1) Jean-Claude Pressac's Interpretation [Note: Endnote reference numbers are enclosed in square brackets [ ]
The examination of a document can lead to correct historical conclusions only after it has been placed not merely within its general historical context, but also after it has been placed within its bureaucratic, as well as its technically possible context. Insufficient knowledge of context, or erroneous contextualization inevitably leads to illusions regarding the actual force of the document, and a refusal to acknowledge the problems which this distortion entails.
An example of such methodological deficiency is that of Jean-Claude Pressac in his misinterpretation of two documents relating to the "Gasprüfer" of Auschwitz. In his book Die Krematorien von Auschwitz, Pressac writes:
As soon as Messing's construction work had progressed far enough, the contractor sent a telegram to Topf on 26 February asking for immediate shipment of ten Gasprüfers for construction site 30 (Crematory II). The SS wanted to determine whether the new ventilation system of Morgue I, which was originally installed for mortuary purposes (meaning a high air intake and a low air exhaust) would be sufficient, because for usage as a gas chamber, this installation had to be in reverse order (vice-versa) therefore, a low air intake and a high air exhaust capability. [1]
"Sobald Messings Montagearbeiten weit genug vorangeschritten waren, sandte die Bauleitung am 26. Februar ein Telegramm an die Topf, in dem sie um die sofortige sendung von zehn Gasprüfern für das Bauwerk 30 (Krematorium II) bat. Die SS wollte prüfen, ob die neue Lüftungsleistung im Leichenkeller 1 die ursprünglich für einen Leichenraum vorgesehene Ausstattung d.h. eine hohe Belüftungsleistung und eine niedrige Entlüftungsleistung ausgleichen würde. Denn bei einer Verwendung als Gaskammer musste diese Ausstattung umgekehrt sein, also eine niedrige Belüftungs und eine hohe Entlüftungsleistung." [1]
Before continuing, it should be pointed
out both in fairness to Pressac and to clarify his line of reasoning,
that the ambiguous words I have emphasized are the result of serious
misunderstanding by the two translators of the French text; Pressac
is actually referring to "high aeration and low de-aeration"
and vice-versa [2] in the sense of aeration or de-aeration [from/of]
the top or bottom of the premises. I shall return to this point.
Pressac goes on to say:
Sander and Prüfer sent the following response on 02 March:
Erfurt, 2.3.43
Regarding: Crematory [II]
GasprüferWe acknowledge the receipt of your telegram, as follows: "Send immediately 10 Gasprüfer as discussed submit quote later." We also inform you that already two weeks ago we asked five different companies for your requested Anzeigegeräte für Blausäure-Reste. Three companies have sent a negative reply and replies are still pending from the other two. If we receive word regarding this matter, we will contact you and will refer you to a company that manufactures these instruments.
Heil Hitler!
J.A. Topf & Söhne
per prokura
Sander i.V.
Prüfer"Erfurt, den 2.3.43
Betrifft: Krematorium [II]
GasprüferWir bestätigen den Eingang Ihres Telegramms, lautend: Absendet sofort 10 Gasprüfer wie besprochen Kostenangebot später nachreichen. Hierzu teilen wir Ihnen mit, dass wir bereits vor 2 Wochen bei 5 verschiedenen Firmen die von Ihnen gewünschten Anzeigegeräte für Blausäure-Reste angefragt haben. Von 3 Firmen haben wir Absagen bekommen und von 2 weiteren steht eine Antwort noch aus. Wenn wir in dieser Angelegenheit Mitteilung erhalten, kommen wir Ihnen sofort näher, damit Sie sich mit einer Firma, die diese Geräte baut, in Verbindung setzen können. Heil Hitler!
J.A. Topf & Söhne
per prokura
Sander i.V.
Prüfer"
The Bauleitung received the letter on 05 March. This document clearly proves the presence of a gas chamber in Crematory II. [3]
"Die Bauleitung erhielt den Brief am 5. März Dieses Dokument beweist eindeutig das Vorhandsein einer Gaskammer in Krematorium II." [3]
It is important to emphasize that in his original text, Pressac refers explicitly to a "homicidal gas chamber"[4] and that in his first work, Pressac, who had already interpreted the term "Gasprüfer as "gas detectors" for hydrocyanic acid, raises a very important question in this regard:
Since Topf's production consisted essentially of brewery equipment (cauldrons vats, etc), metal conduits and containers (ventilation ducting, grain silos, etc), together with the associated components (fans, valves and cocks) and, of course, incineration furnaces, they did not manufacture gas detectors, objects associated with systems totally foreign to their spheres of activity, so they must necessarily have had to order them from another civilian firm. Why did the SS use Topf as an intermediary instead of directly approaching a specialist supplier? The answer must be that in this was [sic] they avoided awkward questions or the putting of two and two together that might have occurred if some civilian firm not knowing the "special activity" of the Auschwitz camp had received such an order. On the other hand there were no such worries in dealing with Prüfer, who was after all technical advisor for the Krematorien. [5]
According to Pressac, the outcome was the following:
On 10 March, Schultze and Messing conducted about 16-hour long testings of the Crematory II ventilation. Apparently the installation was still not working properly since Messing worked there again on the 11th for another eleven hours, and once again on the 13th for fifteen hours. Tests were made after the addition of Zyklon B. The measuring of hydrocyanic acid residuals was apparently determined through a chemical process and not by Gasprüfers because these had been ordered too late to have been delivered on time. [6]
"Am 10. März testeten Schultze und Messing etwa 16 Stunden lang die Be und Entlüftung der Gaskammer von Krematorium II. Offensichtlich funktionierte die Anlage noch nicht einwandfrei, da Messing dort am 11. weitere elf Stunden und am 13. noch einmal fünfzehn Stunden arbeitete. Es wurden Versuche nach vorherigem Einwurf von Zyklon B gemacht. Das Messen der Blausäure- Rückstände wurde anscheinend durch ein chemisches Verfahren und nicht mit den Gasprüfern ermittelt, da diese zu spät bestellt worden waren, um noch rechtzeitig geliefert werden zu können." [6]
In the following discussionwhich recapitulates and adds to what was presented in the study entitled, Auschwitz: fine di una leggenda [7]. I will demonstrate on the one hand that Pressac's interpretation is both historically groundless and technically absurd, while on the other hand I will present an alternative explanation which is compatible with the historical and technical context which forms the background of the documents.
