HEADQUARTS 84th INFANTRY DIVISION
Office of the CIC Detachment
APO 84, U. S. Army

16 April 1945

MEMORANDUM TO THE OFFICER IN CHARGE

Subject: Chronological Account of Investigation of Underground Activities

Re: Members of the Gestapo and Gestapo Plot in Hannover

I

On 13 April 1945, these agents arrested Willi Hooge, member of the Gestapo, Hannover. Extensive interrogation revealed the presence of six former members of the Gestapo in and around Hannover who had been left behind to form the backbone of an underground resistance organization. The following persons were named:

Group One: Wilhelm Butterbrodt
Erich Binder
Adolf Rinne
Group Two: Karl Blume
Fritz Hoppe
Hermann Wettig

II

At 0600 on 14 April 1945 with the assistance of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance platoon of the 335th Infantry Regiment, these agents raided the residences of the above mentioned Gestapo members. The following persons were arrested:

Hermann Wettig, member of Gestapo
Frau Hermann Wettig, his wife
Frau Erich Binder, Hannover
Frau Wilhelm Butterbrodt, Hannover
Frau Adolf Rinne, Messenkamp
Hermann Sasse, Lauenau, at whose house Rinne was reputed to have lived for several weeks in March.

All arrested persons were put into solitary confinement in the Hannover city jail.

III

Hermann Wettig, member of the Gestapo, was interrogated. Wettig confirmed the existence of a plot and revealed the whereabouts and names of the other members of his group. Through this information Fritz Hoppe was apprehended in Hannover and Karl Blume in Barsinghausen. Signed statements were obtained from all members of this group and are attached to this memorandum. With these arrests Group One was eliminated.

In the afternoon of 14 April 1945 Hermann Sasse was questioned. He had previously denied any knowledge of Rinnes' whereabouts, but continued interrogation revealed the approximate location of Rinne's hideout. Frau Rinne was then interrogated and the exact location of her husband's hideout was obtained.

These agents raided the Forsthaus of Blumenhagen at the edge of the Deister forest and arrested Adolf Rinne, member of the Gestapo, Hannover.

## IV

In the morning of 15 April 1945 Adolf Rinne was interrogated. Rinne confirmed the existence of a plot and named the other two members of his group as Erich Binder and Wilhelm Butterbrodt. Rinne stated that Binder's probable hideout was in a mill near Eldsagen and Butterbrodt's possible hideout in his parent's home in Soehre near Hildesheim.

Agents of this team raided all mills in and around Eldsagen and arrested Binder in a building on the edge of the Deister forest, where pretending to be a baker from Goslar, he worked as a farm hand.

Agents of this team raided the house of Butterbrodt's family in Soehre near Hildesheim. Butterbrodt could not be found however. His family was warned that constant surveillance would be maintained and his wife held until he surrendered.

Erich Binder, member of the Gestapo, Hannover, was interrogated that afternoon and he confirmed the existence of a plot.

Statements were obtained from all the arrested members of Group Two and are attached to this report.

Frau Rinne and Frau Wettig were released from custody on 15 April 1945.

## V

### Agents' Notes:

With the arrest of all members of Group One and two of the three member of Group Two the immediate danger of an underground movement sponsored by the Gestapo has been eliminated.

The following persons have been arrested and evacuated to Conquer Internment Camp:

### Members of the Gestapo:

* Hermann Wettig
* Fritz Hoppe
* Karl Blume
* Erich Binder
* Adolf Rinne
* Willi Hooge

HEADQUARTERS 84TH INFANTRY DIVISION
Office of the C.I.C. Detachment
APO 84, U.S. Army

April 16, 1945

Subject: Life History, translation of statement

Re : Fritz Hoppe, member of the Gestapo, Hannover

I was born Aug. 24, 1906, the first of six children in
Bernberg a/Saala. I attended Volkschool in Wutze for 8 years
Upon my graduation in 1921 I spent 3 years learning the car-
penter trade. My father was a miner and lost his life in
1925 in an accident. My mother died in 1928.

After a long period of unemployment and during a search
for work in 1929, I became a student in the Police School at
Hildesheim and studied a year. During the years 1930-1934 I
belonged to the police reserve and to the District Police
until 1937.

From the central office in Potsdam where I applied for
a position with the criminal police I was assigned to the
Gestapo of Hanover. There I worked as Criminal Secretary,
Section 4B, Abwehr (CIC)

I worked on the section for Industrial Security.

My wife Herta was born on Feb. 2, 1909 in Loderburg. I
have been married since April 25, 1935. Our child Helmut
was born on June 14, 1936. My wife to the present time has
never been active physically and did not belong to the Party
or any subsidiary organization.

I became a Party member in 1939 at which time I assumed
my position. Moreover I belong to the NSV and the associa-
tion of German Policemen. With the incorporation of Pdice
in the SS I involuntarily became an SS man.

Politically I was never active. Before accession to
power I was a member of the "Reichsbanner" and the free
"Turnerschaft". My father belonged for many years until his
death to the Social Democrats.

(Signed)

Fritz Hoppe

Witness

Henry A. Kissenger
Agent C.I.C.
Robert S. Taylor
Agent C.I.C.

April 16, 1945

Subject: Translation of Assignments after occupation

Re : Fritz Hoppe, Member of Gestapo, Hanover

We were not to leave our posts upon the entrance of the enemy but to let them pass. Then whenever possible to do damage to the enemy.

Enemy troops were to be fought. Transportation and communication sabotaged, supply threatened thereby bringing insecurity to the troops. Furthermore to observe the relationship and reaction of the people to the occupation forces and vice-versa.

I immediately decided against such ideas and with my comrades Blume and Wettig agreed not to participate in such actions. We did not wish to become bandits and murderers.

Furthermore it had been fully agreed upon by us that as soon as the city was occupied we would not leave it but place ourselves at the disposal of the Commandant of the City and acquaint him with what our assignments had been.

For that purpose I went to the Rathouse on Thursday and Friday during the authorized time but was turned away and told to come back Monday.

I have as witness the half-Jew Karl Westedt, Stenhusenstrasse 8, Hanover, whom with his family and other Jewish persons I saved from concentration camps, destruction of their livelyhood and confiscation of their property through the timely and secret destruction of Gestapo records.

According to the Chief of the Office the 1st group consisted of :

Blume, Wettig, Hoppe

The 2nd group:

Binder, Rinne, Kasbrink, Butterbrodt

The thought to act against the occupying troops was forced on us by the Chief of the Office. Inwardly and outwardly I shunned this and in the future will not work illegally.

Witness;
Henry A. Kissinger
Agent, C.I.C.
Robert S. Taylor
Agent, C.I.C.

HEADQUARTERS 84th INFANTRY DIVISION
Office of the C.I.C. Detachment
APO 84, U. S. Army

16 April 1945

Subject: Translation of Personal Gestapo Activities

Re : Fritz Hoppe, Member of Gestapo, Hannover

My Activity With The Gestapo

Members of the Foreign Legion

All Germans who returned to Germany from the French Foreign Legion after completion of their term, desertion or sickness, and all those foreign legionaires of German stock who were released to Hannover from the "education" camp in Kislau were questioned by me and subsequently controlled for about three years on the basis of a special order from Gestapo, Berlin.

The control consisted of a supervision whether the subject obeyed the rules and regulations imposed on him.

The interrogation was based on the personal, criminal and political previous history of the legionaire as well as his experiences and activities in the French Foreign Legion, form and shape of the Foreign Legion, its armament, strength and the number of German nationals in it.

Also the reasons for the entrance and exit, length of membership and whether a member of the Legion signal corps were questions that had to be answered.

The interrogation report had to be submitted in triplicate. The original went to Berlin, the second copy to the Abwehr (CIC) and the third remained with the Gestapo.

The Legionaire was forbidden:

* To change his address without permission

* To beg or peddle

* To drive an automobile

* To write or have personal connections with other Legionaires

* To advertise the Foreign Legion

* To travel abroad

Industry

When, through the Franco-German armistice in 1940, the field disappeared through the repatriation and drafting of former legionaires into the Wehrmacht, I had to take over the field "Industrial Security". I worked in this field until the end.

All factories producing war material had to be covered
from a counter-intelligence angle and a company police had to be
created. When I took over the organisation had been completed. I
had to provide the company police forces, which in large factories
had a strength of about 150 men, with uniforms and arms. I also
had to supply replacements for the company police forces. In
carrying out my job, it was purely administrative, I stood in
constant contact with the Labor Department, Dept. of Agriculture
and Dept. of Armament.

The company police force was to protect the factory from
riot and acts of sabotage. It represented the city police with-
in the factory.

I want to emphasize that the company police force was not
a political instrument, but had to merely maintain order in the
factory.

(Signed)

Fritz Hoppe

Witness:

Henry A. Kissinger
Agent C.I.C.

16 April 1945

Subject: Translation of Life History and Underground Activities
Re: Adolf Rinne, Member of Gestapo, Hannover

I, the youngest of five children of August Rinne, was born in Messenkamp on April 2, 1905, Kreis Springer. I attended and graduated from the Volkschule in Messenkamp. Upon leaving school I spent three years in farming and one year as a polisher in a chair factory in Launau. In view of the poor economical conditions of the time I applied for the Police and on April 16, 1925 entered the Police school in Hildesheim. After the training period I came to Hannover and saw duty in the Third and Fourth Police Reserve.

On July 1, 1934 I was transferred to the 1st Police District. Until April 15, 1937 I saw duty in the Schutzpolizei and had to resign after 12 years of service.

As I wished to remain in the police profession I made application for the Kriminalpolizei and Secret Staatspolizei. I received my first call to the Gestapo on July 1, 1937 and thereupon joined. After the nine month trial period I was permanently assigned.

