the rules of the court so provide. I received a return of service from the Secretary General of the Tribunal. Now I cannot say that this notice was in fact delivered to the Defendants' Information Center; that I do not know. If it has not been done and Your Honors feel that the cause of justice requires, we can, without considerable inconvenience, postpone the testimony of this witness until either later this afternoon or tomorrow morning. I do not wish to take any unfair advantage of the defense.

The testimony, I might add, which this witness is expected to give, deals with a rather important point, but at the same time a quite limited one, and it affects primarily the defendant Weltz.

THE PRESIDENT: I would ask the representative of the Office of the Secretary General in the notice served, with return of service, may be produced here.

I would ask counsel for the defendant Weltz if he has received a copy of this notice that the witness would be called.

DR. WILLE (Counsel for defendant Weltz): I did not receive any announcement, and, if I may, I should like to support the suggestion of my colleague, Dr. Servatius, that the examination of the witness be postponed until tomorrow.

THE PRESIDENT: We are awaiting a report from the Office of the Secretary General as to what happened with this notice. Rather than further delay the proceedings, the Tribunal will rule that the witness may not be placed upon the stand at this time. It should be seen to today that the defendants receive a copy of this notice that the witness will be called tomorrow morning at some time which you may specify. At what time tomorrow will you desire to place the witness upon the stand?

MR. McHANEY: Well, it might depend a little bit upon what stage of the case we adjourn at this afternoon. Offhand, I see no reason why we could not bring him to the stand the first thing tomorrow morning.

THE PRESIDENT: I assume that will be satisfactory to everybody, if the defendants get their notice.

MR. McHANEY: I assume they are now on notice.

THE PRESIDENT: I don't know whether the notice should give something of the facts as to which the witness will testify. That is the only point.

MR. McHANEY: If Your Honor please, on the point about the facts as to which he will testify, I take it that the prosecution is not required to do more than to indicate the general subject about which he will testify.

THE PRESIDENT: The witness is testifying as an expert or witness to the facts, and I think some slight indication of what facts is the rule.

We will proceed now with the introduction of the documents, and the witness will be called some time tomorrow morning.

The defendants are on notice that he will be called during the morning.

Counsel for the prosecution might now state whether this witness will be called as an expert witness or as a witness to the facts, and if so, a brief statement as to what portion of the facts.

MR. McHANEY: If Your Honor please, the witness Lutz is being called to testify with respect to the facts only. He was, according to our information, an associate of Dr. Weltz in his institute at Munich during the period with which we are here concerned, namely, during 1941 and 1942. I will ask him questions concerning Dr. Weltz's relationship to the high altitude experiments conducted at Dachau during 1942.

THE PRESIDENT: Defense counsel will take notice of the statement of the prosecution.

The witness will be excused at this time.

(The witness Wolfgang Lutz retired).

MR. MCHANEY: We had come to Document No. 264, which will be Prosecution 60, which appears on Page 73 in the English document book.

And it is another memoranda dictated by Mrs. Rascher to an official in the SS. It is headed as a "File note for SS- Obersturmfuehrer SCHNITZLER."

"MRS RASCHER was here today in the office and stated the following to me for you in a few words.

Oberstabsarzt Dr. WELZ still insists on participation in the experiments and full responsibility. If not, the assignment of Dr. RASCHER to the Institute Welz must be changed. Welz personally is not interested in these experiments. RLM asks Oberstabsarzt Dr. Welz, how long the experiments will last and whether it is justifiable to detail a medical officer for so long a time, RLM demands from WELZ an opinion on the experiments which he, however, cannot give, unless he is fully informed about them. W. Will be in Berlin with Generaloberstabsarzt HIPPKE on Friday. WELZ demands a statement by Friday as to whether he should consider himself as still participating in the experiments, or whether it is requested that he should not participate in the experiments.

The assignment of Dr. RASCHER must immediately be changed to "Assignment to Aviation Test Institute Berlin-Adlershof, Aussenstelle Dachau" (not Institute WELZ), because Welz - as he stated - intends to cancel the assignment immediately, if he is not to participate in it.

MR. MCHANEY: And then there is a note:

For personal confidential information:

Dr. WELZ confidentially informed Dr. Rascher that there is great mistrust against him in the RLM because of the experiments: (SS-membership) there is also animosity in the air force administrative command (Luftgau) Munich for this reason.

MR MCHANEY: It is dated: "Munich, 28 April 1942" and its origin is Munich. This memorandum undoubtedly went to the personal staff of the Reichsfuehrer of the SS and there is a report by Mrs. Rascher on the perhaps strange relationship existing between Dr. WELZ who is not permitted by Romberg and Rascher to participate to the extent which he would like in these experiments at Dachau. And we see here that Welz apparently had the power with Generaloberstabsarzt (Dr. Hippke) to say whether or not the experiments should be continued.