2) The purpose of the "Gasprüfer"
Pressac's explanation is incorrect technically and it is groundless historically. The idea that a system of de-aeration from the bottom being unsuitable for a hydrogen cyanide gas chamber has no technical foundation and in fact in the diagrams of the delousing chambers with the DEGESCH-Kreislaufanordnung [circulation arrangement or design], the Ansaugöffnung [induction inlet] was randomly situated in the upper or the lower part of the gas chamber [8]: What only counts for good ventilation is the flow of the ventilators (both exhaust and intake). But even if Entlüftung [de-aeration] from the top were actually indispensable for a hydrogen cyanide gas chamber to operate correctly, Pressac's explanation would still be groundless since the ventilation system of Leichenkeller 1 was installed the other way around that is, with Belüftung [aeration] from the bottom and Entlüftung [de-aeration] from the top: the decision to switch the position of the ventilators was made by Topf in March 1942 [9], or several months before the alleged decision of the Zentralbauleitung to convert Leichenkeller 1 into a homicidal gas chamber. Accordingly, since the ventilators had been reversed and the Zentralbauleitung was well aware of that, Pressac's explanation remains groundless. So why then would the Zentralbauleitung have ordered "Gasprüfer"? What purpose were they supposed to have served?
Pressac's explanation that "das messen der Blausäure-Rückstände wurde anscheinend durch ein chemisches Verfahren und nicht mit den Gasprüfern ermittelt" [the measuring of hydrogen cyanide residuals was apparently determined by a chemical procedure and not by Gasprüfer] is also historically and technically unfounded. In fact, on the one hand there is no document which has ever mentioned a "Messen für Blausäure-Rückstände", and on the other hand the test for hydrocyanic gas residual (Gasrestprobe) could be performed exclusively "durch ein chemisches Verfahren" [through a chemical process] i.e., with the procedure which was developed by Pertusi and Gastaldi and further improved by Sieverts and Hermsdorf. [10] If then, according to Pressac, the test for residual gas was performed "using a chemical process" instead of "with Gasprüfer", these did not operate according to a chemical procedure, so then could not have been used for residual gas testing.
With the aforementioned "bavure" [trace or suspicion], Pressac involuntarily demolishes his entire line of reasoning: in fact, the technical term used for the device which was supposed to test for residual hydrocyanic gas was neither "Gasprüfer" nor "Anzeigegeräte für Blausäure-Reste" but was instead, "Gasrestnachweisgerät für Zyklon". [11]
This Gerät was not an instrument but rather a small kit containing various chemical products. [12] An official publication of the Waffen-SS provides detailed explanations in this regard:
Residual Gas Determination
The testing is performed by the Durchgasungsleiter or designated person, by means of the required equipment for residual gas testing (according to Pertusi and Gastaldi).
This equipment consists of:
One small clear bottle of Solution I (2.86g of copper acetate per liter of water), One small brown bottle with Solution II (475ccm at room temperature of a saturated solution of benzidine acetate in 525ml of water), One small test-tube with calcium cyanide and stopper, Three small test-tubes with stoppers for storing moist paper strips, One small clear tube with powder for 1/2 liter of Solution I, One small brown tube with powder for 1/2/ liter of Solution II, One officially certified color chart, blotting paper strips Number 597 from Schleicher-Schüll, Düren.
"Gasrestnachweis.
Die Prüfung erfolgt durch den Durchgasungsleiter oder seinen Beauftragten mittels der vorgeschriebenen Gasrestnachweisausrüstung (nach Pertusi und Gastaldi).
Diese enthält:
1 helles Fläschchen mit Lösung I (2,86 g Kupferazetat in 1 Liter Wasser), 1 braunes Fläschchen mit Lösung II (475 ccm bei Zimmertemperatur gesättigte Benzidinazetatlösung mit Wasser auf 1 Liter aufgefüllt), 1 Röhrchen mit Calciumcyanid und Korkstopfen (Prüfröhrchen), 3 Röhrchen mit Korkstopfen zur Aufbewahrung angefeuchteter Papierstreifen, 1 helles Röhrchen mit Pulver für 1/2 Liter Lösung I, 1 braunes Röhrchen mit Pulver für 1/2 Liter Lösung II, 1 amtlich abgestempeltes Farbtäfelchen, Fliesspapierstreifen Nr. 597 von Schleicher-Schüll, Düren.
Gebrauchsanweisung für das Gasrestnachweisgerät.
Mischgefäss mit gleichen Teilen der Lösung I und II füllen, Stopfen aufsetzen und durchschütteln. Einige Fliesspapierstreifen bis zur Hälfte in die Mischflüssigkeit eintauchen. Durch Eintauchen in das Prüfröhrchen mit Calciumcyanid überprüfen, ob die Mischflüssigkeit auf Blausäure reagiert (Blaufärbung!). Falls Blaufärbung eintritt, ist mit weiteren getränkten Fliesspapierstreifen der bereits gelüftete Raum durchzuprüfen. Diese Arbeit wird mit Gasmaske ausgeführt. Tritt jeweils nach zehn Sekunden keine stärkere Blaufärbung als der untere (schwächste) Farbton in der Farbtafel ein, so kann der Raum unbedenklich freigegeben werden. Andernfalls ist erneut zu lüften und die Prüfung anschliessend zu wiederholen. Die Herstellung der Lösungen I und II erfolgt auf folgende Weise: Der Inhalt eines braunen (für Lösung I) und eines hellen Röhrchens (für Lösung II) wird in je einem halben Liter destillierten Wasser aufgelöst und die Lösung abfiltriert. Lösungen, in denen sich ein Bodensatz zeigt, sind unbrauchbar und wegzugiessen. Die Mischung der Lösungen I und II darf erst unmittelbar vor der Prüfung stattfinden.
Die Farbetäfelchen sind nach fünf Jahren zu erneuern. Wenn nach sorgfältiger Durchführung der Gasrestprobe auch zwischen übereinandergelegenen Gegenständen keine Spuren von Blausäure mehr festgestellt werden können, so darf das Gebäude endgültig freigegeben werden, im anderen Fall ist wieder zu lüften und die Probe zu wiederholen." [13]
Directions for the Gasrestnachweisgerät
Pour equal parts of Solution I and II into the mixing container; cover with lid/top and shake. Dip a few blotting-paper strips half way into the mixed solution.