I was occupied with the investigation of violations of laws in connection with war industries. After this sphere of work was taken over by the Kriminalpolizei I was assigned to Youth problems. In this capacity I had to investigate the groups and trade union activities of the youths. War time conditions necessitated this work.

As a further assignment, Party problem from the police angle were given me; that is, to follow the activities of party members. In addition I also had problems of the press. I would like to state here that during my time with the Gestapo I was not involved in outside work.

On Friday, April 6, I received with Comrade Binder and Comrade Butterbrodt from the chief of the department, the order to enter the occupied territory. Our assignment consisted of reporting on the attitude of the occupation forces towards the civilians. Furthermore the MSRs were to be determined and resistance groups were to be organised; also acts of sabotage were to be committed. Any reports weren't to be called for at the farmhouse Blumenhagen--by whom and how frequently was not stated.

As much as we thought it impossible to carry out these
assignments, we had to obey them because of higher authorities.
Butterbrodt went to his parents on Saturday, who, to the best
of my knowledge, live in Soehre near Hildesheim. Since then I
have heard nothing more of him.

Binder I lost last Monday, as I had a flat tire on my
bicycle which I could not repair. My wife told me that Binder
was in Messenkamp at my relatives inquiring as to my whereabouts.
He said something about riding to the Gasthaus Holzmuhle in the
vicinity of Eldagsen. Whether he is staying there I cannot say
for sure. I did not further bother myself with him and was not
again in touch with him.

When things pointed to me alone I tried as quickly as
possible to get to my family who were with my father in
Messenkamp. Participation in the fulfillment of these assign-
ments was out of the question.

I would like to state here that I did nothing not thought
of doing nothing. My main purpose was to keep my family together.
I have three children, age ten, seven and three years.

I told my wife what assignments we had been given to carry
out; but had never thought of the danger involved with respect
to myself. This assumption my wife also had. I would like to
state that I never had, do not have, ~~MEX~~ a weapon. An order that
I surrender myself was unknown to me.

As far as my memory permits the following men also received
similar instructions:

Kellermeier, Kuhlmeier, Kasbrink, Graul, Blume, Wettig,
and Hoppe.

Where these people are is not known to me.

Witness
Henry A. Kissinger
Agent, CIC
Robert S. Taylor
Agent, CIC

Signed
Adolf Rinne

April 16, 1945

Subject: Translation of Statement of activities with the Gestapo

Re : Heinrich Binder, Member of the Gestapo, Hanover

1. Protection of leading personalities of the State and foreign diplomats.

2. Investigation of criminal acts of members of Hitler Youth.

3. Investigation of criminal acts of members of the Party

4. Discovery of anonymous letter writers

5. Mentally sick

My main duty was as is mentioned in Number 1.

It was my duty to carry out the necessary protective measures during the travelling through and stopping at the train station in Hanover of leading personalities.

If a visit in Hanover and the environs took place I had to supervise convoy security with my car and subsequently secure the meeting place or place of lodging.

(Signed)

Heinrich Binder

Witness:

Henry A. Kissinger
Agent, CIC

Robert S. Taylor
Agent, CIC

April 16, 1945

Subject: Translation of Statement on Underground Activity

Re : Heinrich Binder; Member of Gestapo, Hanover.

On Thursday, April 5, I was told by Criminal-Rat "Karg" that in the case of the occupancy of Hanover and surrounding country it would be best for me to stay in that neighborhood. Comrades RINNE and BUTTERBRODT were to stay behind. On my questioning as to the purpose of this I was told there was not anything definite but that we would get particulars later from the chief.

During the course of the same day I found that the following members also stayed behind:

1. Kasbrink

2. Kuhlmeyer

3. Graul

4. Blume

5. Wettig

6. Kellermeyer

7. Hoppe

On the next day around 1300 the afore mentioned persons got a briefing from the chief. As I had ridden to my wife I got them after it was over. The chief stated that he would not repeat because of me but I should get the orientation from Rinne. At 1600 there was to be a meeting at which the different points were to be covered and where eventually we would make contact with the main office.

This meeting did not take place as the chief rode to Braunschweig and had not returned at the time of our departure at 1830. Therewith we were isolated and had no knowledge of how to keep contact.

Rinne, when questioned about the reason for our staying behind, explained that our main purpose was to gauge public opinion and if opportunity presented itself to organize the public for resistance. We were to attempt to find contact with the Nazis and if the opportunity presented itself to commit sabotage.

We, that is RINNE, BUTTERBRODT, and myself were of the
same opinion that we would not obey such orders. On that
ground we, that is RINNE, MUTTERBRODT, and myself buried our
pistols near Dothfuhrt. As RINNER's wife lived in Messenkamp
we wanted to work on a farm in that neighborhood. Because
Rinne's bicycle broke down on our leaving Grosdungen on Mon-
day, I went ahead to the next village to find a mechanic. On
my way there I was stopped at a road block. Although I waited
a long time I never saw him again.

The whereabouts of BUTTERBRODT is not known to me. He
wanted to go to relatives in a village south of Hildesheim.
As I did not meet RINNE on Monday I continued to Elza and
stayed overnight. On Tuesday I rode to Eldagsen and there I
asked a miller BRANDES whether I could stay overnight. In an-
swer to his question as to where I came from I said I lived in
Hanover and worked in Goslar.

The next day I went to Springe to ask the whereabouts of
my wife. I had asked her in case Hanover should be defended
to go there and stay with a family we knew. She had shown lit-
tle enthusiasm and gave me no definite promises. From Springe
I rode to Lauenou to the wife of Comarade RINNE. She had to
leave her home because of quartering of occupation troops and
had gone to her in-laws in Messencamp. There I learned that
her husband had not yet arrived. At the same time I told her
where I'd be and asked that her husband visit me. On my return
I wanted to look up my friend Policeman Lüders in Springe. I
met his wife and an employee of the local police. I told both
where I was staying at the time and said that if Lüders had
time he should visit me. My aim was to speak with my colleague
as his opposition to National Socialism had been made known to
me.

As I rode through the village of Volksen I inquired of
the S.D. (CIC) member Libbeke whether he intended to stay there
He gave me as answer that he would probably go to Luneberger
Heide to relatives. In answer to my question as to where Schmidt
was staying he said somewhere in the vicinity of Hildesheim.
He could not remember the locality. I stayed about 10 minutes
drank a cup of coffee, and smoked a cigarette.

On Friday I rode to Hanover to see about my wife. She was
sick in bed with a high fever. I told her she could quiet her-
self regarding me as I had not and would not do anything wrong.
After about 1 hour I left again in order to see if I could run
into Blume, Wettig, or Hoppe and find out whether they wanted
to give themselves up. As I had no luck I again rode to ELDAGSEN
with the decision to stay there for the time being until a call
to give up followed or till the war was over which should hap-
pen in the next few days. I was fortified in my decision by
the statement of American soldiers that after the conquest of
Germany we would jointly march against Russia.

(Signed)

Heinrich Binder

April 16, 1945

Subject: Life History

Re : Heinrich Binder, member of Gestapo Hanover

I was born April 3, 1894, the son of the tailor Heinrich Binder in Lank, Kreis Heiligenteil (Ostpreussen). From the ages of 6-14 I attended school at my place of birth. After graduating from school I was an apprentice in the baking trade in Königsberg for four years. Then I volunteered for 3 years enlistment in the Dragon Regiment at Tilsit. With the outbreak of World War I, I was transferred to the signal corps of the 1st Div. I went through the whole war with this organization.

In January 1919 I was released in Königsberg as master sergeant. As no work was to be had I volunteered for the Iron Division and came to Kurland (Baltic Countries). When I came back to Germany in Sept. 1919, I applied for border police and was accepted. After that I was transferred to the police department of Hanover. Here I was attached to the political department and in 1933 transferred to the Gestapo with which I have been ever since.

On May 1st 1937 I became a member of the NSDAP. In the fall of 1939 various civil employees were screened as to eligibility for the S.S. As I was Acceptable, I became an applicant and about 3 years later I became Hauptscharfuhrer. Since according to the law the SS equivilant of my civil service position is untersturmfuhrer, I had to participate in an ss leadership course at Berlin in December 1942, which I failed.

I turned down suggestions to apply for another course. In June 1943 I was forced to attend another course at Prague which I passed. My appointment as Untersturmfuhrer followed in July 1944.

(Signed)

Witness:

Heinrich Binder

Robert S. Taylor
Agent C.I.C.

April 16, 1945

Subject: Translation of statement of personal Gestapo activities in Hanover

Re : Willi Hooge, Member of Gestapo

From 1922 to 1934 I worked with the regular police of Hanover but had to quit upon conclusion of my period of service of 12 years. I then applied for employment at various departments, among them the Gestapo. After waiting nine months I was then called to the Gestapo Hanover. My period of training lasted nine months, six of which I spent with the criminal police. My first assignment I received July, 1936 with the title of "Kriminal Oberassistant". On April 1st, 1941, I was promoted to "Secretar", which title I still hold.

Immediately upon my admission into the Gestapo Han-
over, I was assigned to the department, "Leftist Oppo-
sition". Today this is called "Department IV la & lb.
The department investigates Communism, Marxism, Defeat-
ism as well as the listening to foreign broadcasts.

