. NMT05-T1046
Volume V · Page 1046
| a matter of common public
knowledge that merely the expression of opinion, no matter how innocuous, which
could be interpreted as adverse to the interests of the Reich or of the Nazi
Party, would land one in a concentration camp. It was a matter of general
information that populations were brought in from other countries and thrown
into concentration camps. That one as close as Baier to concentration camp
activities could not know the real state of affairs is simply incredible unless
it can be shown that Baier is mentally deficient. It was not necessary for Baier to visit concentration or labor camps to learn of the dreadful living conditions existing, in many of those establishments. Reports were sent to staff W on what was transpiring in the field. One report dated 4 December 1944, and directed to SS Main Economic and Administrative Office staff W, reveals the horrible state of affairs at camp Bisingen: |
"The camp was occupied in the first days of October by 1,500, mostly Polish, prisoners. It is situated on an extremely wet meadow, there are no pathways. The ground has become completely bogged; the wetness is almost beyond control. The hygienic installations, which are of the most primitive kind, such as toilets, dispensary, and washrooms, are absolutely inadequate; further, they are too far apart, and hard to reach tinder these muddy conditions. Consequently, extreme filth and vermin are prevailing, and the health situation has become unjustifiable. On 1 December 1944 there were about 420 persons sick, mostly from diarrhea, general debility, and weakness of the heart. Since the camp has been in operation 233 deaths are on record (in 8 weeks!) ; of those only six were shot while trying to escape, and six committed suicide." |
| With Volk, Baier also knew of the need for
guards at the Erzingen labor camp. Baier's deputy signed many letters for Baier regarding the setting up of camps for prisoners engaged in forced labor. Baier states he did not hate the Jews and never inveighed against them, all of which may be true. Nonetheless, he was an important part of an organization which exploited, oppressed, tortured, robbed, and eventually exterminated the Jews. On 24 January 1944, Dr. Horn wrote Pohl, making a report on the ghetto plants at Lodz. A copy of this report was sent to Baier. On 8 June 1944, Mummenthey wrote Baier recommending that a diamond cutting factory be established in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp to be run by Jews, because the diamond industry of Amsterdam had come to a standstill as a result of the deportation and extermination of the Jewish workers there. One document (NO-383.9, Pros. Ex. 594) revealed that Baier |