By dipping them into the testube, examine with Calciumcyanide whether the mixed liquid solution reacts to Hydrocyanic acid (blue coloring!). In case blue coloring occurs, the already aired room is to be examined using more soaked blotting strips. This work is done while wearing a gas mask. Any time after ten seconds, when no significantly stronger blue coloring occurrs than the weakest colortone on the chart, the chamber may be opened without hesitation; otherwise, one must air again and repeat the test. The production of Solution I and II is accomplished in the following manner:
The contents of a brown test-tube (Solution I) and a clear test-tube (Solution II) is to be dissolved into a half liter of distilled water and this solution is to be filtered. Solutions which show a residue at the bottom of the test-tube are not usable and are to be poured away. Solutions I and II must only be combined shortly before the testing. The little color charts are to be renewed after five years. Only after the careful procedure of testing for gas residual and no traces can be found of any hydrocyanic acid, even between objects stacked on top of one another, may the building finally be opened up. Otherwise one is to aerate again and repeat the test. [13]
3) The historical context
The Zentralbauleitung telegram was issued during a strong recrudescence of the typhus epidemic (Fleckfieber) which broke out in Auschwitz in early July 1942.
On 08 February 1943 the Standortälteste of the camp, SS-Obersturmbannführer and Kommandant Rudolf Höss, issued Standortbefehl No. 2/43 which announced the following to all his subordinates:
By order of SS Brigade Leader and SS General Major Glücks, a total quarantine is issued for KL Auschwitz. The order of the group leader states as follows:
Because of the high incidence of typhus, all permissions for furlough or leaves must be canceled.
"Auf Befehl des Amtsgruppenchefs D, SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Glücks, ist über das KL Auschwitz erneut eine vollständige Lagersperre verhängt. Der mit SS übermittelte Befehl des Amtsgruppenchefs lautet u.a. wie folgt:
Wegen erhöhten Auftretens von Fleckfieberfällen müssen die bisher genehmigten Lockerungen in der Urlaubserteilung wieder aufgehoben werden." [14]
On February 12, SS-Sturmbannführer Karl Bischoff, Leiter of the Zentralbauleitung, sent a letter to Amtsgruppenchef C of the SS-WVHA, SS-Brigadeführer and Major General of the Waffen SS Hans Kammler, to inform him of the measures ordered by Glücks. Bischoff writes:
Because of the rise of typhus among the guards, on 09 February, a total quarantine was issued for Auschwitz.
"Infolge starken Ansteigens von Fleckfiebererkrankungen bei der Wachtruppe wurde am 9. Februar durch SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Glücks die totale Lagersperre über das KL Auschwitz verhängt."
In connection with this, all prisoners will be disinfected on 11 February, and are not allowed to leave the camp; which means that all construction projects on which prisoners were employed must be halted. The resumption of work will be announced by the Zentralbauleitung.
"Im Zusammenhang damit werden seit dem 11.2. sämtliche Häftlinge entwest und dürfen das Lager nicht verlassen, was zur Folge hat, dass die Bauwerke, an denen vorwiegend Häftlinge eingesetzt waren, stillgelegt werden mussten. Die Wiederaufnahme der Arbeiten wird durch die Zentralbauleitung gemeldet." [15]
On February 13 Bischoff, in response to the letter of the previous day, advised the head of Hauptabteilung C/VI of the SS-WVHA, SS-Standartenführer Eirenschmalz, that more cases are increasingly occurring, and also civilian workers are becoming inflicted with typhus. All those civilian workers who are living together with those who are ill, will be in quarantine for three weeks by order of the physician in charge.
"sich immer mehr die Fälle häufen, da auch Zivilarbeiter an Fleckfieber erkranken. öber diejenigen Zivilarbeiter, die mit den Erkrankten beisammen wohnten, wird regelmässig vom Standortarzt eine dreiwöchige Quarantäne verhängt." [16].
In Standortbefehl no. 3/43 dated February 14, Höss precisely defined the limits of the barred zone [Sperrgebiet] and conveyed the stipulations of the SS-Standortarzt:
Delousing will be conducted with permission of the doctor in charge ... The instructions regarding disinfesting in transportation, have to be followed exactly.
"Entlausungen werden im unmittelbaren Einvernehmen mit dem SS-Standortarzt durchgeführt [...]. Die Anordnungen des SS-Standortarztes hinsichtlich der Entwesung der Bereitschaft bei Transporten sind genauestens durchzuführen." [17]
Referring to the letter dated the 12th, Bischoff informed Kammler on 18 February that:the disinfesting of prisoners was concluded and work was resumed on 16 February.
"die Entwesung der Häftlinge durchgeführt und die Arbeiten am 16.II. wieder aufgenommen wurden." [18].
On 25 February, the SS-Standortarzt of Auschwitz, in a letter to the Head of Amt D III of the SS-WVHA, summarized the situation existing in the camp:
As already reported, after that typhus epidemic was practically under control, a new rise in typhus cases occurred in November and December among the inmate population as well as among the troops, because of the arrival of new prisoners from the East. In spite of immediate measures against the disease, a complete stop has not been achieved.
"Wie bereits berichtet, ist, nachdem in den Monaten November und Dezember die Fleckfieberepidemie im K.L. Auschwitz praktisch erloschen war, durch die aus dem Osten eingetroffenen Transporte erneut ein Anstieg der Fleckfiebererkrankungen sowohl bei den Häftlingen des K.L. Auschwitz, als auch bei den Truppenangehörigen erfolgt. Trotz der sofort erfolgten Bekämpfungsmassnahmen liess sich bis heute ein restloses Erlöschen der Fleckfiebererkrankungen nicht erreichen."
The SS-Standortarzt intended to adopt drastic measures to eliminate the epidemic once and for all, the most important of which was to carry out general disinfestation:
With the exception of the important requirements such as food and fodder production, farm workers in animal care and necessary office personnel, all working troops in the largest areas of K.L. Auschwitz, namely Stammlager; MKL and FKL-Birkenau, and KGL; Bauabschnitt 2; should all be closed for three weeks. During this time, a major delousing and disinfection will be conducted twice so that after the three-week quarantine, one cannot refer anymore to a lice infestation of the camp and the danger of yellow fever should be erased.
"Mit Ausnahme der wenigen lebenswichtigen Kommandos (Ernährungsbetriebe, landwirtschaftliche Arbeiter in der Viehversorgung und Büropersonal) wäre der gesamte Arbeitseinsatz in den grossen Lagern des K.L. Auschwitz, nämlich Stammlager, MKL und FKL-Birkenau und KGL, Bauabschnitt 2, für die Dauer von 3 Wochen zu sperren. In dieser Zeit wird zweimalige gründliche Entlausung und Entwesung dieser Lager durchgeführt so dass nach Beendigung der 3- wöchigen Quarantänezeit von einer Verlausung des Lagers nicht mehr gesprochen werden kann und die Gefahr neuerlicher Fleckfiebererkrankungen beseitigt ist." [19]
On the following day, 26 February 1943, the Zentralbauleitung sent the following telegram to the Topf company:
Send immediately 10 Gasprüfer as agreed. Submit price quote later.