In the first years after 1933 particular emphasis
was placed on cases concerning Communism and Marxism.
In particular, illegal organizations of the dissolved
and forbidden Social Democratic party and Communist
Party had appeared which specialized in the distribution
of leaflets. The last large illegal organization here
in Hanover was dissolved in August 1936. It called it-
self "Socialistic Front" and consisted of about 400-500
persons, mostly former members of the Social Democratic
party. The distribution of illegal leaflets was punish-
ed as high treason with prison or penetentiary terms of
about 2 years, depending on the activity of distribution.
The leader of the organization recieved 10 years in the
penitentiary. His name is WALTER SPENCEMAN and he is in
the penitentiary of Hammeln. Since such hard punishment
frightened people, no leaders to other illegal organiza-
tions appeared. Our department became smaller with the
passage of time because in the main there were only de-
munciations for listening to foreign broadcasts. I per-
sonally investigated reports on listening to foreign
broadcasts and appeals for mercy on re-establishing sub-
jects' political fitness for the Army. The political
fitness for the Army was given back to almost all who
had been convicted of preparation for high treason and
were still of draft age. There was naturally no interest
in sick or old people.

The accusation of listening to foreign broadcasts or defeatism which were handled at our office arrived partly in writing, partly orally. Great percentage of these accusations reached us by way of the Nazi party. To investigate these accusations was a purely punitive assignment since usually it was a case of simple denunciation. This is apparent, since the accuser did not utilize police channels but told his gossip to some party functionary. By this repetition a falsification of the true facts ensued almost invariably. Because the Nazi party required a report on the results of the investigations, the decisions were made more difficult. Thus there arose differences of opinion between Gestapo and Nazi party. The party, particularly the Gauleiter, carried through their will in every case. In many cases, he simply ordered a person arrested for a few days.

The largest part of the accusations were turned over to the district attorney after investigation. In light cases a Gestapo warning was given and the case was there-with concluded. The decisions were always made by the head of department and not the investigator. In our department only accusations against Germans were investigated. No violence or other excesses against the accused occurred in my department because since the accusations were brought to trial in most cases, the defendant, through his lawyer would complain and the district attorney there-upon prosecuted the investigator for injury in performance of duty. In other departments some very substantial punishments were known to me. By this I don't want to say that we were angels. I myself have, when necessary spoken a harsh word. On the other hand, I helped many people who were denounced at our office. In the other departments, where foreigners were investigated, physical violence was frequently in order.

Sending to concentration camps in our department occurred when a party functionary had finished the punishment the court of law had given him. For that special instructions had been issued by Berlin. From our department a request was sent in such cases to the department for protective custody, which then took care of transportation to a concentration camp. In many cases the department head personally ordered concentration camp. The investigator had no authority in such cases; he was merely the means of action.

(Signed)

Willi Hooge

April 16, 1945

MEMORANDUM TO THE OFFICER in CHARGE

Subject: Translation of Statement of Gestapo Underground Activity in Hannover

Re: Hans Hooge, Member of Gestapo

On Friday the 6th of April around 1600 the Gestapo received the order to move to Braunschweig. The chief, Obersturmbannführer Rensch, used his auto, all other members rode their bicycles. I myself rode with them for about two hours but then stayed back to return to my family. Before the organization left for Braunschweig two groups of three men each were organized to take over special duties. To the best of my knowledge contact was to be made with the Werewolves and all worthwhile information was to be gathered. Further statements as to the scope or definiteness of their duties I am unable to make. These men were sworn to secrecy. Furthermore I did not come in contact with them as I was occupied with the destruction of records by fire.

Complement of the Groups

Group I. Criminal Inspector Erich Binder, Hannover-Doehren, Helenenstrasse 14.

Criminal Ober Secretar Adolf Rinner, Hildesheimerstr. 12, last address at Gestapo headquarters.

Criminal Secretar Wilhelm Butterbrod, Hannover-Linden, Rothnerholzweg.

Group II. Inspector Erwin Kasbrink, Hildesheimerstrasse 12, last address at Gestapo headquarters. In charge of Ahlen Concentration Camp.

Criminal Secretar Fritz Hoppe, Hannover, Constantinestr.

Criminal Secretar Hermann Wettig, Hannover, Stoecknerstr.

Analysis of Members

Group I. Erich Binder: not very strong character, will talk if severely handled.

Adolf Rinne: quiet serious individual, likely not to take his assignment seriously, will talk without trouble. His family (wife and three children) live in

Lauenau/Deister with Manufacturer Sasse. It may be taken for granted that he is with his family. Perhaps his wife knows his whereabouts.

Wilhelm Butterbrod: tight-lipped man but knows what he wants. No National Socialist. That he will talk about his assignment without pressure is doubted.

Group II. Erwin Kasbrink: a genuine Westphalian "thickhead." Must be treated very sharply.

Fritz Hoppe: very secretive, nothing could be learned from him as an associate.

Hermann Wettig: don't treat him too severely. He is quiet and will give exact information.

It is not known to me whether both groups left Hannover before the occupation. I also do not know whether each man went his own way. As much as I know each group would stay intact as a unit. At least I suppose that was the intent.

Comrade Wettig is a concerned family man and I assume he advised his wife of his whereabouts. Whether the other women know the whereabouts of their husbands is hardly possible.

Whether additional members of the Gestapo are still in Hannover is not known to me. The women employees had already been released on April 4, 1945 and are naturally here. The largest part in any case rode to Braunschweig. They could, of course, have turned around and taken up residence with relatives who mostly live around Hannover.

I myself did not get any assignment. It could have been possible that wee would have been placed at the disposal of the Army in Braunschweig. One did speak of it in Hannover, but I assume that there were no weapons for us. If the men did not join the Wehrmacht in Braunschweig then they continued to the Harz. This was known to me through contact with Kriminalrat Karg.

Witnessed

Henry A. Kissinger
Agent, CIC

Robert S. Taylor
Agent, CIC

Signed

Willi Hooge

16 April 1945

Subject: Translation of Statement of Activities with The Gestapo

Re : Karl Blume, Member of Gestapo, Hannover

As I have already stated I belong to the Gestapo since 1938. After my assignment I immediately joined Department III (Abwehrabteilung -- counter-intelligence) which was later changed to Abteilung IV b. The first nine months I spent in the sub-department for "control." That means, every German who was to be employed in the armament industry was checked on his reliability from a criminal, political, and counter-intelligence point of view.

The investigation started in the local employment office and the employment was again notified after the investigation was completed by the Gestapo.

I remember that in the beginning of 1938 very strict standards were used. For instance a person was described as unreliable and not approved for armament work if he had been jailed repeatedly. If somebody was a functionary of the KPD (Communist party) or the SPD (Social Democratic party) he was also refused employment. This strict standard was reduced shortly after however, because more and more there was a lack of German workers.

As far as I can remember only such persons were investigated in the end who were slated for special confidential work. In such uses, political references were obtained from the party offices. Not infrequently it could be learned from such evaluations that the investigated person was judged on his money contributions rather than on his actual political attitude. A big role in the final evaluation was played by the personal relationship between the party functionary and the person concerned. Personally I always had the impression that in many cases unjust references were obtained. So much for my activities in Sub-department III B (armament).

After this I came to Sub-department III B. First I must explain that the sub-departments in Department III were according to countries. Thus Sub-department IIIB included the countries France, Holland, Belgium, as well as their colonies and possessions. Also Germany was subdivided, each sub-department being responsible for a share. For example, if a suspicion of espionage

arose against a Belgian woman residing in Germany, Sub-department IIIB was responsible. The process followed in such a case was about this:

First of all the exact background of the person was obtained, whatever could be learned about the person. In case the residence was changed frequently, necessary questionnaires were sent out and it was determined whether anything derogatory was known. In almost all cases a mail cover was run at the same time. After prolonged supervision and negative results the accused person was questioned regarding the accusation, or if it was obvious that the suspicion could not be substantiated further measures were not used.

I want to emphasize that I never beat a person in order to obtain a confession. Besides in the investigation of treasonable we were concerned with combatting sabotage. I want to state that in the zone of activity of the Hannover Gestapo no actual cases of treason occurred.

One of our main duties was the destruction of enemy communication systems. From the Reichsicherheitshauptamt (office in charge of security of Germany) it was repeatedly emphasized that stool-pigeons, informants and confidence-men were to be employed. I myself was reprimanded publicly because the persons I had reported as stool-pigeons never brought any informations. I must emphasize that I never had any use for the form of eavesdropping and I always resented denouncing a person because of some petty statement.

One of these persons employed by me as confidence man is Foreman Linz from the firm Oziurmist G.A. in Empelde. He merely reported to me once in the course of several years. That was to report to me that no complaints could be made, that the work of the foreigners particularly was satisfactory. Any other informants are not even known to me. I merely took them over from a colleague called Thiele, who had joined the Kriminalpolizei.

I now want to call attention to a few incidents that became known to me which I considered as horrible and to conceal them any longer would be against my conscience.

To the best of my knowledge it was in the spring of 1941 that I was in Norway, stationed in Bergen. At that time a Norwegian named Gerald SKJALD, an accountant in Bergen, was arrested. The distribution of leaflets in which German soldiers were asked to give up the fight was the case of arrest. At a search of SKJALD's apartment the passport of a former British consulate employee together with many similarly worded leaflets were found. I don't remember today in whose name the passport was made out. I personally was not present at the arrest or search of the house. However I was responsible for the continued

interrogated in Trondheim by Hauptscharfuhrer (staff-sergeant) OTTO in a business-like manner. The name of the accused officer I do not remember at the moment. At any rate when questioned he refused to make definite statements about the organization.

After a few days there appeared from the commander of the Sicherheitspolizei (security police) in Oslo, a Kommissar FEHMER. In his company were two SS Hauptscharfuhrers (Sergeant-majors) whose names I cannot recall. On the day of their arrival it was agreed to carry out the interrogation of the Norwegian lieutenant-colonel the following night. Beside this man another Norwegian, whose name is unknown to me now, was to be questioned also.