In other words, here, again we find, an opportunity given to terminate these murderous experiments, and, yet, they continue throughout the month of June and a part of July.

The next document is No. 220a and 220b and these will be Prosecution Exhibit 61. (Reading) "File note for SS-Obersturmfuehrer SCHNITZLER". That will be Prosecution Exhibit No. 61.

Your Honors might be interested in looking at the cover letter, which I am about to read: I call attention to the heavy pencil on the face of the document. You will see on the face of the document the initials of Heinrich Himmler, written apparently in crayon or heavy pencil on the face of the document.

MR. MCHANEY: (addressing the Secretary) Will you pass that up, (handing gentleman document) for just a moment, Mr. Travis?

MR. MCHANEY: (continuing) The first part of this exhibit is a cover letter to the further report on the Dachau experiments, to cover the letters of 11 May 1942. It is from SIGMUND RASCHER, to his "Highly esteemed Reichsfuhrer:"

Enclosed I am forwarding a short summary on the principal experiments conducted up to date. A detailed report on the practical as well as the theoretical results will take some more time. I shall hurry. Since the material has to be processed the exploitation of the pathological preparations will take about 1/2 year thru the Kauser Wilhelm Institute for Brain Research.

MR. MCHANEY: No! That should read:

(Reading) "-though the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Brain Research will help us, I hope."

Tonight I succeeded in seeing Dr. Fehrenkamp Who has relatively recovered. He appeared to be very interested and I think there will be a fine and fruitful cooperation. Dr. Fehrenkamp who has an enormous knowledge most amiably promised to help me in everything. His opinion on my heart experiments he will give to you himself. From our conversation I have had the impression that a great field of work will open up to me yet. I thank you, highly esteemed Reichsfuhrer, for having opened these opportunities to me to such an extent.

Unfortunately the extension of my assignment has not been settled yet; in accordance with the present regulations my assignment will be terminated on May 15.

Thanking you again I am with most obedient greetings and Heil Hitler Yours gratefully, /s/ S. Rascher.

MR. MCHENEY: It may be observed, among other things, that these detailed experiments at Dachau had been extended from the 13 April to the 16 April in the same month. We will see, in a few moments, that it was extended again. The report attached to this letter is also dated "11 Nay 1942".

Secret Report

Based on results of experiments which up to now various scientists had conducted on animals only, the experiments in Dachau were to prove whether these results would maintain their validity on human beings.

1. The first experiments were to show whether the human being can gradually adapt himself to higher altitudes. Some ten tests showed that a slowed ascent without oxygen taking from six to eight hours kept the functions of the senses of the various tested persons (human experimental subjects) fully normal up to a height of 8,000 meters. Within 8 (eight) hours several tested persons had reached a height of 9.5 kilometers without OXYGEN when bends occurred suddenly.

2. Normally it is impossible to stay without oxygen at altitudes higher than six kilometers. Experiments showed however that after ascent to 8000 meter without oxygen, bends combined with unconsciousness lasted only about 23 minute After this period the tested persons had mostly become accustomed to that altitude: consciousness returned, they could make kneebends, showed a normal electrocardiograph and were able to work (60 to 70% of the cases examined.)

3. Descending tests on parachutes (suspended) without oxygen.

These experiments proved that from 14 kilometers on down severest bends occurred which remained until the ground was reached. The detrimental effects caused by these experiments manifested themselves at the beginning as uncon sciousness and subsequently as spastic and limp paralysis, catotomy, stereotype and as retrograde amnesia lasting several hours.

About one hour after the end of the experiment the tested persons for the most part were still disoriented as to time and locality. The blood picture often showed a shift to the left; albumen and red and white blood corpuscles were regularly found in the urine after the experiment? cylinders were sometimes found. After several hours or days the blood and urine returned to normal. The changes of the electrocardiograph were reversible.

Contrary to descending tests on parachutes without oxygen, descending tests with oxygen wore carried out from heights up to 18 kilometers. It was proven that on the average the tested persons regained the normal function of their senses at 12 to 13 kilometers. No disturbances of general conditions occurred during any of these experiments. Brief unconsciousness at the beginning of the experiment caused no lasting disturbances. Urine and blood showed only a slight change.

4. As the long time of descent on parachutes, under actual conditions, would cause severe freezing even if no detrimental effects were caused by lack of oxygen, tested persons were brought by sudden decreases in pressure with a cutting torch from 8 to 20 kilometers, simulating the damage to the pressure machine of the high altitude airplane. After a waiting period of 10 seconds, corresponding to stepping out of the machine, the tested persons were made to fall from this height with oxygen to a height where breathing is possible. The tested persons awoke between 10 and 12 kilometers and at about 8 kilometers pulled the parachute lever.