"Absendet sofort 10 Gasprüfer wie besprochen. Kostenangebot später nachreichen." [20]
If these "Gasprüfer" had in fact been "Anzeigegeräte für Blausäure-Reste", then the Zentralbauleitung's request would have been more consistent with the actual historical context of a typhus epidemic being fought throughout the camp by using Blausäure (Zyklon-B) than with the purely hypothetical context of a presumed installation of an alleged homicidal gas chamber in Leichenkeller I of Crematorium II. I call it a purely hypothetical context since the Topf letter dated 02 March 1943 in and of itself proves nothing; as I have demonstrated elsewhere [21], Pressac offers here a classical example of petitio principii [begging the question]: the "Gasprüfer" have a criminal function because in Crematory II there is a homicidal gas chamberand vice versa there is a homicidal gas chamber in Crematory II because the "Gasprüfer" have a criminal function!
The historical context would therefore strengthen Robert Faurisson's interpretation wherein these presumed, I might addAnzeigegeräte were used for normal disinfestations of the crematorium.[22] In support of this interpretation it could be added that according to the general provisions of the SS-Standortartz, 200 detainees who were working in late February 1943 in Crematory II [23] would have been able to resume their activity only after a disinfestation of their bodies and of their work-place, i.e., Crematorium II.
In summary, even if Pressac's preliminary assertions were true, his conclusions would be historically groundless and the historical context would lend credence to Faurisson.
But are Pressac's preliminary assertions true? To answer this question we need to examine the bureaucratic context of the documents.
4) The bureaucratic context
In January 1943, the Zentralbauleitung had reached the height of its organizational development and was divided into 14 Abteilungen and five Bauleitungen. The Abteilungen were as follows:
1) Sachgebiet Hochbau,
2) Sachgebiet Tiefbau,
3) Sachgebiet Bewässerung,
4) Sachgebiet Meliorationen und
Vermessung,
5) Sachgebiet Planung,
6) Rohstoffstelle und Einkauf,
7) Verwaltung,
8) Fahrbereitschaft,
9) Technische Abteilung,
10) Arbeitseinsatz,
11) Werkstätten,
12) Zimmereibetrieb und
Dachdeckerbetrieb,
13) Gartengestaltung,
14) Sachgebiet Statistik.
The five Bauleitungen were as follows:
I Bauleitung der Waffen-SS und Polizei Auschwitz. KL Auschwitz und
Landwirtschaft Auschwitz,
II Bauleitung des Kriegsgefangenenlagers, III Bauleitung Industriegelände Auschwitz, IV Bauleitung Hauptwirtschaftslager der Waffen-SS und Polizei Auschwitz und
Truppenwirtschaftslager Oderberg,
V Bauleitung Werk und Gut Freudenthal und Gut Partschendorf. [24]
The Zentralbauleitung was performing exclusively construction duties, and therefore was under Amtsgruppe C (Bauwesen) of the SS-WVHA directed by SS-Brigadeführer and Major General of the Waffen-SS Hans Kammler. Financial mattersincluding payment of bills from private companieswere handled by Amt V/2a (Haushalt and Rechnungslegung).
Medical/sanitation dutiesincluding the purchasing and use of hydrocyanic acid (Zyklon B)were the exclusive territory of the SS-Standortarzt, which was under Amtsgruppe D IIIof the WVHA, directed by SS-Obersturmbannführer Dr. Lolling. In February 1943 the SS- Standortarzt of Auschwitz was SS-Hauptsturmführer Eduard Wirths, his deputy was SS-Hauptsturmführer Krebsbach. Under the Standortarzt was the Truppenarzt, who handled medical care for the troops; the Lagerärtzte, who handled the detainees; and the Sanitätsdienstgrade (SDG), specially appointed auxiliary personnel comprised of SS-Unterführer or SS-Männer. Each Lager and each Lagerabschnitt had a Lagerarzt. The Lagerarzt of KGL-Birkenau was SS-Obersturmführer Vetter.
One of the most important duties of the SS-Standortarzt was preventing and combatting the recurrent typhus epidemics with all the medical/sanitation measures that this involved, including disinfestations. It had direct responsibility not only for the disinfection and disinfestation apparatus of the camp but also for disinfestation of individual buildings or entire Bauabschnitte of the camp. This latter activity was carried out by a division of the Sanitätsdienstgrade, the Desinfektionskommando, directed by SS-Oberscharführer Joseph Klehr. The Zyklon-B used by Desinfektoren and any other material needed for disinfestations was procured in the following manner: the SS-Standortarzt sent a written request to the Leiter of the Verwaltung, stating the reason. The latter forwarded the request to Amt D IV of the SS-WVHA. Once approval was received from the supervisor of this office, SS-Sturmbannführer Burger, who was then the Leiter of the Verwaltung, sent the request to the Tesch und Stabenow company together with the necessary Wehrmacht-Frachbriefe for shipping the load; it could also betaken from the Verwaltung directly to Dessau, and then Dessauer Werke für Zucker und chemische-Industrie would give notice by telegram that the Zyklon B was "abholbereit." [25] Bills from Tesch und Stabenow were paid by Amt D IV/1 of the SS-WVHA. Thus, the Desinfektoren of Auschwitz received not only Zyklon B but also the entire disinfestation arsenal which was also supplied by the Tesch and Stabenow company, i.e. instruments for opening the Zyklon B cans (Schlageisen); rubber flaps (Gummiklappen); gas masks (Gasmasken); special "J" filters (Atemeinsätze "J"); and apparatus which tested for residual gas (Gasrestnachweisgeräte für Zyklon). The Standortarzt, or by delegation the Lagerarzt, was responsible for custody, use and maintenance of all this material.
It is important to point out that this
bureaucratic chain of command would still have taken place even
if Zyklon B had been used for criminal purposes. In practice,
in Auschwitz it was not possible to use Zyklon B without the authorization
and knowledge of the SS-Standortarzt.
5) Problems Pressac left unresolved.
From what has been said above, it is clear that the two documents on "Gasprüfer", according to Pressac's interpretation, present serious interpretative problems which that French historian has chosen to ignore.