From the Trondheim SS Hauptscharfuhrer (sergeant-major) GUTKNECHT was delegated to participate in the interrogation. When he returned home the following day he told me that the lieutenant-colonel was dead. According to Gutknecht, the officer was questioned quietly for a few moments and when that was not successful he was attacked with rubber hoses and other instruments of torture. When after one beating water was poured on him, he made a croaking sound and died. Because the arrest could not remain secret, the relatives were to be told that he fell from a cliff in the darkness and was lost under drifting ice. As far as I know he was buried with a few executed Jews. This occurrence is known by Kommissar FEHMER from Oslo, and to both Comrade HOLLUCK and Comrade GUTKNECHT, both from the Gestapo, Vienna.

Witness

Henry A. Kissinger
Agent, CIC

Robert S. Taylor
Agent, CIC

Signed
Karl Blume

HEADQUARTERS 84th INFANTRY DIVISION
Office of the C.I.C. Detachment
A. P. 0.84, U.S.Army

16 April 1945

Re : Karl Blume, Gestapo, Hannover

Of five children I am the youngest. In Hannover, the city of my birth, I attended the Volkschule for eight years after which I learned the trade of locksmith. After four years as an apprentice I worked with a few interruptions as a draftsman. As it was impossible to obtain a steady job in my trade during the following period of unemployment, I applied for the police in 1928.

Action in this direction came through a Police Captain Mueller, who, because of my sporting activities, referred me to this trade. As police applicant I attended the Police school in Hildesheim from 1928-29 and thereupon came to Hannover as a reserve in the Schutzpolizei. I stayed in the Reserve until 1935. In the end the Schutzpolizei was reorganized into the Landespolizei of groups of one hundred.

Against my will in October 1935 I was absorbed into the Wehrmacht. The then Bn. commander, Lt. Col. Brupator, had staked his reputation to report his battalion as one hundred per cent ready to join the Landespolizei to the next higher echelon. We were told we would be treated as traitors if we stood on our rights as policeman in order to avoid absorption in the Wehrmacht.

My transfer followed this pressure. For one year I was attached to Inf. Regt. 73 and another year to Inf. Regt. 82 in Nordheim. During this period I tried numerous times to be transferred back to the police. Finally in October 1937 with a change of company commanders I was successful.

From the Wehrmacht in Nordheim I came back to Hannover again and was attached to the 17th Police District. In December of the same year I looked up in the district a comrade of mine of the Schutzpolizei Reserve. He told me to apply for the Gestapo immediately as I would definitely increase my earning capacity. Up to that time I did not know what sort of work the Gestapo did. As I had been married since 1934 and as the income in the Schutzpolizei was small I stepped over to the Gestapo without thinking. I have been with the Gestapo since January 1938.

HEADQUARTERS 84th INFANTRY DIVISION
Office of the C;I;C. Detachment
APO 84, U. S. Army

16 April 1945

Subject: Translation of Statement on Gestapo Underground Activities in Hannover

List of Persons Who Stayed Behind

1. Hoppe

2. Wettig

3. Blume

4. Binder

5. Rinne

6. Butterbrodt

7. Kellermeier

8. Kasbrink

Those listed under 4-6 undoubtedly are staying in Lauenau.
Probably the family (wife and children) of Rinne are there too.

Where Kellermeier and Kasbrink are is not known to me.

To this group belongs another comrade whose name I am
unable to recall at the moment. Also the whereabouts of this
man are unknown to me. He belongs to the administration.

Assignments Given Us Were

1. Attack enemy tanks.

2. Resistance group, organization of

3. Carrying out of sabotage.

Definite orders for the fulfillment of these assignments
was never given us. Our activity was to take place in the zone
of the Gestapo in Hannover. We were to keep contact with each
other, nevertheless, each of us was to carry out his own work.
We were further instructed to designate meeting places where
we could be contacted. Our messages were to be made under the
code of our former telephone number. Our names were not to
be known. As a meeting place for Hoppe, Wettig and myself
a business man in Schlachthausweg was designated.

Together with Hoppe, Wettig and myself, it was agreed
that we would not carry out our assignments. We also all agreed
that we might report ourselves to the occupying authorities as
soon as the Americans and British came in. My intentions as
outlined above were told my parents, my wife, my sister and

[c]

Office of the CIC Detachment

APO 84, U. S. Army

16 April 1945

Subject: Translation of Personal Gestapo Activities and Underground Assignments After Occupation

Re : Hermann Wettig, Member of Gestapo, Hannover

Since 7 December 1937 I have been a member of the Gestapo, office Hannover. In August/September 1938 I participated in a course for criminal police at the leadership school in Berlin- Charlottenburg. Until about April 1940 my professional activity consisted of the investigation, with the assistance of estab- lished political and criminal files, of those persons who were considered for employment in the armament industries, as well as the reply to questions from the Abwehr (C.I.C.) Wehrkreis in Hannover regarding the records of persons who were being considered for officers or carriers of secret documents.

If persons were charged politically; that is, were re-
puted politically to have a negative attitude towards the NSDAP
or were convicted of serious criminal offenses, the Gestapo
objected to the appointment.

On 23 April 1940 I was drafted and served as criminal
assistant to the chief and later commander of the Sicherheits-
polizei (security police) and Sicherheitsdienst (C.I.C.) in
Oslo/Norway. During that time I had to work in the anti-foreign
sense, that is, aid in the apprehension of all foreigners
particularly enemy aliens. My demeanor during automatic
internment proceedings was approved by the American consul in
Oslo.

Through an exchange I returned to the Hannover office in
the middle of January 1942 and therewith to the former Abteiling
(department) III, later IVb. This department was the so-called
"Abwehr" (counter-intelligence) and had nothing to do with
political investigations. As is implied in the department name,
the department combated the dangers that threatened the war-
potential or the military field. This work was divided into
departments by country.

This work was divided into departments by country. I had
the duty of combatting treasonable activities, to investigate
acts of sabotage and to work preventively through the supervis-
ion of foreigners. My main responsibility were nationals from
East or Southeastern Europe. Counter-espionage was almost

(c)

like threshing straw with nothing in it, that is, almost always the results were negative. Particular emphasis was placed on preventative counter-intelligence., supervision and control of persons and mail.

In 1938 I was admitted into the SS in connection with the taking over into the SS of former police members. Automatically I became an Oberscharführer (staff-sergeant), Hauptscharführer (sergeant-major) and Sturmscharführer (regimental sergeant-major) in the Sicherheitsdienst (C.I.C.) On order I participated, in January 1944, in a five day leadership course in Rankerhalle/Harz. On 9 November 1944 I was promoted to the SS rank of Untersturmführer (lieutenant) in the Sicherheitsdienst (C.I.C.).

I want to state in this connection that I neither possessed nor wore such a uniform. My civil service rank was that of Kriminalsecretaer.

Thursday last (5 April 1945) I received, from our department head SS Hauptsturmführer (captain) Pabst, together with Karl Blume and Fritz Hoppe the order to remain singly in Hannover or the neighborhood. That means we were to let ourselves be overrun and attempt to learn as much as possible about the enemy. Each of us was to specify a hiding place which would be visited by a courier when the opportunity presented itself. So much for the remarks, which were generalities, made by Commissar Pabst.

Hoppe, Blume, and myself met the same day and agreed that we wouldn't carry out an order that was not even clearly given. We realized, on the basis of Germany's hopeless military situation and were strengthened by enemy broadcasts, that partisan activity was not our field, and on the other hand such an undertaking would only mean death. All of a sudden we, who had not been "Old Fighters" (party members before 1933) were found to have been where formerly we had always been attacked as former members of the "Red police."

The following day, the official records and secret documents had meanwhile been destroyed, the chief, SS-Obersturmbannführer RENTSCH (Lt.-Col.), gave an orientation shortly before noon in the dining room of the office on Hildesheimerstrasse 12. In the beginning he described the military situation in the West, the formation of bridgeheads Mienburg, Minden, Rintelen and Hameln, and revealed that aside from the majority, which sooner or later on the order of the tactical commander would withdraw, a few comrades with special duties were to remain here.

He wanted to brief those concerned in his room. In the room, of the leader were Fritz Hoppe, Karl Blume, myself, Folizei-inspektor Erich Kasbrink, Kellermeyer, Eitel Weber, a to-me-strange comrade from the "street service called Graul, Erich Binder and Adolf Rinne. The chief, in his capacity as chief of

Hoppe told Kriminalrat Karg, assistant chief, the same day that our group would have a central location at the restaurant "Zum Schlachthof", owner Albert Baehrmann.

I attempted repeatedly to surrender myself to the occupation forces. Since Blume went to Barsinghausen towards the end of last week, and he assured me of his attitude on his word of honor, I visited Hoppe for the second time in the above-mentioned restaurant. He promised me he would feel out Military Government on the 12 April 1945. Because of my arrest today I couldn't surrender myself together with Hoppe as we had discussed. That I was willing from the beginning to surrender myself to the enemy and not spare the truth can be confirmed by my wife and parents-in-law. I did not try to escape arrest by fleeing and stayed in my apartment.

In conclusion I want to state that I did not shoot nor kill anybody. I always in my activities followed the principle: Treat the person who is powerlessly in your hands how you would like to be treated in his place.

