1946-12-12, #4: Doctors' Trial (late afternoon)
Additional evidence introduced regarding the freezing experiments
THE MARSHAL: The Tribunal is again in session.
MR. McHANEY: May it please the Tribunal, the next document will be Document 1616-PS. This will be Prosecution Exhibit 105.
I wish to point out to the Tribunal in this connection that 1616 PS as it appears in your document book on page 120 is noted as being continued. That is a report on the rewarming by animal warmth. Eliminated from the English document book by mistake wa a covering letter, to which the re-warming report was attached. Both the covering letter and the attached report are Document 1616-PS, and both are offered as Prosecution Exhibit 105. The German document books, which went to the German Counsel, did contain both the letter and the report, and the omission of this English translation was simply a mistake when the document book was assembled.
We got some indication that experiments with dry cold, as distinguished from experiments with wet or water cold, were carried out in Dachau from one of the previous exhibits which gave us a transcript of the discussion between Rascher, Grawitz and Poppendick. This letter describes in a little more detail precisely what they did in these dry cold experiments. This is a letter dated 17 February 1943 from Rascher to his "Dear Reichsfuehrer":
Enclosed I present to you in condensed from a summary of the result of the experiments made in applying animal warmth to people who have been intentionally chilled. Right now I am attempting to prove through experiments on human beings that it is possible to warm up people chilled by exposure to dry cold, just as fast as people who were chilled by means of continued immersion in cold water. The Reichs Physician SS Gruppenfuehrer Dr. Grawitz doubted very much whether that would be possible and said that I would have to prove it first by one hundred experiments. Up to the present, I have carried out intense chilling experiments on thirty human beings by leaving them outdoors naked from 0900 to 1400 hours, thereby reducing their body temperature to 27 degrees Centigrade to 29 degrees Centigrade. After an interval which was supposed to correspond to the period of transportation lasting one hour, I have placed those experiments up to the present, all subjects, despite the fact that hands and feet were partly frozen white, were successfully re-warmed within another hour Only some subjects showed slight lassitude, with slight rise of temperature, on the day following the experiment.
No fatalities occurred as a result of this extraordinarily rapid method of re-warming.
Unfortunately I could not yet carry out the re-warming by means of Sauna, as was ordered by you, my dear Reichsfuehrer. The weather during December and January was too warm for such experiments outdoors, and at present the camp is quarantined on account of typhus, so that I was not permitted to bring the experimental subjects into the SS Sauna. I have had myself inoculated several times, and I am continuing these experiments in spite of the presence of typhus in the camp.
The best thing would be if I and Neff, as soon as I am transferred to the Waffen SS, could go to Auschwitz where I could clear up the question of re-warming people frozen on dry land in a large serial experiment. Auschwitz is, in every way, more suitable for such a large serial experiment than Dachau because it is colder there and the greater extent of open country within the camp would make the experiments less conspicuous. The experimental subjects yell when they freeze severely.
If it is your intention, Highly Honored Reichsfuehrer, to carry out with the utmost speed these experiments which are so important for the army fighting on land in Ruschwitz or Lublin or another concentration camp in the East, I beg you obediently to give me the necessary orders so that the remaining winter cold can still be utilized.
With most obedient greetings and sincere gratitude, and Heil Hitler, your very devoted Rascher.
Did your Honors receive a copy of this?
THE PRESIDENT: No.
MR. McHANEY: If Mr. Travis will pass them up to you -
This letter should be inserted in the document book just in front of page 120.
THE PRESIDENT: This letter will be page 119-A.
MR. McHANEY: The reference in this document to "Sauna" refers to a bath.
The SS-Sauna must be to a bath house in Dachau.
The report which was attached to this letter and which is part of this Prosecution Exhibit 105 is most interesting. We have already put in the documents in which the four women were requested for the purpose of re-warming by animal warmth, and we now got this report on that subject.
It is entitled: "Experiments for re-warming of intensely chilled human beings by animal warmth."
A. The purpose of the experiment: To ascertain whether the re-warming of intensely chilled human beings by animal warmth, for example, the warmth of animals or human beings, is as good or better then re-warming by physical or medical means.
B. Method of the experiments: The experimental subjects were cooled in the usual way, clad or unclad, in cold water of temperatures varying between for degrees Centigrade and nine degrees Centigrade. The rectal temperature of every experimental subject was recorded therme-electrically. The reduction of temperature occurred within the usual span of time, varying in accordance with the general condition of the body of the experimental subject and the temperature of the water. The experimental subjects were removed from the water when their rectal temperature reached 30 degrees Centigrade. At this time the experimental subjects had all lost consciousness. In eight cases the experimental subjects were then placed between two naked women in a spacious bed. The women were supposed to nestle as closely as possible to the chilled person. Then all throe persons were covered with blankets. The speeding up of re-warming by light cradles or by medicines was not attempted.
