 |
diglycol for gunpowder and the
chemical warfare agents with the entire industry of the coking plants and
mineral oil syntheses * * * as far back as the end of 1936, [I] repeatedly
directed the attention of the Wehrmacht to the urgent necessity of stockpiling.
Already at that time, for example, I requested that considerable quantities of
toluene be stocked up for existing explosives factories * * *
“The
firms concerned are willingly prepared to assume the responsibility themselves
for the quickest possible rush execution. * * * The industry has already
undertaken to devote its best abilities to the carrying out of the task I
should set them * * * the production of gunpowder, explosives and chemical
warfare agents are chemical processes. They cannot therefore be treated as
distinct from the rest of the chemical industry. I should, of course act in the
closest cooperation with the HWA [Army Ordnance].” (Emphasis
supplied.) |
| Subsequently, on 13 August 1938, Krauch prepared the so-called
“Rush Plan” [NI-8797, Pros. Ex. 449], and laid the basis for its
expeditious execution in agreement with the High Command of Army Ordnance
(General Becker) and the Office of Military Economy (General Thomas). After
Goering appointed Krauch as Plenipotentiary General for Special Problems of
Chemical Production in the Four Year Plan on 22 August 1938, the supervision of
the Rush Plan was entrusted to Krauch. A document dated 22 August 1938 entitled
“Order for carrying into effect the New Military Economics Production Plan
and the Rush Plan” [NI-8917, Pros. Ex. 453] states:
|
| |
“1. The carrying into effect of the Military Economics new
Production Plan and of the Rush Plan ordered for the expansion of the plants
producing powder, explosives and K-agents (chemical warfare agents) and their
primary products is entirely entrusted to Dr. Krauch. He, therefore, is fully
responsible for the execution of the program within the time set, and for
procuring the means required incidental thereto (money, steel, building
materials, labor, etc.).
“2. * * *
“a. Program and
planning: Dr. Krauch
“In setting up the program and the
planning, the military points of view for which the Wehrmacht is responsible
are to serve as a basis, and its chemical and technical demands made by it are
to be considered in largest measure. * * * |
1259 |
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