5. In experiments of falling from the same height without oxygen the test persons regained normal function of their senses only between two and five kilometers.

6. Experiments testing the effect of Pervitin on the organism during parachute jumps, proved that the severe after-effects, as mentioned under No. 3, were considerably milder. The ability to withstand the conditions at high altitudes was only slightly improved, while the bends.....

The translation is a little garbled there. I think it should read: "while the bends occurred suddenly due to the restraint-loosening effects of Pervitin."

7. Dr. Kliches, Karls-University in Prague, reports in the publication of the Reich Research Council: By prolonged breathing of oxygen, human beings should theoretically be kept fully fit up to 13 kilometers. Practically the limit is around 11 kilometers.

Experiments which I carried out in this connection proved that with pure oxygen no lowering of the measurable raw energy was noticeable up to 13.3 kilometers. The test persons merely became unwilling since pains of the body cavities grew too severe, due to the lowering of pressure between body and thin air. When pure oxygen was inhaled bends occurred in all 23 cases only at heights above 14.2 kilometers.

As practical result of the more than 200 experiments conducted at Dachau the following can be assumed:

Flying in altitudes higher than 12 kilometers without pressure cabin or pressure-suit is impossible even while breathing pure oxygen. If the airplane pressure machine is damaged at altitudes of 13 kilometers and higher the crew will not be able to bail out of the damaged plane themselves since at that height the bends appear rather suddenly. It must be requested that the crew should be removed automatically from the plane, for instance, by catapulting the seats by means of compressed air. Descending with opened parachute without oxygen would cause severe injuries due to the lack of oxygen besides causing severe freezing; consciousness would not be regained until the ground was reached.

Therefore the following is to be requested: 1. A parachute with barometrically controlled opening. 2. A portable oxygen apparatus for the jump.

For the following experiments Jewish professional criminals who had committed Rassenschande...

-- which means race pollution --

were used:

The question of the formation of embolism was investigated in 10 cases...

-- Embolism, your Honors will recall, is a blockage of the blood circulation. --

...Some of the test persons died during a continued high altitude experiment; for instance, after one-half hour at a height of 12 kilometers. After the skull had been opened under water an ample amount of air embolism was found in the brain vessels and, in part, free air in the brain ventricles.

To find out whether the severe physical effects, as mentioned under No. 3, are due to the formation of embolism, the following was done: After relative recuperation from such a parachute descending test had taken place, however before regaining of consciousness, some test persons were kept under water until they died. When the skull and the cavities of the breast and of the abdomen had been opened under water, an enormous amount of air embolism was found in the vessels of the brain, the coronary vessels, and the vessels of the liver and the intestines, etc.

That proves that air embolism, so far considered as absolutely fatal, is not fatal at all, but that it is reversible as shown by the return to normal conditions of all the other test persons.

It was also proved by experiments that air embolism occurs in practically all vessels even while pure oxygen is being inhaled. One test person was made to breathe pure oxygen for two and onehalf hours before the experiment started. After six minutes at a height of 20 kilometers he died at dissection also showed ample air embolism as was the case in all other experiments.

At sudden decreases in pressure and subsequent immediate falls to heights where breathing is possible, no deep reaching damages due to air embolism could be noted. The formation of air embolism always needs a certain amount of time.

/s/ Dr. RASCHER.

I think this document requires very little comment but I would like to that it indicates most clearly the type of so-called criminals which these were experimenting upon. They were not criminals, sentenced by a court and competent jurisdiction for a crime which is known to any civilized society.

They were men who were marked for death -- certainly not condemned to death -- marked for death, I say, because the particular Jew had had intercourse with an Aryan or vice versa. That was the type of criminal that had been marked for death and which these defendants felt that it was morally justifiable to use in experiments of this type.

I move now to Document 343-a-PS, which will be Prosecution Exhibit 62. This letter indicates, if the Tribunal please, that knowledge and participate in these criminal experiments reached into the very top echelons of the Luftwaffe. We have here a letter from Erhard Milch, Secretary of State for Ai*** to "Dear Wolffy" which is a reference to Karl Wolff, who was Chief of the Personal Staff of Heinrich Himmler at this time. As will appear from the document, Karl Wolff was acting as the liaison officer between Heinrich Himmler and Erhard Milch in these experiments conducted for the benefit of the Luftwaffe. This letter is dated 20 Way 1942:

Dear Wolffy!