C. Results:
1. When the temperature of the experimental subjects was recorded it was striking that an after-drop of temperature up to 3°C occurred, which is a greater after-drop than that seen with any other method of rewarming. It was observed, however, that consciousness returned at an earlier point, that is a lower body temperature than with other methods of rewarming. Once the subjects regained consciousness they did not lose it again, but very quickly grasped the situation and snuggled up to the naked female bodies. The rise of body temperature then occurred at about the same speed as in experimental subjects who had been rewarmed by packing in blankets. Exceptions were four experimental subjects who, at body temperatures between 30°C and 32°C, performed the act of sexual intercourse. In these experimental subjects the temperature rose very rapidly after sexual intercourse, which could be compared with the speedy rise in temperature in a hot bath.
2. Another set of experiments concerned the rewarming of intensely chilled persons by one woman. In all these cases rewarming was significantly quicker than could be accomplished by two women. The cause of this seems to me that in warming by one woman only, personal inhibitions arc removed, and the woman nestles up to the chilled individual much more intimately. Also in these cases, the return of complete consciousness was strikingly rapid. Only one experimental subject did not return to consciousness and the warming effect was only slight. This person died with symptoms suggesting cerebral hemorrhage, as was confirmed by subsequent autopsy.
D. Summary:
Rewarming experiments of intensely chilled experimental subjects demonstrated that rewarming with animal warmth was very slow, only such experimental subjects whose physical condition permitted sexual intercourse rewarmed themselves remarkably quickly, and showed an equally strikingly rapid return of complete physical well-being. Since excessively long exposure of the body to low temperatures implies danger of central damage, that method must be chosen for rewarming which guarantees the quickest relief from dangerously low temperatures. This method, according to our experiences, is massive and rapid supply of warmth by means of a hot bath.
Rewarming of intensely chilled human beings by human or animal warmth can therefore be recommended only in such cases in which other possibilities for rewarming are not available, or in cases of specially ten or individuals who possibly may not be able to stand a massive and rapid supply of warmth. As for example, I am thinking of intensely chilled small children, who are best rewarmed by the body of their mothers, with the aid of hot water bottles.
Dachau, 12 February 1943.
/s/ DR.S. RASCHER
The Court will see on the following pages of this well nigh unbelievable document charts which graphically show the rewarming of these frozen victims by women.
That is to say, by two women. They give an average figure for different rewarmings in which they compare rewarming by packing in blankets, rewarming with two women, rewarming with one woman, and rewarming with one woman where sexual intercourse occurred.
We move now to Document No. NO-268 which will be Prosecution Exhibit 106. This is a letter from Dr. Hippko who, according to the information furnished by the defendant Sievers in his memorandum and letters, was suffering some tinge of conscience because of the experiments at Dachau and he here is writing to the Reichsfuehrer on the 19th of February 1913. I want to ask the Court to observe the file number on this document where it will see the code letters 2 II B, and I call to your attention a gain that refers to the Department for Aviation Medicine which was, as that time, headed by Dr. Anthony with his assistant, the defendant Becker-Freyseng.
Reichsfuehrer:
The experiments conducted in Dachau concerning protective measures against the effects of freezing on the human body by immersion in cold water have lead to results of practical use. They were conducted by the Stabsacrzte of the Luftwaffe Professor Dr. Holzloehner, Dr. Finke and Dr. Rascher in coorperation with who SS, and are now finished. The result was reported upon by those who worked on them during a conference on medical problems arising from distress at sea and winter hardships on 26 and 27 October 1912 in Nurenberg. The detailed report on the conference is a present in state of preparation.
I thank you most gratefully for the great assistance that cooperation of the SS has meant for us in conducting the experiments, and beg you to express our thanks, too, to the commander of the Dachau camp.
Heil Hitler!
/s/ Prof. Dr. Hippke
The Court will have occasion, when we come to the introduction of evidence on the sea water experiments, to read a letter written and signed by the defendant Schroeder which he wrote to Himmler in the middle of 1944 again asking, on behalf of the Luftwaffe, for human experimental subjects in order that the experiments to render sea water drinkable could be carried out and in that letter, as your Honors will see, will appear language somewhat similar to that used by Dr. Hippke in this letter, and, in addition, the defendant Schroeder stated that Himmler had been most helpful on similar occasions, obviously referring to these experiments carried out in Dachau.
We turn now to Document NO 1580-PS which will be Prosecution Exhibit 107. If your Honors please, the translation appearing in your document book at Page 128 contains two letters. We are not here concerned with the letter at the button carrying the date May 2, 1941. In looking at that letter you will remember that it wont into evidence under the proof on the low pressure experiments and it carried the document No. 1582-PS. I do not recall the Exhibit number. In any event, it is just an instance of the same document being registered under two numbers and here they have coupled up two documents under 1580-PS. Actually going into evidence is the letter of 26 February 1943, So, if you will simply strike out the translation at the bottom of Page 128 and on 129 then your book will be accurate. The bottom letter, I am informed, went in as Prosecution Exhibit 46.