Witness

Henry A. Kissinger
Agent, CIC

Robert S. Taylor
Agent, CIC

Signed

Hermann Wettig

HEADQUARTERS 84th INFANTRY DIVISION
Office of the CIC Detachment
APO 84, U. S. Army

16 April 1945

Re- : Hermann Wettig, Member of Gestapo, Hannover

I was born 27 December 1908, the son of Friedrich Wettig and his wife Johanna, born Bussner, at Hamelm/Weser. I grew up and was educated in my parent's house, attended the public school for eight years and learned in the years 1923-27 the trade of locksmith. After one year as workman, I came as a result of my application -- I tried to avoid a threatening unemployment -- to the Police school in Hildesheim. On 1 April 1929 my transfer as "Polizeiwachtmeister" to Hannover occurred, specifically to the 4th "police alert." In August 1933 I automatically became a member of the Landespolizei. From October to December 1934 I participated in a district police applicant's course in Hannover. On 3 May 1935 I was transferred against my will to the Luftwaffe. I served as corporal on the ground crew of the squadron Tannerman and was re-transferred to the police of Hannover on the basis of my request of 1 April 1936. As district Oberwachtmeister I walked a beat in the 17th district of Hannover. On 7 December 1937 I entered the service of the Gestapo, office Hannover.

I have been married since 14 June 1936 to Kaethe Gottschalk. There are two children from the marriage, aged eight and two years.

Politically I have been a Nazi party member since 1 February 1940.

Witness

Signed

Hermann Wettig

RESTRICTED CLASSIFICATION

Remove per E.O. 10501

RESTRICTED

APO 84, U. S. Army,

27 April 1945.

General Orders )

Number.....81 )

I. AWARDS OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE UNIT PLAQUE

II. AWARDS OF SILVER STAR MEDAL

III. AWARDS OF BRONZE STAR MEDAL

I. AWARDS OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE UNIT PLAQUE: Under the provisions of Section I, War Department Circular 345, 23 August 1944, the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque is awarded to:

Service Battery, 325th Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army. For superior performance of duty in the accomplishment of exceptionally difficult tasks, 12 November 1944 to 15 April 1945. During this period, the members of this unit, maintaining a high standard of discipline and displaying loyalty, courage and initiative, performed their multiple duties under the hazards of combat conditions and adverse weather in a manner which contributed materially to the success of the battalion's military operations. The exemplary action and commendable conduct of the members of Service Battery, 325th Field Artillery Battalion, reflect high credit upon the unit and the armed forces of the United States.

Company B, 309th Medical Battalion, United States Army. For superior performance of duty in the accomplishment of exceptionally difficult tasks, 18 November 1944 to 1 April 1945. During this period, the members of this unit, displaying skill, loyalty and tireless effort, performed their multiple duties under adverse conditions and frequent enemy fire in a manner which insured prompt and efficient medical care to the sick and wounded personnel of the Division. The exemplary action and commendable conduct displayed by the members of Company B, 309th Medical Battalion, reflect high credit upon the unit and the armed forces of the United States.

Company D, 309th Medical Battalion, United States Army. For superior performance of duty in the accomplishment of exceptionally difficult tasks, 15 January to 15 April 1945. During this period, the members of this unit, displaying skill, loyalty and initiative, in addition to the capable operation of a clearing station, established and maintained a convalescent center for the Division which resulted in the restoration to health and duty of a large number of personnel suffering from combat exhaustion and psychoneurosis. The exemplary action and commendable conduct displayed by the members of Company D, 309th Medical Battalion, reflect high credit upon the unit and the armed forces of the United States.

Service Company, 771st Tank Battalion (Attached 84th Infantry Division), United States Army. For superior performance of duty in the accomplishment of exceptionally difficult tasks, 21 December 1944 to 15 April 1945. During this period, the members of this unit, maintaining a high standard of discipline and displaying loyalty, initiative and tireless effort, performed their multiple duties under the hazards of combat conditions and adverse weather in a manner which contributed materially to the success of the battalion's military operations. The exemplary action and commendable conduct of the members of the Service Company, 771st Tank Battalion, reflect high credit upon the unit and the armed forces of the United States.

(over)

RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED CLASSIFICATION

Remove per E.O. 10531

RESTRICTED

(Section II, General Orders 81, Hq 84th Inf Div, 27 Apr 45, contd)

artillery inflicted numerous casualties upon the unit with which he was serving as a medical aid man during an attack upon a German town, Private First Class Campos, disregarding his own safety, treated several of the wounded and evacuated them to a truck which had been converted temporarily into an ambulance. He then continued to care for his respective wounded after joining another medical aid man who was treating a number of other casualties, until they arrived in a German town where they placed the injured on a battalion aid train. The cool courage, initiative and superior performance of duty displayed by Private First Class Campos reflect high credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States. Entered military service from California.

### III. AWARDS OF BRONZE STAR MEDAL:
By direction of the President and under the provisions of AR 600-45, as amended, and Memorandum 34, Headquarters Ninth United States Army, 8 September 1944, as amended, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to:

Staff Sergeant CLAUDE P. DAVIS 38376624, 334th Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 7 April 1945. Entered military service from Louisiana.

Staff Sergeant GEORGE ABES 32109556, Interrogation of Prisoner of War Team Number 111 (Attached 84th Infantry Division), United States Army. For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Belgium and Germany, 12 November 1944 to 23 April 1945. Entered military service from New York.

Staff Sergeant ROBERT W. BELFORD 18148088, 334th Infantry, United States Army. For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 10 April 1945. Entered military service from Oklahoma.

Staff Sergeant WALTER C. BOYD 39404773, 333d Infantry, United States Army. For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 8 April 1945. Entered military service from California.

Staff Sergeant LAYTON A. RCYDE 20709318, 333d Infantry, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 14 - 15 April 1945. Entered military service from Minnesota.

Sergeant HENRY A. KISSINGER 32816775, 84th Counter-Intelligence Corps Detachment, United States Army. For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 28 February to 18 April 1945. Entered military service from New York.

Technician Fourth Grade NORVILLE W. BERT 38355849, 325th Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army. For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 13 April 1945. Entered military service from Arkansas.

Private First Class JACK H. FRENCH 33646895, 333d Infantry, United States Army. For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 9 - 12 April 1945. Entered military service from Virginia.

RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED CLASSIFICATION

Remove per E.O. 10501

RESTRICTED

APO 84, U. S. Army,

27 April 1945.

General Orders )
:
Number.....81 )

(over)

RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED CLASSIFICATION

Remove per E.O. 10501

RESTRICTED

Staff Sergeant CLAUDE P. ADAMS 38376624, 334th Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 7 April 1945. Entered military service from Louisiana.

Staff Sergeant GEORGE AMBES 32109556, Interrogation of Prisoner of War Team Number 111 (Attached 84th Infantry Division), United States Army. For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Belgium and Germany, 12 November 1944 to 23 April 1945. Entered military service from New York.

Staff Sergeant ROBERT W BELFORD 18148088, 334th Infantry, United States Army. For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 10 April 1945. Entered military service from Oklahoma.

Staff Sergeant WALTER C BOYD 39404773, 333d Infantry, United States Army. For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 8 April 1945. Entered military service from California.

Staff Sergeant LAYTON L. ROYCE 20709318, 333d Infantry, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 14 - 15 April 1945. Entered military service from Minnesota.

Sergeant HENRY A KISSINGER 32816775, 84th Counter-Intelligence Corps Detachment, United States Army. For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 28 February to 18 April 1945. Entered military service from New York.

Technician Fourth Grade NORVILLE W BERT 38355849, 325th Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army. For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 13 April 1945. Entered military service from Arkansas.

Private First Class JACK H FRENCH 33646895, 333d Infantry, United States Army. For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 9 - 12 April 1945. Entered military service from Virginia.

RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED CLASSIFICATION

Remove per E.O. 10501

RESTRICTED

(Section III, General Orders 81, Hq 84th Inf Div, 27 Apr 45, contd)

Private First Class LOUIS KOSMO 31224690, 333d Infantry, United States Army. For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 9 - 12 April 1945. Entered military service from Massachusetts.

Private First Class CLIFFORD H KUEHN 36729876, 333d Infantry, United States Army. For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 9 - 12 April 1945. Entered military service from Illinois.

Private First Class ALEXANDER MCKETO 35525435, 333d Infantry, United States Army. For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 9 - 12 April 1945. Entered military service from Ohio.

Private First Class HERBERT SHOLNICK 32688807, 333d Infantry, United States Army. For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 9 - 12 April 1945. Entered military service from New York.

Private First Class LTO TERRY 34814384, 333d Infantry, United States Army. For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany, 9 - 12 April 1945. Entered military service from Alabama.

