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Volume V · Page 1224
| "Q. Let me ask you this, at the
time that you participated in this conference about OSTI, did you already know
at that time that Jews were being gassed in Auschwitz? "A. Yes." (Tr. p. 4518) He knew that the taking of the Jewish property in the "Reinhardt Operation" was outright spoliation and plundering: "Q. * * * was payment made to those owners for the factories and the machinery which were confiscated by the Reich? "A. No. I am sure of that. I can guarantee you that now. No. They did not get that. Let's assume, for instance, it was mainly Jewish property; they did not even get a nickel for that." (Tr. p. 4396) He knew about OSTI from the beginning: "Q. Did you know at that time anything further about the OSTI? "A. Yes. I knew about the principal and fundamental plans by the first conference which took place in January. During it the three following fundamental points of view were decisive." (Tr. p. 4391) Hohberg's tie with the WVHA was only a contractual one, so that when he learned of the gross crimes being committed by that organization it was within his privilege to depart. He chose, however, to remain, calculating, undoubtedly, that it was to his advantage to remain. He entered the organization in the first place in order to avoid military service. His witness Max Wolf testified: |
"I believe there were three motives which I would like to stress. First of all he was interested in his job, then he had the wish to become more independent and, finally, thirdly, he had the possibility here to be able to dodge the draft." (Tr. p. 4599) |
| Hohberg devoted himself with as much energy to his tasks in staff W that when he left, the office lost much of its importance. Karoli testified: |
"* * *. In my opinion, therefore, staff W, as a result of the departure of Dr. Hohberg, had lost a considerable part of its importance." (Tr. p. 4710) |
| It is obvious from all this that Hohberg enjoyed his work with the WVHA. He was proud of the important part he played in the economic enterprises of WVHA, even though this included, through slave labor, the degradation of human beings. His was no insignificant auditor's position. He was an advisor, instigator, planner, and organizer, and he did his job with such verve and ability that when he left, the office he had held diminished in authority and force. He did his job so well that his family was |