This is a letter from Heinrich Himmler to Rascher dated 26 February 1943:
Dear Rascher;
Best thanks for your letter of 17 February with report on warming-up cxperiments. I agree to experiments being made at Auschwitz or Lublin, although I believe that the time for the cooling-off and warming-up tests under natural conditions of cold weather has nearly passed for this winter.
I am sending this letter at the same time to SS Obergruppenfuchrer Pehl, whom I request to order the execution of your experiments at Lublin or Auschwitz.
Kind greetings and Heil Hitler! Your A. Himmler.
This letter is in response to the warming-up report which I read into evidence under Prosecution Exhibit 105, and you will note that Himmler is expressing the same fear that we found in the defendant Sievers a few moments ago in stating that it was felt that Rascher's experiments would be delayed beyond the proper time of cold weather so that he could not carry out his dry cold experiments. We are coming to a documenting a few moments which will indicate that neither the deceased Dr. Himmler or the defendant Sievers were disappointed: in that respect.
We come now to Document NO-262 which will be Prosecution Exhibit 108, and here again we find that the real difficulty between the Luftwaffe and the SS over the valuable services of Dr. Rascher was not because of the feeling on the part of the Luftwaffe that these experiments (should not have been carried out on living human beings, but that it was simply a matter of professional jealousy between the people who worked on these experiments and a problem of which organization was to receive credit for these valuable experiments. This letter is from Professor Dr. Hippke, Chief of the Medical Service of the Luftwaffe, dated 6 March 1943, addressed to "Dear Obergruppenfuehrer Wolff" whom your Honors will recall was the liaison officer between the SS end the Luftwaffe with respect to Rascher's experiments.
The State Secretary Milch has given me your letter of 21 November of the last year - Diary No. 1426/42 top secret - regarding the release of the Stabsarzt of the Luftwaffe, Dr. Rascher to the Waffen-SS.
I am prepared to release the Stabsarzt Dr. Rascher from the Luftwaffe, even after the Reich Physician of the SS, SS-Gruppenfuehrer Dr. Grawitz, explained to me that he could not find any substitute; I shall put him at the disposal of the Waffen-SS if Rascher himself desires this releases. I shall ask him about that.
Your conception that I, as the responsible director of all Medical-scientific research work, would have been opposed to the chilling experiments on human beings, and so retarded their development is erroneous. I immediately agreed to the experiments because our own previous work experiments on large animals were concluded and supplementary work was necessary. It is also highly improbable that I, in that I am responsible for the development of all types of possibilities for rescuing our flyers would not do everything possible to further such works. When Rascher in his time explained his wishes to me, I agreed with him immediately. The difficulties, Mr. Wolff, lie in an entirely different sphere: it is a question of vanity on the part of individual scientists, every one of whom personally wants to bring out new research results, and very often it is only with great effort that they can be led to work unselfishly for the common good. None of them is without guilt in this respect; Rascher is not either.
If Rascher wants to build up his own research institute within the framework of the Waffen-SS, I have not objection. All research work within the field of aviation medicine - that is, altitude - moreover, is under my scientific supervision in my capacity as director of German aviation medicine. This institute would then be under the supervision of the Reich Physician of the SS, SS-Gruppenfuehrer Dr. Grawitz.
Momentarily, however, this work cannot be carried on because its continuation would require a low pressured chamber, in which not only the altitude of the stratosphere, but also the stratospheric temperature can be established, but there is no such chamber available in Germany as yet: It is just being guilt as a general chamber in the frame-work of the new Research Institute for Aviation Medicine of Berlin, and I hope I shall be able to have it completed in the course of this year.
If Rascher, on the other hand, wishes to conduct other experiments, not concerned with altitude and chilling problems, these would not be under supervision (Aviation medicine) but under the supervision of military medicine, whom he would have to contact.
I am going to talk ever all these problems with Rascher in old comradeship, and I shall again notify you.
With kind regards and Heil Hitler! /s/ Hippke
Now, there are at least two interesting points about this letter, one of which is Hippke's explanation of the apparent difficulties between contain members of the Luftwaffe Medical Service and Dr. Rascher, and Hippke himself puts it on the ground of professional jealousy.
May I suggest to the Court that that is certainly a sufficient explanation of the difficulties which Dr. Weltz, the defendant in this dock, will have you believe existed between him and Rascher, and that is the explanation of these difficulties, rather than any compunction on the part of the defendant Weltz, as to these experiments.
Secondly, Hippke here indicates that any problems concerning aviation medicine come within the jurisdiction of the Medical Service of the Luftwaffe. He states that if Rascher wishes to conduct experiments not concerned with aviation medicine then he comes under the jurisdiction of military medicine, and the German words there are given, "Hocressanitactsp ektion" which, if Your Honor please, refers to the position occupied by the defendant Handloser at this time. He was Chief of the Army Medical Inspectorate.