In reference to your telegram of 12 Way, our medical inspector reports to me that the altitude experiments carried out by the SS and Luftwaffe at Dachau have been finished. Any continuation of these experiments seems essentially unreasonable. However, the carrying out of experiments of some other kind, in regard to perils on, high seas, would be important. These have been prepared in immediate agreement with the proper offices;

Oberstabsarzt Weltz will be charged with the execution and Stabsarzt Rascher will be made available until further order in addition to his duties within the Medical Corps of the Luftwaffe. A change of these measures does not appear necessary and an enlargement of the task is not considered pressing at this time.

The low-pressure chamber would not be needed for these low temperature experiments. It is urgently needed at another place and therefore can no longer remain in Dachau.

I convey the special thanks from the supreme commander of the Luftwaffe to the SS for their extensive cooperation.

"I remain with best wishes for you in good comradeship and with Heil Hitler! Always yours,

/s/ E. Milch

Here again is a reference to the length of time which Rascher will be detached to Dachau for the purposes of conducting the low-pressure experiments and as indicated here, Milch is of the opinion that they had been concluded.

However, we shall see in a moment that this judgment at this time subsequently changed and that Rascher continued his experiments in cooperation with Ruff and Romberg for another 30 days. This also indicates that the Luftwaffe was interested in human experimentation on freezing problems. He makes the reference "experiments in regard to perils at high seas" with reference to the occasion upon which German aviators were forced to parachute into the North Sea and were for extended periods of time subjected to the cold water.

They were interested in trying to determine the most effective means of reviving such people. This letter also indicates, I think, since it is stated that Oberstabsarzt Weltz will be charged with the execution of the freezing experiments and Stabsarzt Rascher will be made available until further notice, I say it seems to me that this indicates that Weltz and Rascher were still in close relationship at this time and that Weltz was, in fact, the superior of Rascher.

The next document is No. NO-261 which will be Prosecution Exhibit 63. As I stated a moment ago, we here find the proof that Hippke and Milch agreed to let the low-pressure chamber remain at Dachau for a further period of time. The letter is dated 4 June 1942, from the State Secretary of Aviation and Inspector General of the Luftwaffe, who is Erhard Milch, and. it is addressed to Dear Herr Hippke, who was Chief of the Medical Inspectorate of the Luftwaffe, and states:

According to the agreement with the Reichsfuhrer SS, the low-pressure air chamber for experiments in the neighborhood of Munich is still to be available for two months longer.

Moreover, the Stabsarzt Dr. Rascher is, in addition to his tests in the Luftwaffe, to be on duty for the present for the purposes of the Reichsfuhrer SS.

Heil Hitler!

This is in fact a copy of the letter which was sent to Hippke by Milch and this copy was forwarded by Milch to SS Obergruppenfuhrer and General of the Waffen-SS Wolff for his information and his name appears in writing at the bottom of the letter.

We now come to Document 284, which will be Prosecution Exhibit 65 pardon me that is Prosecution Exhibit 64. This is a letter presumably from Rudolf Brandt, although I cannot make out his initials on the Document, it is signed "Yours - SS Obersturmfuehrer" and it comes from the office of Himmler. It reads as follows:

Dear Dr. Rascher: Your letter of 5 June 1942 to Reichsfuehrer-SS was handed SS-Obergruppenfuehrer WOLFF, Chief of Reichsfuehrer-SS Personal Staff, for further action, on whose behalf I wish to inform you that in keeping with an order of Fieldmarshal MILCH the low-pressure chamber is to remain available an additional two months for experiments. Fieldmarshal MILCH also ordered that in addition to your experiments for the Luftwaffe, also you are to continue working until further notice for the purposes cf Reichsfuehrer-SS.

It is truly very deplorable that during your absence from Schongau the staff of your medical office was permeated by so many ministers. Consequently the Reichsfuehrer-SS approves of your going for about a fortnight to Schongau - after the period of evaluation in Berlin, for the appropriate initiation there of Unterarzt Dr. SEISER.

Now, Your Honor, will recall that during the presentation yesterday morning during the presentation of the defendants and the organizations in which they were active, we submitted as Prosecution Exhibit No. 33, Document No. 422, which was the letter to Sievers, ordering him to establish an Institute for Military Scientific Research within the Ahnenerbe. I promised the Tribunal at that time that the references made during that time would be cleared through the presentation of the evidence.

Thus far, we have given some information as to the experiments conducted at Dachau. You will recall that in this letter, by order of Heinrich Himmler, Richard Brandt was telling SS Obersturmbannfuehrer Sievers to establish this Institute and make use of the facilities available in Dachau. We have also seen from the exhibits, which have gone in this morning, that the Defendant Sievers had witnessed experiments in Dachau and reported on them to the Reichsfuehrer SS and there was some talk of taking Rascher into the Ahnenerbe to work under its auspices. We shall see in fact that that is what happened.