By command of Major General BOLLING:

L. W. TRUMAN
Col GSC
Chief of Staff

OFFICULAR:

B E CRAIG

Lt Col AGD

Adjutant General

rph

DISTRIBUTION:

<table><tr><td>SG. A.DG, COFS</td><td>1</td><td>CO Hq Co, 84th Inf Div</td><td>1</td><td>CO 309th Engr C Bn</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, G-5</td><td>1</td><td>CO 784th Ord DM Co</td><td>1</td><td>CO 309th Med Bn</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>CO 84th Div Arty</td><td>2</td><td>CO 84th QM Co</td><td>1</td><td>CO 557th AAA AW Bn</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>AG, CH, CTC, QAL O</td><td>1</td><td>CO 84th Ren. Trp Mecz</td><td>1</td><td>CO 638th TD Bn</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>Wing, Fin O, GRO</td><td>1</td><td>CO 84th Sig Co</td><td>1</td><td>CO 771st Tk Bn</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>Hist O, IG, JG</td><td>1</td><td>CO 333d Inf</td><td>2</td><td>Each Off, EM Concerned</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Ord O, PM, Post O</td><td>1</td><td>CO 334th Inf</td><td>2</td><td>T.G</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>PRO, QM</td><td>1</td><td>CO 335th Inf</td><td>2</td><td>CG ETO, Attn: A&D</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>Sig C, Sp Sv O, Surg</td><td>1</td><td>CO Hq Btry, 84th Div Arty</td><td>1</td><td>Br., A.G Mil Pers</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>Hq Comdt</td><td>1</td><td>CO 325th F.A. Bn</td><td>2</td><td>CG Twelfth A Cp, Attn: 37th MRU</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>CO 84th Reinf Cen</td><td>1</td><td>CO 326th F.A. Bn</td><td>2</td><td>CG Ninth U. S. Army, Attn: A&D Br, AG-M</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>CO Sp Trps</td><td>1</td><td>CO 909th F.A. Bn</td><td>2</td><td>CO IPN Team No. 111</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Turg, Sp Trps</td><td>1</td><td>CO 327th F.A. Bn</td><td>2</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

- 4 -

RESTRICTED

Statement: 26 April 1945

I, Margarete Biernath, do hereby declare:

On 24 April 1945 I was evacuated from Merchow to Prezelle. About 2300 on 24 April 1945 A person familiar with my knowledge of English came to me in the courtyard of House No. 3 and stated that help was needed because a woman was being attacked. More than that I was attracted by the screams of the woman. Leaving the courtyard I saw a woman clinging to the fence and a man pinning her arms to her sides and trying to feel her body. I than ran to the responsible authorities for help. When I returned I saw the woman, still screaming for help, on the ground with the soldier on top and trying to subdue her. When the authorities arrived I saw one of them threaten the soldier with a pistol. I cried, "Don't shoot, you might hit the woman." After the soldier was separated from the woman I saw him attack one of the authorities with a fist.

This statement has been translated to me in German by Henry A. Kissinger and I also have a knowledge of the English language. I swear that this is a true statement.

Margarete Biernath

HEADQUARTERS 84th INFANTRY DIVISION
Office of the 84th C.I.C. Detachment
A.P.O. 84, U. S. Army

17 March 1945

Subject: Investigation of City Officials in Krefeld
Re: Political Fitness for Office

PART ONE, INTRODUCTION

When Krefeld was first occupied by American troops on 4 March 1945 all normal functions of civic government had ceased. The most pressing problem for Lt. Col. J. C. Joublane, commander Civil Affairs Detachment FLH3, and Major Bard, Commander Detachment H1C2, was the creation of a civic administration capable of meeting the most urgent administrative duties. A Burgomeister was appointed and with the assistance of this man a civil administration was set up. Each man considered for public office had to submit a personal questionnaire, for clearance by C.I.C.

The administration in Krefeld was divided into five departments: Administration; Finance; City Supply and Building; Sanitary Board; Law Board.

II

Administration, however, is not the only problem facing the occupation forces. There is also a political problem. For twelve years the Nazis have had a stranglehold on those in public office. Officialdom and Nazism have, as a result, become almost synonymous in the public mind. It becomes the duty therefore of the occupying authorities to clean the city administration of these cliques of Nazi ideologists. This is embodied in Letter No. 014.13 (G-5), Headquarters 12th Army Group, 27 December 1944, which states: "All higher Civil Service officials will be treated as suspects until they have been cleared of leadership in the Nazi party and have demonstrated their willingness to cooperate with Military Government authorities."

III

With these principles in mind, these agents conducted an investigation of the key officials within the city administration of Krefeld. A cross-section of known anti-Nazis of various backgrounds (see Part Two, this memorandum) was interviewed and the following summary of investigations is presented.

PART TWO, BACKGROUND OF INFORMANTS:

I

Dr. Hans BACHEM, 5 Bogenstrasse, Krefeld. Informant is an architect and was a member of the city council between 1922 and 1934. Informant is thus well acquainted with the backgrounds of persons in public office. Informant was member of the Liberal Party (a little left of center) and an ardent opponent of Nazi principles and practices. In 1934 because of his outspoken criticism of the Nazi Party, Informant was dismissed from the city council and has held no office since. Informant has never been a Party member.

II

Dr. Josef BLAAS, 215 Steinstrasse, Krefeld. Informant is a Catholic priest who has opposed the Nazi Party on religious and ethical grounds. Informant was Principal of a high school in Suechteln, between 1930 and 1933 when he was dismissed because of his opposition to Naziism. Between 1934 and the present Informant taught Religious subjects in Krefeld High schools and became well acquainted with persons in public office.

Dr. BLAAS has been a valuable source of information to this office, once materially assisting in the arrest of a Kreisjagermeister (Nazi district chief of hunting). Informant has never been a Party member.

III

Oskar GEISS, 40 Nerzstrasse, Krefeld. Informant was secretary of the Social Democratic Party (a moderate leftist political party) in Krefeld from 1919 to 1933, when the party was dissolved. During this period Informant was fourth Assistant Burgemeister, and is therefore acquainted with persons in public office.

Informant has been in prison twice because of his ardent and outspoken opposition to Nazi principles. Informant has never been a member of the Nazi Party.

IV

Father Wilhelm HAVENICK, 148 Oberdiessemesserstrasse, Krefeld. Informant has been an outspoken opponent of the Nazi Party. Informant was imprisoned twice for anti-Nazi sermons delivered from his pulpit. Informant has never been a Party member.

V

Dr. Alfred von ITTER, Maria Church, Krefeld. Informant has been deacon of Catholic church in Krefeld since 1915. Informant was a member of the city council from 1919 to 1933, when he resigned because of his opposition to the Nazi Party.

Informant is well acquainted with persons in public office. Informant has never been a Party member.

- 3 -

VI

Josef LEWITZKI, Ludendorfallee, Krefeld. Informant is manager of a large silk factory in Krefeld. Informant was a member of the Zentrum Party (Catholic center party) prior to 1933 and has never been a member of the Nazi party. As an industrialist, Informant is acquainted with some of the men in public office.

VII

Josef WEHLER, 67 Volterstrasse, Krefeld. Informant was secretary of Catholic labor Organizations in the Krefeld area until 1933. As a representative of the Zentrum party, Informant was a member of the city council from 1926 to 1933, when he resigned due to his opposition to the Nazi Party.

Informant was arrested twice by the Gestapo for his outspoken criticism of the Nazi Party.

VIII

Dr. PAUL WITTEN, 5 Stadtgarten, Krefeld. Informant was active in the city administration as financial expert and assistant Burgomeister from 1916 to 1933, when he was dismissed because of his outspoken criticism of Nazi principles and practices. Informant has not held public office since his dismissal in 1933. Informant was a member of the Zentrum party and is well acquainted with persons in public office.

IX

Agents' Notes:

This list comprises a cross-section of known anti-Nazis in Krefeld. Many varying backgrounds were selected to obtain a representative picture of public sentiment.

2.187.2

of diploe office.
Mark asking background were affected to obtain a representative broome
Type that comprises a cross-section of known anti-Meseta in Krelejd.

AENJE MOCES:

IX

accredited with benevolent in dipliche office.

Informed was a member of the Seminary which has well
democratie in 1933. Informed was not held dipliche office since his
principles and bracteates. Informed was not held dipliche office since his
to 1933, when he was accredited because of the onaboken critical of the
city administration at Innowołt exerst and sealefand Barkeferer. From 1930
Dr. Bant MILLEN, & Stadtfanger, Krelejd. Informed was active in the
AIII

AII

of the West Bara.
Informed was arranged twice by the General for the onaboken critical
tow 1930 to 1933, when he resigned due to his objection to the West Bara.
entitative of the Seminary bara. Informed was a member of the city concert
Catholic ispor. Organisations in the Krelejd areas until 1933. We a repre-
Joseph WEIHER, of Agerterassae, Krelejd. Informed was secretary of

AII

men in dipliche office.
West bara. We an industrnatist. Informed is accredited with some of the
(Catholic cener. bara) prior to 1933 and has near past a member of the
aftik sector in Krelejd. Informed was a member of the Seminary bara
Joseph TEMLISKI, Ingentorlaftes, Krelejd. Informed je nanser ol a jare

- 3 -

PART THREE, BURGOMEISTER:

Dr. Johann STEPKES
Tenderingstrasse, 2
Krefeld.

These Agents conducted an investigation of Subject's background and
political fitness for the office of Burgomeister.

I

Informant GEISS, gave the following summary of Subject's background.
Subject was on the City Council from 1920 to 1930 as a representative of
the Zentrum party. In 1930 Subject was elected Burgomeister in Kleve. Due
to his opposition to the Nazi Party, Subject was forced to resign from that
position in 1933 and has devoted himself to a private law practice since.

This statement was corroborated by Father Wilhelm HAVENICK, who was
present at the interview.

II

Informant WEHLER gave the following summary of Subject's background.
Subject had been a representative of City Council until 1930, when he was
elected Burgomeister in Kleve. Subjects' opposition to the Nazi party caused
his dismissal from that office in 1933. Subject was to be arrested in the
summer of 1944 in connection with the attempted assassination of Hitler but
was hospitalized at that time with pneumonia.

III

Informant von ITTER, in substance made the following statements regarding
Subject. Subject is a good Catholic and as such, is opposed to Naziism on
ethical and religious grounds. Subject was ousted from his position as
Burgomeister in Kleve because of his unwillingness to compromise with the
Nazi Party. The population of Krefeld will approve the choice of Subject
as Burgomeister, since there can be no question of his consistent opposition
to the Nazi Party.

IV

Informant LEWITZSKI, gave the following summary concerning Subject's
political background. Subject was a member of the Zentrum party until 1933
representing it on the City Council until his election as Mayor of Kleve
in 1930. Subject was forced to resign his mayoralty because of his criticism
of the Nazi Party. Subject is known to the population as a consistent
opponent of Nazism and Universally approved.