Let us begin with the most important one which he raised in 1989 and left unresolved: why the apparatuses for detecting residual gas:
A) belonged to the SS-Standortarzt;
B) were distributed by the Tesch und Stabenow company; C) were called Gasarestnachweisgeräte für Zyklon and not "Gasprüfer"; D) were necessarily available at Auschwitz in February 1943 and why they were never: a) requested by Zentralbauleitung rather than by SS-Standortarzt; b) requested from Topf rather than from Tesch und Stabenow; c) called "Gasprüfer" rather than Gastrestnachweisgeräte für Zyklon; d) even though they were available at Auschwitz?
Let us examine in detail each of these objections.
a) The Zentralbauleitung had no responsibility for the ordering of apparatuses for detection of residual gas, so it would not have been responsible for ordering Zyklon B. If it had actually ordered this, it would not have been able to issue the order for payment, since these apparatuses were not within the administrative domain of Amt V/2a of the SS-WVHA. In other words, the expenditure item would have been missingand anyone who knows the Zentralbauleitung documentation knows what a major bureaucratic problem this would have beenunless Bischoff had wanted to pay for the "Gasprüfer" out of his own pocket!
Pressac also dodges another fundamental problem: a possible check of the ventilation system of Leichenkeller 1 of Crematory II to ascertain its suitability for the use of hydrocyanic acid with homicidal intent would necessarily have required the following:
1) Zyklon B
2) gas masks
3) Atemeinsätze "J" [type "J" gas masks] 4) Schlageisen [Zyklon B can openers]
5) Gasrestnachweisgerät für Zyklon
But then why would Zentralbauleitung have ordered "Gasprüfer" just by themselves? Evidently because it had no need for the rest of the material, but just as evidently, it had no need because it could obtain some for itself by sending a request to the SS-Standortarzt. But then it could also in this manner have obtained the Gasrestnachweisgeräte für Zyklon, so what need would there be to request it from the Topf company?
In this context, the Pressac assertion "es wurden Versuche nach vorherigem Einwurf von Zyklon B gemacht" raises even more problems: if this were true, from whom would Zentralbauleitung have requested Zyklon Bfrom the Topf company or from Standortarzt? This problem is, purely hypothetical however since the assertion in question not only has no documentary foundation, but is in obvious contradiction with the reports of Messing's work and even with Pressac's own comments in this regard. Messing performed the following work:
10 and 11 March 1943: ..."Be und Entlüftungsanlagen für L. Keller I versuchsweise einprobiert": ... 16 and 11 hours of work respectively. [installed for testing, aeration and de-aeration ventilation system to Morgue Cellar 1.] 12 March 1943: "Entlüftungsanlagen Auskleidekeller gearbeitet": 11 hours of work. [worked on the ventilation system for the disrobing cellars: eleven work hours].
13 March 1943: "Be u. Entlüftungsanlagen Keller I in Betrieb genommen" [put into operation the aeration and de-aeration ventilation system to Cellar number one]: 15 hours work. [26]
Pressac comments:
Apparently the installation is not working properly, since on the 11th, Messing worked on it for eleven hours and then on the 13th, he worked there again for fifteen hours.
"Offensichtlich funktionierte die Anlage noch nicht einwandfrei, da Messing dort am 11. weitere elf Stunden und am 13. noch einmal fünfzehn Stunden arbeitete."
Therefore on the 10th, 11th, and 13th of March, Messing was simply conducting experiments in mechanical ventilation. But then when was this "research" with Zyklon B supposed to have been carried out, seeing that the first homicidal gassing was supposed to have been carried out "on the night of the 13th to the 14th of March 1943"? [27] And why did Messing never refer to it? All this gets even more mysterious because according to Pressac, in this Arbeitzeit-Bescheinigung [work-time certificate] he wanted to partially reveal the "truth" using the term "Auskleidekeller" [disrobing cellar] instead of "Leichenkeller" [28] [corpse-cellar].
Moving on to point b):
Suppose hypothetically that the SS-Standortarzt were temporarily out of Gasrestnachweisgeräte für Zyklon. Why would the Zentralbauleitung have had to request them from Topfa company which neither produced them nor sold them, instead of ordering them from Tesch und Stabenow, the company which definitely did sell them? Pressac's explanation of this problem is decisively absurd: according to a letter dated 02 March 1943, Topf would not have acted as a go-between to cover up the alleged secrets of Auschwitz, but would simply have put the Zentralbauleitung in contact with the companies who furnished these Geräte:
When we receive notice regarding this matter, we will get in touch with you so that you may get in contact with a company that is producing these instruments. "Wenn wir in dieser Angelegenheit Mitteilung erhalten, kommen wir Ihnen sofort näher, damit Sie sich mit einer Firma, die diese Geräte baut, in Verbindung setzen können."
In other words, Topf would have had to request Gasrestnachweisgeräte für Zyklon from Tesch und Stabenow, and if Tesch didn't have any available, Topf would have put Zentralbauleitung in contact with them! This absurd vicious circle would have had the opposite effect from the one presupposed by Pressac: of Tesch und Stabenow company, trying to fill an order for Gasrestnachweisgeräte für Zyklon from the Zentralbauleitung, rather than from the camp Verwaltung, as would have been normal practice. That would indeed have been reason for suspicion!
Moving on to point c):
If Pressac's interpretation were to be accepted, there would have been another consequence which the French historian did not take into consideration: a possible check of the ventilation system of Leichenkeller 1 for homicidal gassings with Zyklon B would have been the task of the SS-Standortarzt and would have consequently been organized and performed by the Desinfektoren, while Messing would have been limited to his own area of competence, the ventilation mechanics. Therefore, if Zentralbauleitung who were knowledgeable about the technical terminology of their specialization, could not perform this check without the Desinfektoren, how would the request for "Gasprüfer" instead of Gasrestnachweisgeräte für Zyklon be explained?
This takes us to the last point. The hypothesis proposed in point b) that the SS-Standortarzt was at that moment out of Gasrestnachweisgeräte fur Zyklon has little credence because the detection of residual gas was not only a matter of regulation [29], but also legally obligatory [30] since this test was a necessary and indispensable complement to the use of hydrocyanic acid gas at Auschwitz in February 1943. The availability of Gasrestnachweisgeräte für Zyklon [31] can be deduced with a sufficient degree of certainty as well. So then what reason could there have been to request it from the Topf company?
6) What exactly were the "Gasprüfer"?
Now that the interpretation of Jean-Claude Pressac has been shown to be groundless, it is time to provide an alternative explanation which would cover all the aforementioned problems left unsolved by that French historian.
