. NMT05-T1041
Volume V · Page 1041
| Because he was neither a member of the
National Socialist Party nor the SS, Hohberg claims an immunity from
responsibility for SS excesses. But he worked for the SS enterprises, he
planned for the SS enterprises, he knew the SS enterprises used concentration
camp labor, he knew the inmates were unpaid, badly fed, badly treated, yet he
continued to work with the SS. He did not wear the SS uniform, but he
cooperated and collaborated with the SS as much as if he held high rank in that
organization. Having visited many of the concentration camps he cannot plead
ignorance as to what transpired within them. Hohberg showed a great deal of initiative in the development of the SS industries. In fact on the stand he described himself as the godfather of DWB. Although his aim in Court was to demonstrate what an insignificant part he played in the WVHA set up, he could not resist the pride of pointing out how he completely reorganized the SS industries. Karoli testified that Hohberg was the expert and economic brain of the enterprises. When the workshops in the Dachau concentration camp were organized and incorporated into the DAW, it was Hohberg who handled the financial aspects of the transaction and advised Pohl as to what steps should be taken. Testifying on the matter of remuneration for the use of concentration camp inmates. Hohberg stated: "I saw the amount of daily wages paid for the inmates and as an auditor I had to give my opinion on what these enterprises should pay to the Reich." As an auditor, Hohberg was not compelled, as he said here, to render an opinion on what the enterprises should pay to the Reich. Through Hohberg's efforts, the German Lebensmittel, the Textile and Leather Company, and the OSTI — all using inmate labor — were given the form of a company. He was frequently consulted when these enterprises were being founded. The commanders of the concentration camps functioned under Pohl's direction as works managers of the various economic enterprises. Thus Hohberg had direct contact with the concentration camps, since staff W, of which he was the chief, made the arrangements with concentration camp commanders in handling the various enterprises. When the matter of transferring armament production to concentration camps was discussed, Hohberg accepted appointment as expert for the WVHA. People desiring to know the details of the transfer of armament enterprises to Neuengamme, Auschwitz, Lublin, and Ravensbrueck, were referred to Hohberg as |