We now come to Document 1607-A PS, which will be Prosecution Exhibit 65. This is a letter, written by Rascher, to the Defendant Rudolf Brandt and if the Tribunal will observe at the top of the letter, you will see that the letterhead reads "Stabsarzt" Dr. Rascher.

JUDGE SEBERING: Mr. McHaney, appearing in this Document book, after No. 284 is a Document No. 422, entitled "Operational Headquarters - 7 July 1942?"

MR. MCHANEY: Yes, your Honor.

JUDGE SEBERING: Was this Document to be introduced cut of order, or in the course of Exhibit 64?

MR. MCHANEY: I tried to explain, your Honor, but apparently I did not make myself clear. Document No. 422 was introduced yesterday morning as Prosecution Exhibit No. 33. I included the Document in this book rather than have it in Document Book No. 1.

JUDGE SEBERING: You mean that you merely have it there as a reference of convenience?

MR. MCHANEY: That is right, yes sir. I was remarking that in Document 1607-A PS, which is Prosecution Exhibit 65, the letterhead reads "Stabsarzt" Dr. Rascher - "Ahnenerbe" RF-SS, so we see that by 20 July 1942 the notorious Dr. Rascher was a member of the Institute for Military Scientific Research within the Ahnenerbe Society, which was launched by the Defendant Sievers. The letter is to the Defendant, Rudolf Brandt:

Enclosed, please find a copy of the work of myself and Dr. Romberg, "Experiments for rescue from High Altitudes."

On 14 July, 1942, I was ordered by the Reichsfuehrer SS to send you the above-mentioned report. The Reichsfuehrer wants that report to be forwarded to General Field Marshal Milch, accompanied by a letter from him, asking Milch to receive Romberg and mo for a lecture. I believe to have understood correctly, that the Reichsfuehrer thought, you would submit to him a letter to that effect for his signature.

I was very glad to hear that the Reichsfuehrer was satisfied with the result of the work at Dachau and with the film, and that he ordered an intensive continuation of the work in that field.

I recommended. Dr. Romberg for the War Merit Cross, on the request of SS Ostbf. Sievers. SS Standf. Dr. Wuest ordered me to notify you here of.

The Reichsfuehrer decided furthermore, on 14 July 1942, that the prisoner Sabota and the two prisoners who work in the dissection room in Dachau should be released and transferred to the group "Dirlewanger". The exact names arc in possession of SS Ostbf. Sievers. The Reichsfuehrer has also issued an order to that effect to major Suchaneck.

I thank you cordially for everything and remain.

/s/ Dr. S. Rascher

I wish to remark that you will hear from certain of the defendants that persons who volunteered for these experiments were perhaps promised their freedom.

This letter indicates that those prisoners who consented to work with Rascher in his murderous activities, who took part in the dissection of the bodies of the unfortunate victims, were perhaps to be given some favors because of their kind assistance to him. Here he mentions three such prisoners who were to be released and transferred to the group "Dirlewanger". The court might be interested in knowing that was an SS military unit, which was recruited exclusively or almost exclusively and at least in large measures from concentration camps. They undertook a recruiting program and tried to obtain some people whom they thought would operate very well in such a group as the "Dirlewanger" was.

We now come to Document No. 402, which will be Prosecution Exhibit No.66. This, your Honor, consists of a covering letter for the final report made by the Defendants Romberg and Ruff and the deceased Dr. Rascher on the High Altitude Experiments at Dachau. The covering letter is dated 29 September 1942, addressed to the Reichsfuehrer-SS. It is from the German Experimental Station for Aviation Inc., Berlin-Adlershof. This, your Honor, will recall was a. department for Aviation Medicine, which was in charge of the Defendant Ruff. The previous letter, which I read from Rascher to Rudolf Brandt states that he is enclosing a final copy of the work done by himself and Dr. Rascher. We did not find the report to that letter, instead we found it with the letter here, which is now before the court as Prosecution Exhibit 66. This letter is signed by Romberg and Ruff. It simply states:

Enclosed we submit copies Mr. 2, 3 and 4 of the report 'Experiments on rescue from high altitudes' for your files.

There seems to be a hand written note down in the corner, stating that Report 3 was received 2 November by Sievers.

I now come to the report itself. It is long and I do not think it would be worth while for me to read it in its entirety. I am sure that your Honors will wish to study it outside of the court room, as it gives a very detailed explanation of what was done and how it was done, exclusive. of course, of the details on the murders and tortures which have been proved by the Documents thus far submitted. I would like to read a few excerpts from this Document beginning on Page 83 of the English Document Book. At the top it states:

A report is to be made on experiments in which the possibility of rescue from high altitudes in the low pressure chamber is studied. Experiment were made at parachute sinking speeds up to 15 km., (47,000 ft.), without oxygen and up to 18 km. (59,000 ft.), with oxygen creating as well as falling experiments speeds up to 21 km., (68,000 ft.), altitude with and without oxygen. The results with practical significance will be discussed below.