I turn now to document 1615-PS, which will be Prosecution Exhibit 109. This is a letter written by the defendant Rudolf Brandt to Dr. Grawitz on 9 March 1943.
Dear Gruppenfuehrer: I wish to inform you very briefly, that Reich Fuehrer SS on February 26, 1943 authorized SS Captain Dr. Rascher to make warming experiments in Auschwitz or Lublin. Of course, considering the warm weather, the time for cooling and warming experiments under natural temperature conditions would not be possible in that proportion.
This letter, of course, refers back to the conference had between Dr. Rascher on the one hand and Grawitz and the defendant Poppendick on the other, and Brandt ishere advising him that further dry cold experiments will take place as requested by Grawitz raid his assistant, Poppendick.
The next document is NO-270, which will be Prosecution Exhibit 110. This consists of a cover letter from Dr. Rascher to the defendant Rudolf Brandt, enclosing a running account of a talk Rascher had with Hippke. The letter is dated 14 March 1943.
Dear Obersturmbannfuehrer, on 12 March I was ordered to a conference with Generaloberstabsarzt Prof. Dr. Hippke. The inspector was extremely friendly. I had the impression that the whole affair was painful to him. For your information I enclose a short description of the conversation. This description is by no means a complete one despite the fact that I took down notes immediately after the conference. I would like to emphasize the Inspector's unusual amiability and caution in all expressions concerning the SS.
May I respectfully ask you to inform the Reichsfuchrer SS of the report in so far as this appeals necessary to you.
May I also ask you, if you do not mind, to inform Kauptsturmfuehrer Heckenstaller since as far as I know he worked on my transfer by order of Obergruppenfuehrer Wolff. /s/ Rascher
The report is part of the same exhibit, and is dated 14 March 1943.
Report on the conference between Generaloberstabsarzt Prof. Dr. Hippke and Stabsarzt Dr. Rascher on 12 March 1943 in Berlin. The course of the discussion can be described in its meaning only, not literally, since the conference lasted for 3/4 of an hour.
Very friendly welcome by Prof. Hippke. Immediately after that the question, who desired the transfer to the Waffen-SS, and who suggested it, Rascher: Suggested and desired by the Reichsfuehrer SS as well as by myself. I, too, have submitted a transfer request through the official Luftwaffe channels.
Hippke: So then it is true. Why do you really want to leave the Luftwaffe? I give you every opportunity to work in the scientific field, and with us you will be backed by the solidarity of the entire medical officers' corps of the Luftwaffe. Besides, we have the necesary experience in treating medical problems connected with aviators. The SS cannot possibly be interested in these questions.
Rascher: But the Reichsfuehrer SS does not desire at all to have these tasks carried out for the benefit of the SS alone, he expressed himself to that effect that the tasks shall be accomplished and the results shall be really made available to all interested agencies on the most rapid way.
Hippke: We can maintain this connection with the SS also if you stay with the Luftwaffe. I hereby request you to stay with the medical corps of the Luftwaffe.
Rascher: I beg to submit respectfully that in as far as I am concerned, the decision about this has already been taken.
Hippke: But in this case you must realize that the medical officer's corps of the Luftwaffe will no longer solidly back you up and that you have to expect scientific enmitics and perhaps even a bitter fight in the scientific field with individual gentlemen specially reservists, who brought along from private life their scientific manners. But even if you no longer belong to my officers, you will always have my full support. I wish that even later on we continue to work together. For instance, I would like to see that you carry out together with Romberg the rescue from highest altitudes and that you go even higher than 21.000 meters. For this case some two-stage device should be procured some way for the low pressure car. Further, I would desire that in your experiments on human beings, you would combine the altitude experiments with the cold experiments.
Rascher: I proposed this to you already in July of last year and the Reichsfuehrer SS for his part has also submitted this proposal to Marshall Hilch. Unfortunately nothing resulted from intervention so far.
Hippke: How embarrasing this question must have as caped my notice at that time (he takes down some notes) as already said you see there are numerous problems and you are going to be really overburdened with scientific matters. I do not let you go readily and this I emphasize again. Would you not thin it over again for four weeks.
Rascher: For this it was too late, I asked for my part too to be transferred.
Hippke: This could be canceled. I call your attention to the fact that with the Luftwaffe i can offer you very good possibilities for your promotion. You do not yet know your advancement with the SS, do you already know in which capacity you are going to be taken over? You are now Hauptsturmfuehrer, I suppose?
Rascher: I do not know how I am going to be taken over, but I have full confidence in my future with the SS where efficiency is what matters.
Hippke: But this is certainly the case with us too, think it over whether you go, I request you again to stay here.
When I told Hippke during the further course of the conversation how the work is done at my place, he was very surprised and said, "Well, you built up an independent institute for yourself and so you are leader of the institute".
