were in writing in every case. I think they were partly given orally through the local physician or some other agency which dealt with the case.

Q. Well, Witness, let's look at this letter again. I find some difficulty in reconciling your testimony about the necessity of consent by the relatives of the child with what's written here in this letter. For example, the third line reads: "It seems that the relatives of Anna Gasse tried to obtain her release by every possible means." If, Witness, it was necessary to obtain consent, why was there any question about releasing Anna Gasse?

A. I cannot say that either. According to my opinion, the child could not be kept in an institution if the parents wanted it at home.

Q. And the last sentence which reads, "If from a medical point of view such release is warranted, one could perhaps take into consideration whether one should not perhaps comply with such request in the interest of the good reputation of the institution." Don't you find that language just a bit restrained, Witness?

A. Yes. I think it is very restrained.