V

An examination of the Subject's questionnaire revealed the following
pertinent information:

Subject had been on the City Council in Krefeld from 1920 to 1930
and Mayor of Kleve from 1930 to 1933, as a representative of the Zentrum
Party. Subject has not been a member of the Nazi party and was not a
functionary in any party sponsored organization.

unanimously in any branch sponsored organization.

Barr. Appl.apptor has not been a member of the East Branch and was not a
and member of Kleve from 1930 to 1933, as a representative of the Central
Supt. had been on the CFA Council from 1930 to 1930

benevolent information:

An examination of the Supt.'s questionnaire revealed the following

A

objection of Messrs and universities abhorred.

of the East Branch. Appl. et al know to the objection as a consistent
re presenting if on the CFA Council must have effected as major of Kleve
bofficial background. Appl. was a member of the Central branch until 1933
Information FERLITZSKI gave the following summary concerning Supte.

IV

to the East Branch.

The Bursomeater, since there can be no objection of his consistent objection to the East Branch. Appl. et al know to the objection as a consistent objection of the East Branch. Appl. et al should have the choice of Supt. Bursomeater in Kleve because of his manifuglness to compromise with the Supt. and reftone homma. Supt. was oriented from his objection as Supt. Appl. was a good Catholic and as such, is obliged to Messrs on Information about ITTEN. Inasmuch as the following statements regarding

III

was, without faulted at that time with homomata,
amount of John in connection with the attempted assassination of Hilter put
life directly from that office in 1933. Supt. was to be arrested in the
elected Bursomeater in Kleve. Supte's objection to the East Branch caused
Supt. had been a representative of CFA Council until 1930 when he was
informed CR122 gave the following summary of Supt.'s background.

II

beneath at the interview.

This statement was corroborated by further HAHNEN HAHNEN, who was

boition in 1933 and has devoted himself to a private law practice since.
to his objection to the East Branch. Supt. was forced to retrain from that
the Seminary branch. In 1930 Supt. was elected Bursomeater in Kleve. Due
Supt. was on the CFA Council from 1930 to 1930 as a representative of
Information CR122 gave the following summary of Supt.'s background.

I

belligerent fitness for the office of Bursomeater.
These Vences corroborated an investigation of Supt.'s background and

Kreiseld.
Tenderingkassette, S
Dr. Johanna STEPKER

PART THREE, BURGOMASTER:

- 7 -

1-7-10-1

PART FOUR, ADMINISTRATION I, GENERAL ADMINISTRATION:

Heinrick KESTING
140 Dyonisiusstrasse
Krefeld.

Secretary to the Mayor

Informant GEISS gave the following summary of Subject's background. Subject was Secretary to Burgomeister before 1933. Subject was demoted to an unimportant position because of "political unreliability". Subject's outlook was anti-Nazi, and only economic necessity might have forged him into party.

This information was corroborated by Informants HAVENICK AND WEHLER, who were present at the interview.

The following summary concerning Subject's background was made by Informant von ITTER. Subject was demoted in the civil service in 1933 due to his criticism of the Nazi party. Subject was a member of the Zentrum party until 1933 and joined the Nazi party, if at all, due to economic necessity.

Informant WITTEN made the following review about Subject's background. Until 1933 Subject was Chief Administrator of the Burgomeister's office. Subject was demoted in 1933 because of his refusal to join the Nazi Party. Subject is a devout Catholic and was a member of the Zentrum Party until 1933. In 1937 Subject joined the Party because of a threat of dismissal.

An examination of Subject's questionnaires revealed that he has been in civil service since 1928 and received no promotion during the twelve years of Nazi rule. Subject was demoted in 1933 because of his refusal to raise the Nazi flag over the city hall. Subject joined the Party in 1937.

II

Richard Lorentzen
15 Wangeheimerstrasse
Krefeld.

Manager of Board of Government

The following summary concerning Subject's background was made by Informant WEHLER. Subject was in charge of the welfare department until 1933, when he was demoted because of his opposition to the Nazi Party. Subject was to be pensioned in 1934 because of his criticism of Party practices. Subject was never a Party member.

This information was corroborated by Informants GEISS and HAVENICK, who were present at the interview.

Informant von ITTER gave the following review of Subject's background. Subject is a devout Catholic and was a member of the Zentrum Party until 1933. Subject has been a consistent opponent of the party and never became a party member. Subject's reputation as anti-Nazi is general among the population.

II (cont'd)

Examination of Subject's questionnaire revealed the following pertinent information. Subject is a career civil service employee and was demoted in 1933. Subject has never been a Party member.

III

Hans HOYER
97 Jahnstrasse
Krefeld.

City Auditor

Informant WITTEN gave the following summary of Subject's background. Subject is a devout Catholic and is opposed to the Nazi Party on religious principles. Subject has been in civil service for 20 years and received no promotion under the Nazis. Subject joined the party in 1938.

Informant BLASS made the following review of Subject's background. Subject is a former member of the Zentrum party and probably opposed to the Nazi party on religious grounds. Subject is rather adaptable and follows the master of the moment.

The following summary concerning Subject was given by Informant LEWITZKI. Subject has been in civil service for 20 years and is a former member of the Zentrum party. Subject is a party member and has been outspoken in his support of the party.

An examination of Subject's questionnaire revealed the following information. Subject has been in civil service since 1932 and has received two promotions under the Nazi rule. Subject has been a Party member since 1938.

Agents Notes: These agents recommend Subject's removal from office (see conclusions, Part Nine).

IV

Heinrich PUETZ
50 Hindenburgerstrasse
Krefeld.

Police and Fire Dept.

Subject has been investigated by Donino C.I.C. and has been removed from office on the basis of that investigation.

V

Josef NOLDEN
11 Herman Schumacherstrasse
Krefeld.

Food Procurement

Informant GEISS gave the following review of Subject's background. Subject has been in the civil service for over 20 years. Subject was in the Zentrum Party before 1933 and a known opponent to Nazi principles. Subject was probably not a party member.

Subject was properly not a barfly member.
the Seminum bar after 1933 and a known obviator to East branches.
Subject has been in the staff service for over 50 years. Subject was in
Intormant GIBB gave the following review of Subject's background.

Kneefeld
II Hermann Schmuescheratzeuse
Joel MORDEN

Jogd Lroomenmng

A

from office on the base of just inattentioon.

Subject has been inattentated by Douno C.I.C. and has been removed

Kneefeld
20 Haincupm.Geratzeuse
Heinrich HUNTS

Boffice und Bire Deb.

IV

conferations, but Mine).

Agente Note: These agents recommend Subject's removal from office (see

1938. two browoflow under the East line. Subject has been a barfly member since

intormation. Subject has been in staff service since 1935 and has received
An examination of Subject's questionnaire revealed the following

abnormal of the barfly.

Seminum barfly. Subject is a barfly member and has been outbitten in his
Subject has been in staff service for 50 years and is a former member of the

The following answer concerning Subject was given by Intormant FRIJNDSKI.

the master of the moment.

Subject is a former member of the Seminum barfly and properly observed to
the East barfly on religions groups. Subject is rather sapsapie and follows

Intormant HABE made the following review of Subject's background.

no browoflow under the East. Subject joined the barfly in 1933.
Subject has been in staff service for 50 years and received
Subject is a devout Catholic and is observed to the East barfly on religions
Intormant WITTMANN gave the following answer of Subject's background.

Kneefeld
& J. Japmattzeuse
Hans HOYER

Orrh. Andtfor.

III

1933. Subject has never been a barfly member.
intormation. Subject is a career staff service embroiler and was demoted in
Examination of Subject's questionnaire revealed the following background.

II (cont'd)

- 1 -

V (cont'd

This information was corroborated by Informants WEHLER and HAVENTICK
who were present at the interview.

Informant von ITTER made, in substance, the following summary of
Subject's background. Subject is an ardent Catholic and an active member
of the Zentrum party before 1933. Subject has been in the civil service
for over twenty years and has been an outspoken opponent of the Nazi Party.
Subject was probably not a member of the party.

The following review of Subject's background was made by Informant
WITTEN. Subject has been in the civil service all his life and is a
former member of the Zentrum party. Subject is an outspoken opponent of
the Nazi Party. Since Subject is irreplaceable in his present position
repeated attempt by the Nazis to dismiss him failed. Subject has received
no promotion under Nazi rule.

An examination of Subject's questionnaire revealed the following
pertinent information. Subject has been in civil service since 1907
and has received no promotion since 1933. Subject has never been a
member of the Party.

VI

M Mathias PUELLEN
153 Nordstrasse
Krefeld.

Food Distribution

Informant von ITTER gave the following summary of Subject's record.
Subject has been in civil service since 1924. Subject was an active member
of the Zentrum Party, prior to 1933, in charge of that party's publicity
in Krefeld. Subject has been an outspoken opponent of the Party, was
probably not a Party member.

Informant BACHEM made the following review of Subject's background.
Subject is a career civil service employee, whose slow promotion was due
to his outspokenness against the Nazis. Subject is a former member of
the Zentrum Party who always kept in touch with functionaries of parties
outlawed by the Nazis.

Informant BLAAS gave the following summary of Subject's background.
Subject is a devout Catholic and an active opponent of Nazi principles and
practices. Subject was not a party member and is respected by the population
for his consistent opposition.

An examination of Subject's questionnaire revealed the following facts.
Subject has been in civil service since 1928, was transferred to a subord-
inate position for political unreliability and received but one routine
promotion since 1933.

VII

Dr. Wilhelm DOHR
137 Schlageterallee
Krefeld.