Hippke mentioned also that Gruppenfuehrer Grawitz did not want to furnish a substitute for me, no, nobody at all, not to speak of a medical officer trained in scientific matters. In conclusion Professor Doctor Hippke said, trained in scientific matters. In conclusion Professor Doctor Hippke said, leaving when you are transferred. Most friendly dismissal. Postscript: Professor Hippke offered me the possibility of publishing the results hitherto obtained in an Luftwaffe periodical. It was certainly not clear whether the SS could make accesible to me a periodical in which I could publish. He was afraid I could suffer from the competition between physicians of the Luftwaffe and SS physicians. I would like to mention that in connection with the hostility to be expected on the part of genuine Luftwaffe physicians Professor Hippke said" in this case you have of course the SS behind you - and this is a powerful factor!"
The court will see that the defendant Romberg is again mentioned in connection with Rascher at this late date when Hippke suggested that his subordinate, Romberg, in the Institute of DVL, cooperate still further in the murderous experiments conducted at Dachau.
The next Document is No.292 which will be Prosecution's Exhibit No.111. This is a letter from Rascher to defendant Rudolf Brandt. It is a letter dated 4 April 1943.
Much esteemed Obersturmbannfuehrer!
Enclosed you will find acknowledgment of the receipt of the letter
--of such and such a date --
secret. In the meantime you have perhaps had the opportunity of placing over the note concerning the Rascher-Hippke conference. The conference described in it took place approximately as Generaloberstatsarzt Dr. Hippke outlined it in his letter to SS Obergruppenfuehrer Wolff. There is only one thing that I repudiate: the reproach of scientific vanity. I will gladly and immediately put the results of any research at the disposal of any person who can use them in a proper way. As is to be seen in the report about the conference, I clearly communicated this to Hippke, even before I had knowledge of the letter which I have just received. If, however, certain -gentelmen-without making sure beforehand-- would like to present my results as unliely, that is their business.
Also Gruppenfuehrer Dr. Grawitz doubted only the possibility of forced quick warning of frozen persons--though he could easily have had the opportunity to verify the correctness of my statement.!
The question of the saving of people frozen in the open air has in the meantime been cleared up, since, thank goodness there was once again a period of heavy frost weather in Dachau. Certain people were in the open air for 14 hours at -6° Centigrade, reached an internal temperature of 25 degrees Centigrade, with peripheral freezings, and could all be saved by a hot bath. As I said, it is easy to contradict. But before someone does so, he should come and see. Moreover, a report about freezing in the open air will be sent to the Reichsfuehrer in the next few days.
With best wishes, /s/ S.Rascher
Document No.240 will be Prosecution's Exhibit No.112. Again, it is a letter from Rascher. This time to Himmler, and is dated 11 April 1943.
Dear Reichsfuehrer!
Enclosed I beg to submit a brief report concerning freezing experiments on human beings exposed to the open air.
Early in May I hope to be in a position, dear Reichsfuehrer; to submit to you my habilitation thesis. SS Obersturmbannfuehrer; Professor Dr. Pfannenstiel of Marburg is prepared to use and accept it as secret thesis of habilitation.
Do you want me to send copy of the enclosed report to the Reich Physician SS?
With most devoted greetings and Heil Hitler I am always your obedient and grateful - S. Rascher.
Unfortunately we do not have a copy of this freezing report which is mentioned in the letter.
We come now to Document No.241, which will be Prosecution's Exhibit No.113. The letter is dated 16 April 1943. It is addressed to "Dear Conrado Rascher," by the defendant Rudolf Brandt.
The Reichsfuehrer SS has received the report concerning the freezing experiments on human beings exposed to the open air, and thanks you for transmitting same.
Kindly contact SS Gruppenfuehrer Professor Gebhardt who received from Reichsfuehrer SS your report for study. Please ask SS-Gruppenfuehrer Gebhardt personally at Hohenlychen wien your visit would suit him.
Also sen copy of the report to the Reich physician SS.
I take the opportunity of confirming receipt of your letter of April 4, 1943.
Cordial greetings and Heil Hitler!
Yours, /s/ Rudolf Brand.
Here again we see the name of Gebhardt mentioned; as it appears even before that of Reich physician Doctor Grawitz.
The next Document is No.322, which will be Prosecution's Exhibit No.114. This letter is by Rascher to SS Obersturmbannfuehrer Keindl, who was the commander of the Sachenshausen Concentration Camp near Oranienburg which is just above Berlin.
Obersturmbannfuehrer, by order of the Reichsfuehrer SS, I have been conducting freezing experiments on human beings in the Dachau Concentration Camp for more than a year.
