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community of Essen, the Gestapo in Essen had alleged difficulties
regarding the further reception of prisoners. They requested the Krupp firm, at
a date which I cannot remember any more (perhaps at the end of 1943 or the
beginning of 1944) to establish another punitive camp which should be managed
by the Krupp firm itself, although the placing of foreign workers in this camp
and their supervision had to be under the authority of the Gestapo. The
negotiations pertaining to this matter were conducted between the Gestapo and
Mr. von Buelow. In the beginning the firm opposed this request; however the
final result was the establishment of the punitive camp Dechenschule. I myself
participated in one of the negotiations with the Gestapo which preceded the
establishment of the camp, in which it was proposed by Krupp that this punitive
camp should be supervised by the main camp administration. But in fact, owing
to a request by the Gestapo, not I (main camp administration), but the Krupp
Werkschutz [plant police] was entrusted with the supervision of the camp
Dechenschule. I myself had only to provide the accommodation and food in this
camp. As already mentioned, the Werkschutz itself was commissioned with the
supervision, which was carried out through Mr. Hassel. Mr. Hassel himself also
lived in the punitive camp Dechenschule. Hassel was a subordinate of Mr.
Wilshaus. The latter was subordinated to Mr. von Buelow.
To my
knowledge, the Gestapo sent to the punitive camp Dechenschule eastern workers
as well as certain other foreigners, especially Belgians. The Belgians had
nothing to do with the Krupp firm until then.
In this discussion with
the Gestapo, in which I participated, it was pointed out that the inmates of
the punitive camp Dechenschule which was to be established should work for the
Krupp firm. At that time, indeed, it was still not mentioned that other than
foreign workers employed in Essen would be taken to the punitive camp
Dechenschule. I do not know, whether inmates of the punitive camp Dechenschule
really worked for Krupp.
When I mentioned previously that the
Werkschutz (Mr. Hassel) was commissioned with the supervision of the punitive
camp Dechenschule, I did not mean by the expression “supervision”
[Betreuung] the power to give sentences to camp inmates. This authority was
reserved for the Gestapo.
I have carefully read each of the four pages
of this affidavit, have made the necessary corrections in my own handwriting
and initialed them, and herewith declare under oath that I have told the pure
truth in this affidavit to the best of my knowledge and belief. |
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| [Signed] HANS KUPKE |
1075 |
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