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character was a guarantee that they would not deviate from the
principles of medical ethics. This independence of the Behringwerke explains
why Professor Lautenschlaeger was not informed as to the details of the
clinical tests, as, in keeping with Lautenschlaeger's directives, the
Behringwerke passed on the vaccines to be clinically tested independently from
him. These preparations for testing purposes were not newly discovered
products, but well-known and previously tested vaccines. There is not a single
point in the evidence adduced by the prosecution against the Behringwerke which
shows that these plants, in the process of supplying and testing the
preparations, gained any knowledge of the improper application of these
vaccines by criminal doctors. The defense, in presenting its evidence, will
confirm this statement through the testimony of witnesses and documents.
In the Hoechst plant, which was immediately subordinate to
Lautenschlaeger, preparations for testing purposes were issued by one of his
subordinates. The careful selection of that subordinate as well as his high
professional qualifications were the special concern of Professor
Lautenschlaeger. The defense will establish that, in the instances put forward
by the prosecution, the preparations for testing purposes were issued in
exactly the same manner as in all routine cases. The day came when, as a result
of Dr. Ding's visit, Professor Lautenschlaeger became aware of the doubtful
medical qualifications of this SS doctor, as well as of his questionable
character, though he did not realize that the man was a criminal. It will be
proved that from that very moment, Professor Lautenschlaeger issued the clear
instruction that Ding no longer was to be employed as a clinical tester, and
that he was to be excluded from this work. It will be shown that this order was
complied with.
In presenting its evidence, the defense will also shed
light on another point on which, so far, there seems to be some confusion. The
inclusion of Mrugowsky and his office in the circle of the doctors enlisted for
the clinical testing of preparations can in no way be construed as meaning that
Dr. Ding was also included. Mrugowsky was the chief hygienist of a branch of
the Wehrmacht and of other formations specially detailed to the eastern
epidemic areas. There was, therefore, no reason for not supplying Mrugowsky's
office with preparations, quite apart from the fact that, as things stood in
Germany, this would have been impossible. Therefore, subsequent correspondence
with Mrugowsky cannot be adduced as proof (as the prosecution does) of a
continued collaboration with Dr. Ding.
As for Professor
Lautenschlaeger's work as chief of the Betriebsgemeinschaft Maingau [Works
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