Archive/File: camps/auschwitz bischoff.002
Last-Modified: 1994/11/05

    First paragraph of a letter from SS Capt. Bischoff, head of the
Zentralbauleitung (Central Construction Mgt.) to Gen. Kammler on 29
January 1943: 

    "Das Krematorium II wurde unter Einsatz aller verfu"gbaren Kra"fte
trotz unsagbarer Schwierigkeiten und Frostwetter bei Tag- und Nachbetrieb
bis auf bauliche Kleinigkeiten fertiggestellt.  Die O"fen wurden im
Beisein des Herrn Oberingenieur Pru"fer der ausfu"hrenden Firma, Firma
Topf u. So"hne, Erfurt, angefeuert und funtionieren [sic] tadellos.  Die
Eisenbetondecke des Leichenkellers konnte infolge Frosteinwirkung noch
nicht ausgeschalt werden.  Die [sic] is jedoch unbedeutend, da der
Vergasungskeller hierfu"r benu"tzt werden kann." 

     "Through the use of all available resources, despite unspeakable
difficulties and freezing weather by working day and night the Krematorium
II was completed except for some small construction details.  The ovens
were fired up in the presence of the Chief [or Senior] Engineer Pru"fer of
the contractor firm, Topf and Sons, Erfurt, and work flawlessly.  Due to
the effect of the cold, the construction supports for the reinforced
concrete ceiling of the morgue could not yet be removed.  This is however
unimportant, as the gassing cellar can be used in its place." 

    [Source of German text: Pressac, p. 432, photographic reproduction of 
file copy signed by Untersturmfu"hrer Pollok.  Translation mine, with 
thanks to Ulrich Roessler for the explanation of "ausschalen".]

-- 
Mike Stein			The above represents the Absolute Truth.
POB 10420			Therefore it cannot possibly be the official
Arlington, VA  22210		position of my employer.

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