Then thy give an index to the report. Down at the bottom, signing for the DLV Institute is the defendant Ruff. The authors are noted as Dr. Rascher and Stabsarzt der Luftwaffe. I think, probably refers to Rascher. Romberg's name appears below that. Then the note on the botton states that: "These studies were carried out in conjunction with the research and instruction association "Das Ahnenerbe". That is the organization cf which the defendant Sievers was Reich Business Manager. The report is dated 28 July 1942.

Turning to the next page, I think it might be useful just to read the introduction and a little of the procedure of the experiment to make it a little more clear precisely what these men were trying to do and how they were going to do it.

I. Introduction and Statement of the Problem. It is theoretically possible for man to reach as high an altitude as he may wish in an aircraft with a pressure cabin. However, the question must be settled as to what result or effects the destruction of the pressure cabin will have upon the human being who in such cases is exposed in a few seconds to the low air pressure and thereby to the lack of oxygen which is characteristic of high altitude. Of particular practical interest is the question from what altitudes and by what means the safest rescue of the crew can be made. In the work ad hand, a report is presented on experiments in which were studied the various possibilities of rescue under special experimental conditions. Since the urgency of the solution of the problem was evident, it was necessary, especially under the given condition of the experiment, to forego for the time being the thorough clearing up of purely scientific questions.

II. Procedure of the Experiment. The experiments were carried on in a portable low pressure chamber with equipment for explosive decompression. The performance of this apparatus limited the highest altitude attainable to about 21,000 meters or 69,000 feet.

In this experimental series, which was to clarify the possibilities of rescue from high altitudes, the experiments, simulating actual conditions, were carried out in such a way that rescue with parachute unfolded (designated as descending experiments) and with parachute folded (designated as falling experiments) were studied sometimes with and sometimes without oxygen breathing.

Since the altitude or posture of the body is of essential significance for the demands made by the lack of oxygen on the circulation, the experiments were carried out in sitting and prone positions; and, in descending experiments, in a suspended position in a parachute harness corresponding to the actual position.

The Court will recall that in the pictures which we have submitted as Prosecution Exhibit 41 you can see in a great number of pictures the experimental subject being suspended in a parachute harness.

For purposes of demonstration certain of the experiments were recorded on film. Electrocardiograms were made of several experiments in the experimental series. Oxygen was breathed out of the customary low pressure apparatus with continuous flow at attitudes over ten kilometers, 32,800 feet. The following experimental sequence was chosen: 1. Descending experiments without oxygen breathing; 2. Descending experiments with oxygen breathing; 3. Falling experiments without oxygen breathing; 4. Falling experiments with oxygen breathing.

Now, on the following pages the Court is given the results of the experiments in rahter technical language, and I think it would probably not be helpful to have me read that in this language here. Accordingly, I would like to have the tribunal turn to page 88 of the English Document Book which is noted as page 13 of the original German, and I would like to read a running description which is there given of there action of one of these miserable experimental subjects. It states that:

Descending experiments were made in larger numbers from 15 kilometers altitude, since it became evident that at this altitude the approximate limits for what was possible in emergencies had already been reached essentially surpassed. After an ascent made as rapidly as possible, using oxygen apparatus with free flow the mask was removed immediately upon attaining 15 kilometers, which is 47,200 feet, altitude and the descent was begun. Since the results of these descending experiments were very typical and especially impressive it is necessary to present one of these experiments in detail. The protocol of an experiment will be represented as follows:

At 47,200 feet, the subject lets the mask fall, severe altitude sickness spasmodic convulsions. At 45,580 feet Opisthotonus

-- which, if your Honors please, means the reaction of the spine which is typically associated with tetanus or lockjaw --