I shall begin by pointing out that "Gasprüfer" was the technical term which indicated an instrument for Rauchgasanalyse which was operating "according to physical methods." [32] In the early 1940s, there were various instruments for the analysis of combustion gases, from Rauchgasanalyse-Anlagen to Geber für die % CO2, to Anzeiger für % CO2 and für % CO2+H2. [33]
The crematory ovens were normally equipped with one of these instruments. Engineer Richard Kessler, one of the foremost German cremation experts during the 1920s and 1930s, recommended as "unbedingt notwendig" [absolutely necessary] for proper functioning of the crematory ovens the installation of a series of "Apparate", including:
a CO/CO2 gauge in good working condition, to insure an economical cremation, which also monitors smoke development. [34]
"eines gut arbeitenden CO und CO2
Messers, um eine wirtschaftliche Verbrennung zu gewährleisten
und hierbei gleichzeitig die Rauchentwicklung zu beobachten."
[34]
Even in the beginning of the 1970s, engineer Hans Kraupner advised:
For a fast elimination of smoke buildup, it is important that the gauges must be installed directly behind the oven and must give a signal to the oven attendant right at the beginning of smoke development.
"Wichtig ist, dass zur raschen Beseitigung der Rauchbildung Messgeräte unmittelbar hinter dem Ofen [kursiv] angeordnet sind, die dem Ofenwärter sofort bei Beginn der Rauchentwicklung ein entsprechendes Signal geben." [35]
The more reasonable hypothesis is therefore that the Zentralbauleitung had ordered "Gasprüfer" for the crematory ovens of Birkenau. We shall now see if this hypothesis resolves all the problems indicated above.
The telegram dated 26 February 1943 bears the following information typed by the sender: "Zentralbauleitung Auschwitz gez. Pollok SS-Untersturmführer" It also has three handwritten notes:
At top right, the abbreviation BW 30 (Bauwerk 30 = Crematory II); at bottom left is the abbreviation "Jaeh", the initials of civil employee Jaehrling; finally at bottom left, near the date and time the telegram was sent, the name of Kirschnek preceded by the abbreviation of his rank "Unstuf." (= Untersturmführer). [36]
The 02 March 1943 Topf letter [37] shows a Registrar stamp of 05 March 1943 and also has two handwritten initials: those of Jaehrling (on the left) followed by a date of 08 March 1943.
This letter also indicates the initials of Janisch (at right), preceded by the date 06 March. Let us consider first of all who these persons were and what duties they performed within the Zentralbauleitung.
SS-Untersturmführer Josef Pollok was the Bauleiter of the Bauleitung Hauptwirtschaftslager der Waffen-SS und Polizei Auschwitz und Truppenwirtschaftslager Oderberg; SS-Untersturmführer Hans Kirschnek was the Bauleiter of the Bauleitung der Waffen-SS und Polizei Auschwitz, K.L. Auschwitz und Landwirtschaft Auschwitz; SS-Untersturmführer Josef Janisch was the Bauleiter of the Bauleitung des Kriegsgefangenenlagers; and finally the civilian employee Rudolf Jaehrling, his profession being Heizungs-Techniker, was part of the Technische Abteilung.
The telegram dated 26 February 1943, was drawn up by SS-Untersturmführer Pollok, because his jurisdictionrelating in general to the Hochbauangelegenheit and in particular matters relating to Bauwirtschaft, Baupolizei, Bauanträge, Kontingentierungsunterlagen, etc.also extended to the Bauleitung des Kriegsgefangenenlagers. [38] SS-Untersturmführer Kirschnek, on the contrary, had no jurisdiction over the Kriegsgefangenenlager of Birkenau and probably was responsible only for sending the telegram. The handwritten name which appears in this document is not his real signature.
The most important person involved in that telegram was Jaehrling himself who, on account of his thermotechnical specialty, was responsible for all the heating and combustion facilities in the camp. The largest of such facilities was the Fernheizwerk, which consumed 45-50 tons of coal each day. [39] Jaehrling was also responsible for thermotechnical matters relating to the crematory ovens; for example, he was the author of the Aktenvermerk dated 17 March 1943 regarding evaluation of the consumption of coke by the crematoria of Birkenau. [40] In 1944, Jaehrling headed the Heiztechnische Abteilung of the Zentralbauleitung. The fact that Jaehrlinga Heizungs-Techniker [heating engineer/technician]was involved in the request for "Gasprüfer" is therefore further confirmation of the fact that these were simple instruments for the analysis of the combustion gases in the crematory ovens. Moreover, this interpretation fits well with the historical context.
On 29 January 1943, Engineer Prüfer inspected the construction sites [Bauplätze] of the crematoria and wrote up a report in which he noted in regard to Crematorium II that:
The five 3-muffled cremation ovens are finished and are being heat-dried. "Die 5 Stück Dreimuffel-Einäscherungsöfen sind fertig und werden z.Z. trockengeheizt." [41]
In his Tätikeitsbericht [activity report] dated 29 March 1943, Kirschnek jotted down the following for Crematorium II:
The whole masonry work completed and on 20 February 1943 put into operation. "Gesamtes Mauerwerk fertiggestellt und zum 20.2.1943 in Betrieb genommen." [42]
It is clear therefore that Zentralbauleitung, in ordering Rauchgasprüfer, wanted to ensure optimum combustion in the crematory ovens. And it is also clear that for this reason the Zentralbauleitung, in order to obtain these thermotechnical instruments, turned to Topf, a "Maschinenfabrik und feuereungstechnisches Baugeschäft." [43]
One last question which Pressac preferred to ignore needs to be cleared up: why did Zentralbauleitung order exactly ten "Gasprüfer"? The answer is simple: they were intended for the ten Rauchkanäle [smoke flues] in Crematory II and III, or for the ten chimney pipes (Schornsteinrohre) of Crematory II-V. [44]
In summary, if the "Gasprüfer" were simple analyzers of combustion gas, then it is perfectly understandable:
a) why they were ordered by the Zentralbauleitung (and not by the SS-Standortarzt);
b) why they were ordered from Topf (and not from Tesch and Stabenow);
c) why they were ordered with the name of "Gasprüfer"
(and not Gasrestnachweisgeräte für Zyklon);
d) what their function was;
e) why exactly ten were ordered;
f) why Zyklon B, gas masks, Atemeinsätze "J" and Schlageisen, were not ordered in
addition to the "Gasprüfer".
Let us move finally to the Topf letter dated 02 March 1943. As already stated, this bears the initials of Janisch, the Bauleiter of the Bauleitung of the Kriegsgefangenenlagers, and the initials of Jaehrling, which fits perfectly with the interpretation given above.
