NMT01-T640
Volume I · Page 640
The prosecution's summation of the evidence on the incendiary bomb experiments is contained in its closing brief against the defendant Poppendick. An extract from this brief is set forth below on page 640. A corresponding summation of the evidence by the defense on these experiments has been selected from the closing brief for the defendant Poppendick. It appears below on pages 641 to 643. This argumentation is followed by selections from the evidence on pages 643 to 653.
Sturmbannfuehrer Ding-Schuler (hereinafter referred to as Ding) carried out incendiary bomb experiments in the Buchenwald concentration camp between 19 and 25 November 1943. (NO-265, Pros. Ex. 287.) In order to ascertain the effectiveness of the drug R 17 and echinacine ointment and liquid for the treatment of phosphorus burns, five experimental persons were deliberately burned with ignited phosphorus which was taken from an incendiary bomb. The resulting burns were very severe, the victims suffered excruciating pain and permanent injury. The drugs to be tested were manufactured at the Dr. Madaus Works in Dresden-Radebeul. (Tr. pp. 1187-90.)
The report on these experiments (NO-579, Pros. Ex. 288) was forwarded by Ding to the defendants Poppendick and Mrugowsky. (Tr. pp. 1158, 1188.) The Research Department "V" (for Vonkennel) in Leipzig was also interested in these experiments. Correspondence by Ding with this department went through Poppendick. (Tr. pp. 1158, 1175, 1247, 1267.) Research Department "V" was a laboratory run by Sturmbannfuehrer Vonkennel, with funds and material furnished by Grawitz. (Poppendick 9, Poppendick Ex. 8; Tr. pp. 5589-5592.) Poppendick was the expert in Grawitz' office responsible for the work of that laboratory. (Tr. p. 1267.) This testimony of Kogon is corroborated by letters from Vonkennel to Poppendick and Ding to Poppendick concerning typhus experiments. (NO-1182, Pros. Ex. 477; NO–1184, Pros. Ex. 476; NO–1185, Pros. Ex. 478.) The latter was actually typed by Kogon for Ding, as can be seen from the file notation.