At 44,920 feet, arms stretched stiffly forward; sits up like a dog, legs spread stiffly apart. 44,950 feet, suspended in opisthotonus. At 43,310 feet, agonal convulsive breathing. At 40,030 feet, dyspnea, hangs limp. 23,620 feet, uncoordinated movements with the extremities. 19,690 feet, clonic convulsions and groaning. 18,080 feet, yells aloud. 9,520 feet, still*ye convulses arms and legs, head sinks forward. 6,560 feet to zero feet, yells spasmodically, grimaces, bites his tongue, does not respond to speech, gives the impression of someone who is completely out of his mind. 5 minutes after reaching ground level, reacts for the first time to vocal stimulation. 7 minutes attempts upon command to arise, says in stereotyped manner: "No, please". 9 minutes, stands up on command; severe ataxia; answers to all questions: "Just a minute". Tries spasmodically to recall his birth date. 10 minutes, typical stereotypes of attitude and movement; numbles number to himself. 11 minutes, holds his head turned convulsively to the right; tries repeatedly to answer the first question concerning his birth date. 12 minutes, questions of the subject: "may I slice something?" (Note. In civilian work he was a delicatessen clerk) "May I pant, will it be allright if I inhale?" "Breathes deeply, then says "All right, thank you very much". 15 minutes, on being ordered to walk, steps forward and says: "All right, thank you very much". 17 minutes, gives his name; says he was born in 1928 (born 1 November 1908). Experimenter asks: "Where?" "Something 1928". "Profession"? "28-1928". 18 minutes, "May I inhale? "Yes". "I am content with that". 25 minutes, still the question continues: "Pant?" 28 minutes, sees nothing, runs against open window sash upon which the sun is shining, so that large lump is formed on his forehead; says: Excuse me please". No expression of pain. 30 minutes, knows his name and place of birth. Upon being asked for the day's date: "1 November 1928". Shivering of the legs; stupor continues; cannot be frightened by the report of a shot. Dark objects are still not discerned; subject humps against them. Is aware of bright light; knows his profession specially disoriented. 37 minutes, reacts to pain stimuli. 40 minutes, begins to observe defferences, falls continually into his previous speech stereotypes. 50 minutes, specially oriented. 75 minutes, still disoriented in time; retrogressive amnesia over three days. 24 hours, normal condition again attained; has no recollection of the experiment itself.

And so is the description of the tortures which these experimental subjects were forced to endure, those who managed to live through the experiment itself.

On page 91 of the English Document Book, which is on pages 16 and 17 of the original, we find a most interesting description of the experiences which the defendant Romberg and the deceased Dr. Rascher had in an experiment upon themselves in this low pressure chamberand they have been good enough to detail this in report. It reads as follows:

In spite of the relatively large number of experiments, the actual cause of the severe mental disturbances and bodily failures (Paralysis, blindmess, et cetera) attendant upon post-hypoxemic twilight state remains something of a riddle. It appeared often as though the phenomena of pressure drop sickness (aeroembolism) had combined with the results of severe oxygen lack. In this connection, the subjective accounts made by the authors in two experiments each were interesting. In the case of Ro...

-- who, your Honors, is Romberg --

during a half hour stay at 12 kilometers with oxygen, only the usual pains attendant with bends occurred.

In a further experiment with a stay of 40 minutes duration at an altitude of between 13 and 13.5 kilometers, there developed very gradually a condition of weakness combined with a peculiar headache, which then led to a considerable slackening of strength in the arms and hands. As a result of this, Romberg could no longer hold the breathing mouthpiece (for special reasons in those experiments, Romberg had to breathe with a mouthpiece and nose clamp) so that it slid out of his mouth. All of these phenomena were still clearly observed by Romberg. Rascher returned the mouthpiece to Romberg. However at this point Romberg failed rather suddenly with paleness, strong cyanosis of the lips and complete unconsciousness.

After Romberg had regained clear consciousness through descent and sufficient oxygen breathing, he determined, the existence in himself of a complete paralysis of the legs, weakness of the arms and severe disturbance of vision. These serious disturbances developed although the time of oxygen lack and unconsciousness had. lasted only about five seconds. Following descent soon after this to 0 kilometers, the paralysis of the legs continued for about five minutes more and the very severe visual disturbances only cleared up after two hours. While this episode of Romberg's occurred in an experiment at special altitude, the disturbances occurred in Rascher at an altitude between 12 and 12.5 kilometers (that is, up to 41,010 feet) while he was breathing sufficient oxygen with a mask and continuous flow into the circuit. After ten minutes stay at this altitude, pains began on the right side with a spasticparalytic condition of the right leg which in creased continually as though Rascher's whole right side were being crushed between two presses. At the same time there were most severe headaches as though the skull were being burst apart. The pains became continually more severe so that at last the discontinuation of the experiment became necessary. The pains disappeared when ground level was reached while the disturbances of the right leg continued about five minutes more.

Shortly before the second experiment, Rascher took two tablets of "Antineuralgica" (a coal tar derivatite) and two tablets of Pervitin.

In the course of the experiments there occurred only light pains in the right arm and leg, moderate headache, but a very severe uncontrollable urge to cough, actually less severe difficulties than in the foregoing experiment, although this one was made at 1000 meters higher.

Romberg experienced disturbances which in quality resembled the severe disturbances in the 15 Kilometer sinking experiment, although the degree of oxygen lack in this experiment was negligible in comparison to the 15 kilometer experiment, so that the idea of a combination of pressure drop phenomena with the phenomena of oxygen lack is definitely suggested.