Today I learned from an experimental subject that I was not the only one conducting those experiments, but that, on the contrary, already in October-November, 1938 similar experiments had been conducted in the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. SS-Kauptsturnfuehrer Dr. Samenstrang is said to have frozen experimental subjects - that is prisoners - in cold water, and subsequently revived them by means of warm water or hot compresses. As I was to work out and have worked out a prescription for the Waffen SS for the resuscitation of frozen persons (for the campaign in the East), knowledge of all preliminary experiments in my field of work is of great importance for me. I therefore request that if possible you let me know what kind of experiments were conducted in your camp, and, if possible, what results were obtained in connection with these experiments.
As you might not know anything about me, please make inquiries about me, if necessary, either at the personal Staff of the Reichsfuehrer SS (Obersturmbannfuehrer Baumert) or from the Commander of the Dachau Concentration Camp, SS-Sturmbannfuehrer Weiss.
Yours sincerely.
Now, we come to Document No.230, which will be Prosecution's Exhibit No.115. And, this is, in fact, a short statement of the work performed by Doctor Rascher, and it was apparently prepared by him to aid in his habilitation of acedemic leaders.
THE RESIDENT: Mr. McHaney, I will ask you to read that slowly because our photostatic copy here is in a very bad condition.
MR. McHANEY: Yes, sir.
This document is dated 17 May 1943. The heading of it is: "Course of Medical Training"
After, my state examination I became voluntary assistant at the surgical clinic of the Munich University from 1935-36. From 1936-39 I was an unpaid assistant in the surgical department of the Schwabing Hospital in Munich.
Since May 1939 till to-day i have been in military service with the Airforce.
From 1939 till December 1942, I was attached to the Bureau of the Antiaircraft artillery school IV. During the whole summer 1941 I was detached to "Tranagerma" with the front command, station Bonina-Derna.
Subsequently I repeatedly held prolonged commands abroad, (Scandinavia, Italy).
From 1939 till February 1942 I regularly acted as an assistant surgeon and repeatedly held the position of an independent chief physician of hospitals.
From 1933 till 1938 (up to the invasion of the Sudenteland, after which date I entered the military service) I worked, with the assistance of the emergency Society for German Science, and in-cooperation with the University Professor Dr. Trump in the Pathological Institute of Munich University, on the subject: 'Is it possible to influence different media of crystallization by addition of organic compounds to such a degree, that the thus obtained changes can be utilized for diagnostic purposes?'
From this originated the following treatises: "Attempt of a crystallographic diagnosis of pregnancy"; "Examination of E. Pfeigum's statement about the possibility of a crystallographic cancer diagnosis", published in the Munich Medical Weekly Journal 1936; and "Provisional report on attempts of a crystallographic Cancer-diagnoses," Munich Medical Weekly Journal 1938. The research work of Li esegang, Hackel. E. Pfeigum and others, who were able to show the influence on the crystallization by means of addition of organic compounds, induced me to conduct these experiments. The fact that the tumor tissue during its growth secretes heterogenous albuman into the body fluids, which is one of the causes for cachexia, induced me to investigate whether these albuman were also in a position to produce a typical effect on the crystallization in a saturated solution (e.g.copper sulfate). In fact in the further course of these investigations typical changes in the crystallization appeared, which seemed, to justify further researches an this field. Experiments to influence the crystallization with small dosages - 1 to 1/10 milligram - of the different amino acids had a positive result.
Also the crystallization of the blood of white rats and mice of the animal form for tumor-research in Berlin, implemented with carzinomae or sarcomas showed a definite change in comparison with the blood of healthy animals.
As to the blood of tumor infected human beings, the experiments conducted are not yet sufficient to make any report on them.
By military order, I started in 1939 in co-operation with the University Professor Dr. G.D. Fischer, Marburg, to work out a "Medical method of selecting soldiers fit for stereoscopic vision" (Selection of range-finder operators).
The results of things research work can be found in a secret military document, as well as in an aviation regulation (see also the plastic instructional film on the training or range-finder operators, published by the German Air Ministry). Basing on this method the range-finder operators of the optical system are being selected at the Anti-aircraft Artillery School IV for the air force, the Waf on-SS, the army and also in part for the navy. In the years 1940-41 I held lectures on the subject "Selection of range-finder operators" in the anti-aircraft artillery school of the navy end conducted also regularly selection courses with lectures at the anti-air-craft artillery school.
I suppose that is IV - yes.
Since February 1942 I have been conducting experiments in the Dachau Concentration Camp: first, By order of the Reichsfuehrer-SS and the Surgeon General (Generaleberstabsarzt) Prof. Dr. Hippke, I conducted Experiments with Dr. med. habil. S. Ruff and Dr. Romberg of the German Experimental Institute for aviation (DVL) Berlin. The results of those experiments are described in a secret military document and in * we big experimental films,Second, By order of the Reichsfuchrer-SS and the Surgeon General)Generaleberstabsarzt) Prof. Dr. Hippke, I conducted "Experiments for the rescue of frozen persons (started on 15 August 1942) in cooperation -for four months with the University Prof. Dr. Holzloechner, Kiel and Dr. Finke of the Kiel University.