As for the text of this letter, I should point out first of all that the request for information from Topf ("bereits vor 2 Wochen") [already two weeks ago], was made at least ten days before the telegram from Zentralbauleitung, which refers to a previous conversation ("wie besprochen") [as agreed upon], of which however, there is no trace in the documentation.
The wording of the telegram("Absendet sofort 10 Gasprüfer")leads one to think that Topf already had the "Gasprüfer" available.
The next mention of the Kostenangebot [to submit a tender or quotation] and Topf's response, raises another problem, because according to the bureaucratic practice, upon the request from Zentralbauleitung, Topfas was the procedure with all the other companiessubmitted a bid Angebot in the form of a Kostenanschlag; if the bid was accepted, the Zentralbauleitung would make the order, which could be verbal, and then would always confirm in writing Auftragerteilung. Within this bureaucratic procedure, Kostenangebot was not the term in practice; the designation was always Kostenanschlag. But with these documents which we are questioning, the normal practice is reversed and the order by Zentralbauleitung preceded the Angebot and the company's Kostenanschlag which was contrary to the normal bureaucratic practice. Instead [of the normal practice] we have on the one hand the Zentralbauleitung which could not order an item before a company had sent it the related Angebot with Kostenanschlag, and on the other hand we have Topf, which could not submit an Angebot with a Kostenanschlag for something which it neither produced nor sold.
In the second place, since Gasrestnachweisgeräte für Zyklon were normally distributed by the Tesch und Stabenow company, or by the Heerdt und Lingler company, or by Degesch, Topf's difficulty in locating them is incomprehensible.
In the third place, neither is it comprehensible why the Zentralbauleitung would have had to make this request from Topf instead of from the SS-Standortarzt.
Finally, as revealed above, the "Anzeigegeräte
für Blausäure-Reste" did not exist at all; the
term "Anzeiger" had absolutely nothing to do with a
chemical Gerät, but rather with an instrument. It designated
either the entire instrument Anzeigeinstrument or the Zeiger des
Anzeigeinstruments; for example, one could refer to instruments
for measuring % CO2 and %CO+H2. The crucial point of the letter
is precisely this: if instead of "Anzeigegeräte für
Blausäure-Reste one reads "Anzeigegeräte für
Rauchgasnanalyse", all the aforementioned problems dissolve
instantly.
My conclusions are therefore the following:
1) the "Gasprüfer" in the telegram dated 26 February 1943 were simple analyzers of
combustion gases for the crematory ovens;
2) the Topf letter dated 02 March 1943 was falsified by an ignorant forger who created
a hybrid neologism: "Anzeigegeräte
für Blausäure-Reste".
These conclusions then lead in turn to problems which were highlighted by an anonymous commentator who clearly betrays the pen of Pressac:
The revisionists, to avoid having to explain it, stated that it was a fake. The forger was a remarkable historian because he knew the initials or signatures of the head of the Auschwitz SS Zentralbauleitung, SS Commandant Karl Bischoff, one of his deputies, SS-Second Lieutenant SDS Hans Kirschneck, the civil employee responsible for technical matters for the SS, Rudolf Jaehrling, the head of Topf's D Divisions, the head engineer Fritz Sander, and the head of Topf division D IV (crematory construction) head engineer Kurt Prüfer. The forger used paper with a Topf letterhead from before March 1943; one of its seals and the date seal of the Auschwitz SS Zentralbauleitung with its complete correspondence register in order to assign an exact mail reception number. He was also familiar with Topf's administrative practices and knew who was responsible for procurement (Sander), and who was not (Prüfer) [45].
"Les révisionnistes, pour s'en débarasser, ont dit que c'était un faux. Le faussaire était un historien remarquable car il connaissait les griffes ou les signatures du chef de la Zentralbauleitung SS d'Auschwitz, le commandant SS Karl Bischoff, d'un de ses adjoints, le SS sous-lieutenant SDS Hans Kirschneck, de l'employé civil chargé des questions techniques pour les SS, Rudolf Jährling, du responsable des divisions D de la Topf, l'ingénieur principal Fritz Sander et du chef de la division D IV de la Topf (construction de crématoires), l'ingénieur principal Kurt Prüfer. Le faussaire disposait de papier à en-tàte de la firme Topf antérieur à mars 1943, d'un de ses cachets et du cachet dateur de la Zentralbauleitung SS d'Auschwitz avec son registre complet de correspondance afin d'attribuer un numéro de réception du courrier exact. Il était aussi au courant des habitudes administratives de la Topf et savait qui avait procuration (Sander) et qui ne l'avait pas (Prüfer)." [45].
Taken as a whole, this criticism is rather naive. No serious revisionist considers that questioned document to be a fake, but rather to have been falsified; and it should be added that no serious revisionist considers that questioned document to have been falsified "just to avoid having to explain it" but rather that it was falsified because of the important historical, technical and bureaucratic problems which it presents.
Falsification means alteration of an original document; for example, in the case under study, the replacement of "Anzeigegeräte für Rauchgasanalyse" with "Anzeigegeräte für Blausäure- Reste". As for the problem of the Topf letterhead and the Zentralbauleitung stamp: the KGB could easily have obtained them since the Soviets had removed both the Topf records at Erfurt, and the Zentralbauleitung keeps a record of everything without exception; including stamping materials.
But in conclusion, I am of the opinion that the problems raised by possible document falsification are entirely insignificant compared with the insoluble problems the document presents were it to be considered authentic.
Pressac will certainly dismiss these
conclusions, but then he will also have to seriously resolve all
the problems which I have pointed out.
Abbreviations:
TCIDK = Moscow Center for the Custody of Historical document collection.
APMO = Archives of the National Museum of Auschwitz APMM = Archives
of the National Museum of Majdanek
NOTES
1 - Jean-Claude Pressac, Die Krematorien von Auschwitz. Die Technik
des Massenmordes, Piper, München Zürich 1994, P. 92.
2 - Jean-Claude Pressac, Les crématoires d'Auschwitz. La machinerie du meurtre de masse. CNSR Editions, Paris 1993, pp.71-72.
3 - Pressac, Die Krematorien von Auschwitz. Die Technik des Massenmordes, pp. 92-93.
4 - Jean-Claude Pressac, Les crématoires d'Auschwitz, p.72.
5 - Jean-Claude Pressac, Auschwitz. Technique and Operation of the Gas Chambers. The Beate Klarsfeld Foundation, New York, 1989, pp. 218, 223.