I would like to say, Your Honers, that this report on the subjective reaction of the Defendants Romberg and Rascher should put at rest any claims by any of these defendants that these high altitude experiments were not painful. It very clearly states: "Rascher's whole right side felt as if it were being crushed between two presses; his skull felt as if it were being burst apart."

It should also be pointed out that the pains became continually more severe so that at last the discontinuance of the experiment became necessary. There is no known case in which these experimenters discontinued an experiment on their unfortunate victims because they were suffering pain.

On Page 96 of the Document Book, I would just like to make one comment. You will note that these experiments were testing the possibilities of rescue from a damaged airplane at extremely high altitudes and they were studying the effects of a parachute jump from high altitudes, both with the opening of the parachute very hurriedly and with the parachute folded with a long free fall. I just would like to say, by way of comment, that while some of these experiments were extended to heights in excess of 60,000 feet, there were, in fact, in the United States Air Force very few recorded jumps in excess of 15,000 feet.

I wish also to point out the conclusion on page 97. The report reads:

In conclusion, we must make it particularly clear that, in view of the extreme experimental conditions in this whole experimental series, no fatality and no lasting injury due to oxygen lack occurred.

That, of course, in an entirely false statement, as the proof has indicated.

Your Honors might note, while we are still on this report, on Page 99 at the bottom, where the bibliography is given and the names LUTZ and WENDT, this is the same Wolfgang Lutz who was called to testify this morning and who will give his testimony tomorrow morning. His collaborator in that report, Wendt, and Lutz, were both associated with the Defendant Weltz at the institute in Munich.

I come now to Document 1607.

THE PRESIDENT: I want to ask you, in connection with this report, is that a portion of Exhibit 66?

MR. Mc.HANEY: What is that, Sir? The bibliography?

THE PRESIDENT: No, this report to which you have just referred, Document No. NO -402.

MR. Mc.HANEY: Yes, sir, that is a part of Exhibit 66. Exhibit 66 includes the cover letter from Ruff and Romberg to the Reichsfuehrer plus the report.

THE PRESIDENT: I wanted to be sure.

MR. Mc Haney: I come now to Document 1607-b-PS, which will be Prosecution's Exhibit 67. It is dated 25 August 1942. It is a letter from Heinrich Himmler to General Field Marshal Milch.

Dear Milch: Enclosed please find a report about experiments for rescue from high altitudes, which have been carried out by Stabsarzt Dr. S. Rascher and Dr. H.W. Romberg. I saw a film produced by Dr. Rascher. I consider the results of these experiments as so important for the Luftwaffe, that I beg you to receive Dr. Rascher and Dr. Romberg for a lecture and the presentation of the film. I am convinced that, after having seen the film, you will also refer the matter to the Reich Marshal, because of its importance.

-- The reference, Your Honors, is to Goering. --

I would be obliged if you could let me know your opinion in due time. Friendly greetings, Heil Hitler. Heinrich Himmler.

The report which Himmler sent to Milch being, of course, the report which was presented as Exhibit 66.

We now come to Document NO-221, which will be Prosecution's Exhibit No. 68. This is a letter from Sievers to "Dear Comrade Brandt". The letterhead is "The Ahnenerbe, The Reich Business Leader."

Der. Rascher writes me:

On 14 July the Reich Fuehrer SS ordered me to send the report on low pressure chamber experiments to Obersturmbannfuehrer Dr. Brandt and at same time to remind him of the fact that the Reich Fuehrer ordered this report together with the Reich Leader's covering letter to bo sent to Fieldmarshal Milch stating that Milch, Romberg and myself were requested to report to him in order to submit this information. I executed this order on 20 July. As I have heard nothing about it up to now and was also not ordered to report to Milch nor to Generalstabsarzt Prof. Dr. Hippke, I presume that the natter was reported without me. Can you find out? I do not share this presumption of Rascher, for who else would have given the report except Rascher and Romberg? I take it for granted that you sent the report to Fieldmarshal Milch, but that Fieldmarshal Milch has had not time so far to open the report. Have you heard anything relative to this? Furthermore Dr. Rascher requests the approval for the publication of the purely scientific results. I shall inquire of Dr. Rascher in what form and to what extent he conceives these publications. I believe that he can agree to it in the event of publication being made in the corresponding form. Yours very truly, Heil Hitler. Yours, /s/ Sievers.

Here we see the Reich Business Ledger Sievers smoothing the way and taking care of his scientific associates in the Institute for Military Scientific Research, one of when was Dr. Rascher.

THE PRESIDENT: The Tribunal will now recess until l:30 o'clock.

(A recess was taken until 1350 hours)