Since the results of our common researches partly due to the lack of time, were not exhaustive enough, and since the newly acquired scientific findings were not utilized, I continued to work with four or five chemists on the solution of the physiological-chemical problems with regard to frozen persons. Examined were amongst others the changes of the heart action, the blood status, the nonprotein nitrogen, the MG-1 blood level, the blood sugar, the lactic acid, the blood oxygen and 002 (arterially and veneously), the plasma and serum viscosity, the hemolysis, the speed of the blood circulation, and the size of the blood corpus useles. Still completely missing are the exploration of the changes of the respiration capacity (because of the lack of an appropriate instrument, the Krogh spirometer), the graphic record of the change of the blood pressure (because of the lack of a hymograph, as well as the proper instruments for a surgical method for taking the blood pressure), and the examination of the adrenaline changes in the blood (for this purpose are missing: a Pulfrich photometer, a Hanau quartz-lamp for analysis with darfilter, a mixing bowl, Schott glass filter GG14 and a Schott glass filter GG13).
The Reichsfuehrer-SS ordered that on basis of one of these two researches I should apply for admission as a qualified academic teacher. The total completion and the critical evaluation of the observations with regard to frozen human beings will take about four to five months more. In order to conduc those experiments, it is absolutely necessary that the instruments mentioned in the previous paragraph be placed at my disposal.
For the time being, the staff of co-workers at my disposal, is sufficient.
After conclusion of this research work I intend, as agreed upon, to return to the university Institute for Aviation Medicine and Hygiene (Prof. Dr. Pfannenstiel, Marburg) for my further scientific training. With Prof. Dr. Pfannenstiel a schedule as to further research in his institute has already been worked out. The research work, shich I personally chose, concerns:
1) High altitude
2) Elucidation of freezing injuries in the scope of critical research.
I am Chief of Department of the "Ahnenerbe" and in this capacity I have been conducting, my scientific research work until now; the 'Ahnenerbe' has always assisted me in every respect.
/s/ SIGMUND RASCHER.
The next document is No.231, which will be Prosecution's Exhibit 116 and here was get a little further insight into the activities of the defendant Gebhardt. This letter is from Sigmund Rascher to the defendant Sievers as Reich business Manager of the "Ahnenerbe" Society from Dachau. Dr. Rascher is still working there. The date is 17 May 1943.
Dear Standartenfuehrer: The following contains a short account of my report to SS-Gruppenfuehrer Prof. Dr. GEBHART.
On 14 May 1943 I reported to SS-Gruppenfuehrer Prof. Dr. Gebhardt at Hohenlychen. I had hardly arrived, when SS-Gruppenfuehrer Prof. Dr. Gebhardt asked me to account in a very loud voice, how I dared to submit specialist medical reports directly to the Reichsfuehrer SS (he was referring to the treatise on "The Cooling of Human Beings Outdoors"). I actually did not even got a chance to speak and, practically, couldn't reply anything.
Then, when I tried to reply, Prof. DR. GEBHARDT said that, if I wanted to defy him, my train would be leaving for Berlin at 3 o'clock. When I was finally given opportunity to speak, I could point out to Prof. Dr. GEBHARDT that the report in question was not meant to be a stricktly scientific work, but simply was a short information for the Reichsfuehrer SS on the results of the experiments conducted up to now. Prof. Dr. GEBHARDT had taken the view that the report was unscientific, and if a student of the second term dared to submit a treatise of that kind, he would throw him out. Latcr on I could toll him that of course all the physiologicalchemical experiments that could be carried out in Dachau with the available instruments had indeed been conducted. Where upon Prof. Dr. GEBHARDT replied:
I can imagine that you did a lot of work, one can tell it from this job. If I had not believed that you did a lot of work, I would not have asked you to come at all.
In addition, Prof. Dr. GEBHARDT said that he intended to merge all the groups of physicians working independently within the SS, since that would suit the Reichsfuehrer SS much better than individual people working on their own. Besides that, I somehow ought to learn university methods by working somehow, since very likely I did not yet have the proper training. SS-Gruppenfuehrer Prof. Dr. GEBHARDT suggested that it was necessary for me to get out of Dachau, since there I was quite left to myself and had no guidance whatsoever once I intended to enter upon a university career, I would by all means have to complete the training of a university assistant first. He further said that all those SS-physicians who were qualified to enter upon a university career, had the duty to do so. Upon my reply that for that reason I was already in touch with Prof. PFANNENSTIEL, Prof. GEBHART replied that these matters ought to be processed by a centralized angeney. In future it would not do that I send reports directly to the Reichsfuchrer SS, but further reports to serve their purpose would have to be transmitted through him to the Reishsfuehrer. If the report had reaches a suitable stage, he would first inform the Reichsfuehrer SS, go and see the Reichsfuehrer SS together with me. Finally Prof. Dr. GEBHARDT Court No lasked me to give him data on my personal and scientific career, to enable him to make further arrangements.