6 - Pressac, Die Krematorien von Auschwitz. Die Technik des Massenmordes, P. 94.
7 - Edizioni di Ar, Padua 1994.
8 - For the second case see for example the diagram which appears in the article by G. Peters and E. Wünstiger Sach-Entlausung in Blausäure-Kammern in: Zeitschrift für hygienische Zoologie und Schädlingsbekämpfung, Heft 10/11, 1940, p.193.
9 - Topf letter to Bauleitung of Auschwitz dated 21 May 1942. TCIDK, 502-1-312, p.63 (Von uns war geplant, die Frischluft aus dem Bodenraum abzusaugen, wir halten es aber für richtiger, die Frischluft von über Dach zu entnehmen und dem Gebläse durch einen besonderen Kanal zuzuführen).
10 - A.Sieverts, A.Hermsdorf, Der Nachweis gasförmiger Blausäure in Luft in: Zeitschrift für angewandte Chemie, 34. Jg., 1921, pp.4-5; F.Puntigam, H.Breymesser, E. Bernfus, Blausäuregaskammern zur Fleckfieberabwehr. Grundlagen, Planung und Betrieb. Sonderveröffentlichung des Reichsarbeitsblattes. Berlin 1943, pp.21, 111.
11 - See document 3. (Note: Documents are not available in this version)
12 - See document 4.
13 - Arbeitsanweisungen für Klinik und Laboratorium des Hygiene-Institutes der Waffen-SS, Berlin. Herausgegeben von SS-Standartenführer Dozent Dr. J. Mrugowsky, Heft 3. Entkeimung, Entseuchung und Entwesung. Von Dr. med. Walter Dötzer, SS-Hauptsturmführer d. Res., Verlag von Urban und Schwarzenberg, Berlin und Wien 1943, pp. 124-125.
14 - APMO, Standort-Befehl, D-Aul-1, P. 46.
15 - TCIDK, 502-1-332, P. 108.
16 - TCDIK, 502-1-28, P. 221.
17 - APMO, Standort-Befehl, D-Aul-1, pp. 48-49.
18 - TCIDK, 502-1-332, P. 106.
19 - TCIDK, 502-1-68, pp. 115-116.
20 - APMO, BW 30/34, P. 48.
21 - Intervista sull'Olocausto. Edizioni di Ar, 1996, p. 42.
22 - Robert Faurisson, Antwort an Jean-Claude Pressac, in: Auschwitz: Nackte Fakten, p.76.
23 - Letter of 20 February 1943 from Zentralbauleitung to the Kommandantur/Abteilung IIIa (Häftlingseinsatz): Bei Krematorium II war das Kommando am 18.2.43 statt 200 Häftlinge nur 40 Häftlinge stark, und am 19.2.43 statt 200 nur 80 Häftlinge stark. APMO, BW 30/34, p.74.
24 - See in this regard my recent study the Zentralbauleitung der Waffen-SS und Polizei Auschwitz, Edizioni di Ar, 1997.
25 - APMM, sygn. I d 2, vol.1; cfr. Adela Toniak, Korespondencja w sprawie dostawy gazu cyklonu B do obozu na Majdanku, Zeszyty Majdanka, t.II (1967), pp.138-170.
26 - Arbeitszeit-Bescheinigung of Messing for the week of 08-14 March 1943. APMO, BW 30/41, p.28.
27 - Ibidem, pp.94-95.
28 - Die Krematorien von Auschwitz, pp. 95-96.
29 - See section XII of the Richtlinien für Anwendung von Blausäure (Zyklon) zur Ungeziefervertilgung (Entwesung) (Document NI-9912; text in Auschwitz: Nackte Fakten, p.94).
30 - Runderlass des Reichsministers für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft und des Reichsministers des Innern of 04 November 1941, in: Blausäuregaskammern zur Fleckfieberabwehr, p.111.
31 - The Gasrestnachweisgerät für Zyklon were available even in January 1945: the Soviets found some in the Aufnahmebaracke mit Entlausung (BW 28) and took photographs of them (see document 4).
32 - See document 5.
33 - See document 6.
34 - Richard Kessler, Rationelle Wärmewirtschaft in den Krematorien nach Massgabe der Versuche im Dessauer Krematorium. In: "Die Wärmewirtschaft", 4. Jg., Heft 8, 1927, pp. 137- 138.
35 - Hans Kraupner, Neuere Erkenntnisse und Erfahrungen beim Bau von Einäscherungsöfen, Sonderdruck: Städtehygiene, 8/1970, P. 4.
36 - See document 1.
37 - See document 2.
38 - TCIDK, 502-1-57, p. 306 (note characteristics of some members of Zentralbauleitung compiled by Bischoff in January 1943).
39 - letter from company F. Boos to the Zentralbauleitung dated 27 June 1942 with subject: "Heizwerk K.L. Auscwitz." TCIDK, 502-1-138, P.513.
40 - APMO, BW 30/7/34, p.54.
41 - Prüfungsbericht des Ing. Prüfer vom 29. Januar 1943, APMO, BW 30/34, P. 101.
42 - TCIDK, 502-1-26, P. 61.
43 - In the thermotechnical field Topf produced: Topf-Spezial-Feuerungen, Vollmechanische Topf-Roste, Halbmechanische Topf-Feuerungen, Topf-Wurfbeschicker "Ballist", Topf-Spezial- Roststäbe, ôlfeuerungen, Vorwärmer, Lufterhitzer, Dampfüberhitzer, Flugasche-Ausblase- Vorrichtungen, Zugversärkungsanlagen, Industrie-Schornsteinbau, Feuerbestattungs- Einrichtungen. Kostenanschlag der Firma Topf vom 24. Februar 1941, TCIDK, 502-1-327, p. 195.
44 - The Rauchkanäle were accessible via appropriate Fuchseinsteigeschachtverschlüsse zugänglich, die Kamine durch die entsprechenden Reinigungstüren.
The abbreviation "BW 30" on
the telegram dated 26 February 1943 does not necessarily mean
that the "Gasprüfer" were intended for Crematorium
II; this, as in other cases, could mean that the administrative
jurisdiction of the purchase belonged to the Registratur of BW
30. For example, the Bericht from Bischoff dated 23 January 1943
also referring to all four crematoria, was recorded in the Registratur
of BW 30. TCIDK, 502-1-313, p. 53.
45 - Une critique sur le fond. Par un abonné de l'Autre
histoire. In: L'Autre histoire, N.6, 16 October 1996 p.13.
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