20 Dec. 45
as Exhibit Number USA-462. I quote the first two
paragraphs of that letter:
"Dear Dr. Rascher:
"Shortly before flying to Oslo, the Reichsführer SS gave me
your letter of 15 May 1941 for partial reply.
"I can inform you that prisoners will, of course, be gladly made
available for the high-flight researches. I have informed the Chief of
the Security Police of this agreement of the Reichsführer SS, and
requested that the competent official be instructed to get in touch
with you."
The altitude
experiments were conducted by Rascher; and in May 1942 General Field
Marshal Milch, on behalf of the Luftwaffe, expressed his thanks to the
SS for the assistance it furnished in connection with the experiments.
I refer to our Document 343-PS which will be found in Volume I of the
document book. I offer an original letter, dated 20 May. 1942, addressed
to SS Obergruppenführer Wolff, and signed E. Milch, as Exhibit
Number USA-463. That letter, which appears on Page 2 of the translation
and on Page 1 of the original German, is as follows:
"Dear Wolff" — the German
says, "Liebes Wölffchen":
"In reference to your telegram of 12 May, our sanitary inspector
reports to me that the altitude experiments carried out by the SS and
Air Force at Dachau have been finished. Any continuation of these
experiments seems not to be necessary. However, the carrying out of
experiments of some other kind, in regard to perils on the high seas,
would be important. These have been prepared in immediate agreement
with the proper offices; Major Weltz (Medical Corps) will be charged
with the execution and Captain Rascher (Medical Corps) will be made
available until further orders in addition to his duties within the
Medical Corps of the Air Corps. A change of these measures does not
appear necessary, and an enlargement of the task is not considered
pressing at this time.
"The low-pressure chamber would not be needed for these
low-temperature experiments. It is urgently needed at another place
and therefore can no longer remain in Dachau.
"I convey the special thanks from the Supreme Commander of the
Air Corps to the SS for their extensive co-operation.
"I remain with best wishes for you in good comradeship and with
Heil Hitler! Always yours, E. Milch."
THE PRESIDENT: Major Farr, hadn't you better read the letter on the
preceding page? It may be capable of an explanation.