He requested me to call again in the afternoon. When I called in the afternoon, I was, as already in the morning, accompanied by SS-Hauptsturmfuehrer Dr. FISCHER.
I would like to say hypothetically, Your Honor, that it is the defendant Fischer, but since I am not sure of it, I will not say it.
This time, Prof. Dr. GEBHARDT was extremely amiable. He asked me, whether I now agreed with his arrangements; it would be by far the best I could do, if I joined him. I should not worry, but just continue my work in Dachau, until I had finished my jobs. Later one would see, what was to be done for the future. Upon my question, what it was all about, and who was my superior, whether the Reichsarzt SS, SS-Gruppenfuehrer Dr. GRAWITZ, who had come for an inspection several days age, the Reichsfuehrer SS, as he personally had promised me, or the 'Ahnenerbe', of which I had been a member for years, Prof, Dr. GEBHARDT suggested, all that will be straightened out. Just trust it to me. But I'll need your curriculum vitae soon, since I have to report to the Reichsfuchrer SS on 23 May.
May I ask you, Standartenfuehrer, under whom I am actually working? Under the Reichsfuehrer SS, the Ahnenerbe, the Reich Physician or Prof. Dr. GEBHART Prof. Dr. GEBHART has already asked me, why I was no a member of the Waffen-SS. Upon my answer that Dr. HIPPKE does not like to let me go, he declared, you are too able for him to let you go. Standartenfuehrer. If the same tug of war starts in the Waffen SS as has been going on between the Luftwaffe and SS, I'd rather do without a transfer to the Waffen-SS. I was promised, that I would continue to work under the Reichsfuehrer SS, under the 'Ahnenerbe'. But, I cannot serve several masters at the same time. Of course, I am convened that SS Gruppenfuehrer Prof. Dr. GEBHART had the best of intentions. His assistants are enthusiastic about him. If I am compelled to ask Prof. Dr. GEBHART's advice each time I am going to start a new experiment, I will get so much involved in the academical routine that I won't even be allowed to experiment such a method as rapid resuscitation that overthrows all the established clinical expedience, because they contradict Prof. Dr. GEBHART's methods, which are based upon centuries old clinical experiences. Also the cooperation with Prof. v.Luetzelburg would thus come to an end, as those experiments are from the very start contradictory to the hither to recognized clinical experiences.
I think, think arrangement would stop everything that really ought to be experimented.
I pray you with all my heart, Standartenfuehrer, to handle this affair in such a way that Prof. Dr. GEBHART, who is a very close friend of the Reichsfuehrer SS does not turn my enemy. I think that Prof. Dr. GEBHART can and will be an extremely disagreeable adversary. Or I get into trouble with him, I would rather resign my job and risk for an immediate transfer to the Luftwaffe for combat service. I, therefore ask you again to deal with this affair with as much circumspection as it actually requires, because in addition I am convinced that Prof. Dr. GEBHART (apart from his personal ambition) really has good intentions.
There are some inserts noted here:
NEFF, who, as you know, is a farm manager by trade, asked me whether there was no possibility for him to return to his old job. Having been promised last year by the Reichsfuehrer SS on the occasion of his inspection of the experimental station in Dachau on 1 May, that he could return to his old job after a time of probation, I think that I can recommend NEFF's request for giving him a chance to return to his old job as a farm manager. There are many SS farms, where a good manager, who really understands his job is badly needed. I believe that considering the present situation, I do much better to release NEFF to his job as a farmer, rather than keeping him here for the only reason of 'boarding' one more worker. NEFF is a good and industrious worker, but I am convinced that he is more efficient as a farmer, because he will be heart and soul in his job. I once had a talk with Herr LITTERT, Dachau Medicinal Plant Garden, about NEFF, Lippert said that specialists like NEFF were looked for like pins in a hay stack, he did not have one but plenty of openings for farm managers, where he could place DEFF immediately. I certainly regret to let NEFF go, because I dm!t know, whether I will find again such an honest and active assistant for general tasks, but on the other hand, I can see the importance of agriculture and therefore I am keeping NEFF ready for this purpose. Please think it over, whether anything can be done in this matter.
/s/ S. RASCHER
A copy was sent to the defendant Sievers.
This letter demonstrates very well, I think, the extreme power of the defendant Gebhardt. As a matter of fact, it can be seen that Rascher also was afraid of him and he was ready to go to the front as a fighter for the Luftwaffe. It moreover indicates that the defendant Gebhardt was at this time anxious to manage all the group of physicians working independently with the SS. I will recall to the Tribunal that the reorganization of the medical service of the Waffen-SS occurred in August of 1933 and this letter is dated 17 May, 1943.
THE PRESIDENT: The court will now recess until 9:30 tomorrow morning.
(The Tribunal adjourned until 13 December 1946, at 0930 hours).