Public Safety

["Knebelg.\nTJZ Schougeterfjæs\nDr. Aftnem DØG", "Luffic Ræfeg", "ATI", "broustøn around 1833.\n\nThe best station for bøfficials is the bønnefjord\nin the south. The best station is the bønnefjord\nin the north. The best station is the bønnefjord\nin the east. The best station is the bønnefjord\nin the west. The best station is the bønnefjord\nin the north. The best station is the bønnefjord\nin the south.", "The best station for the bønnefjord is the bønnefjord\nin the south. The best station is the bønnefjord\nin the north. The best station is the bønnefjord\nin the east. The best station is the bønnefjord\nin the west. The best station is the bønnefjord\nin the north. The best station is the bønnefjord\nin the south.", "brospektet not a barfjæmper.\n\nin Krebelg. Søpject has been an onfaboken oboutment of the barfjæmper, was of the Sejrums barfjæmper. Bjarke to 1833, in charle of that barfjæmper. Søpject has been in staff service since 1831. Søpject was an active member in the bønnefjord around 1832. Søpject gave the following annuity of Søpject's packfjord.", "Knebelg.\nTJZ Nordgavane\nM Mærriga BUELTM", "Log Distribution", "ATI", "memper of the barfjæmper.\n\nand has received no brostøn around 1833. Søpject has been a bønnefjord informator. Søpject has been in staff service since 1831. An examination of Søpject's bønnefjord was revisited the following no brostøn under the barfjæmper.\n\nrevisited after the 1833. Søpject has received no brostøn under the barfjæmper. Since Søpject has transferred to the bønnefjord informator, Søpject has been in the staff service of the bønnefjord informator around 1832. Søpject was an active member in the bønnefjord around 1832. Søpject gave the following annuity of Søpject's packfjord.", "Søpject was brospektet not a memper of the barfjæmper. for over twenty years and has been an onfaboken oboutment of the bønnefjord. Søpject has been in staff service of the Sejrums barfjæmper before 1833. Søpject has been in the staff service of the Sejrums barfjæmper before 1833. Søpject has been

VII (cont'd)

Informant WITTEN, gave the following summary of Subject's record.
Subject was in charge of education in orphan asylums in Krefeld. Due to
his opposition to the Nazi Party Subject was relegated to purely asminis-
trative duties after 1933. Subject was probably not a party member.

The following review of Subject's record was made by Informant LEWITZKI,
Subject was a member of the Zentrum party and an active opponent of Nazi
principles and practices. Subject was relegated to purely administrative
duties by the Nazi party and was constantly supervised by the Gestapo.

Informant BACHEN gave the following summary of Subject's background.
Subject was an active opponent of the Nazi party who was given a subordinate
position in 1933. Subject was kept in civil service only because no replac-
ement was available. Subject is respected by the population.

An examination of Subject's questionnaire revealed the following informati on
Subject has been in civil service since 1929 and has received no promotion under
Nazi rule. Subject joined the Nazi Party in 1941.

VIII

Wilhelm HORSTER
of Grenzstrasse
Krefeld.

Schools

The following summary concerning Subject's record was given by Informant
GEISS. Subject had subordinate position in school administration before 1933
and was put in charge of this department by the Nazis. Subject joined party
in 1933 and was an outspoken follower of the party. From the first Subject
always greeted acquaintances with "Heil Hitler".

Informant WEHLER gave the following report of Subject's record. Subject
has been a party member since 1933. Subject refused to speak with acquaint-
ances of known anti-Nazi sympathies. Subject was put in charge of Krefeld
schools by the Nazis. Subject should not hold public office under Allied
authority.

This information was corroborated by Informant HAVENICK, who was present
at the interview.

Informant BACHEM made the following summary of Subject's background.
Subject has been a party member since 1933 and was a vociferous adherent
of the party line. Subject refused to greet acquaintances of known anti-Nazi
sympathies when meeting in the streets or attempted to provoke them by
greeting with "Heil Hitler". Subject was put in charge of school administration
by the Nazis.

The following pertinent information was revealed upon examination of
Subject's questionnaire. Subject had a subordinate position in the city
administration before 1933 and was put in charge of Krefeld schools by the
Nazis. Subject joined the party in 1937.

Agents Notes: Subject should be removed from public office (see Conclusions
             Part Nine)

- 10 -

IX

Otto REYKERS
63 Brokerhofstrasse
Krefeld.

License Bureau

Informant WEHLER gave the following summary of Subject's record.
Subject is unknown in city administration before 1933. Subject consequently
owes his present position to the Nazis. In this capacity Subject had to
make speeches at civil weddings glorifying the party regime. Subject was
a member of the Party.

This information was corroborated by Informant HAVENICK who was present
at the interview.

The following report was made concerning Subject's record by Informant
GEISS. Subject obtained his position through the Nazis and is therefore
obligated to them. Subject was seen wearing a brown party uniform. Subject
had to officiate at weddings and make speeches indoctrinating the couple
in Nazi ideology. Subject is unfit to hold office under American authorities.

Informant ELAAS gave the following report concerning Subject. Subject
has been a party member. Subject's position involved the making speeches
at weddings indoctrinating the couple in Nazi theory and principles. Although
Subject was no functionary in the party his political reliability cannot
be vouched for.

An examination of Subject's questionnaire reveals the following information. Subject has been in civil service since 1930 and a party member since 1937.

Agents Notes: These Agents recommend Subjects removal from office (see Conclusions, Part Nine).

["Countryside, Part One.", "Agencies: These Agencies recommend Subjects remove from office (see\nsince 1933).", "Since 1933,", "Subject has been in civil service since 1930 and a barth member.", "An examination of Subject's desirability reveals the following informa-\ntion.", "be announced for.", "Subject was no longer in the barth via boîtier reliability cannot\nat meetings incoordinating the comité in Massa chusetts and principles. Through\nhas been a barth member. Subjects boîtier involved the making of absences\nincoordinating the comité.", "Incoordinating HAVS gave the following report concerning Subject.", "Subject is must to hold office under American authorities.\nSubject was seen working a prominent barth uniform. Subject\nofficed to them. Subject was seen working a prominent barth uniform. Subject\nGE122. Subject obtained a boîtier throughout the State and is therefore\nthe following report was made concerning Subject's record by Intermont", "at the interview.", "This information was corroborated by Intermont HAWMICK who was present", "a member of the barth.", "make absences at all meetings following the barth regime. Subject was\nmade present boîtier to the State. In this capacity Subject had to\ninform the State of theabsence of the barth. In this capacity Subject had to\n

- 11 -

PART FIVE, ADMINISTRATION II, FINANCE, TAXES AND SAVINGS:

I

Dr Paul WITTEN
90/93 Hochstrasse
Krefeld

Administrator

Informant GEISS gave the following summary of Subject's record and capabilities. Subject was in city administration as financial expert from 1916 to 1930, when he was appointed Assistant Burgomeister. In 1934 he was dismissed from that position because of his opposition to the Nazi Party. Subject's reputation as an anti-Nazi is general and he is respected for this consistent stand.

This information is corroborated by Informants HAVENICK and WEHLER.

Informant von ITTER made the following report concerning Subject's background. Subject was Assistant Burgomeister of Krefeld from 1930 to 1934. Subject was dismissed by the Nazis in 1934 for his outspoken criticism of their practices. Subject is a former member of the Zentrum party and a consistent opponent of Naziism.

The following summary of Subject's background was furnished by Informant LEWITZKI. Subject was Assistant Burgomeister of Krefeld until his dismissal by the Nazis in 1934 because of his opposition to their principles. After his dismissal from this office Subject spent most of his time outside of Germany on extensive travels. Subject is known by the population as a consistent opponent of the party.

Informant BLAAS gave the following summary of Subject's background. Subject was removed by the Nazis from his position as Assistant Burgomeister of Krefeld because of his criticism of party practices. Subject was never in the party and spent the greater part of his time, after removal from office, outside of Germany. Subject was always persona non grata with party and can be vouched for politically.

An examination of Subject's questionnaire revealed the following information. Subject has been in the civil service from 1916 to 1934. Between 1934 and 1939 Subject spent half a year each year in foreign countries. Subject has never been a party member.

II

Josef STEVERNTHAL
107 Frankenring
Krefeld.

Finance

Informant WEHLER furnished the following summary of Subject's background. Subject was a member of the Zentrum party until it was dissolved by the Nazis in 1933. Subject has been opposed to the Nazi party and was probably not a member. Subject has been a career civil service employee who received nothing but routine promotions under the Nazis.

This information was corroborated by Informants HAVENICK and GEISS, who were present at the interview.

- 12 -

II (cont'd)

The following summary concerning Subject's record was given by Informant
von ITTER. Subject is a devout Catholic and was an active member of the
Zentrum party before 1933. Subject has been identified with the city
administration for thirty years. Subject repeatedly was denied promotion
because of his refusal to join the Nazi party.

Informant LEWITZSKI gave the following summary of Subject's background.
Subject is a career civils service employee who was promoted slowly because
of his refusal to join the party. Before 1933 Subject was an active member
of the Zentrum party. If subject was in Nazi party, only economic necessity
was the reason.

An examination of Subject's questionnaire shows the following pertinent
information. Subject has been employed in civil service since 1914 and
received but one routine promotion under the Nazis. Subject joined the
party in 1941.

III

Hans HUEBINGER
63 Crakauer Strasse
Krefeld.

Tax Collector

Informant WITTEN provided the following report on Subject's background.
Subject has been a civil service employee for over twenty years.
Subject is "as unpolitical as money" but joined the party in 1933.

Informant BLAAS gave the following summary of Subject's background.
Subject is very adaptable and ready to serve the master of the moment.
Subject is a long time civil service employee, generally unpolitical, but
a party member since 1933.

An examination of the Subject's questionnaire revealed the following
information. Subject has been a civil service employee since 1911. Subject
joined the party in May, 1933.

Agents Notes: These agents recommend Subject's removal from public
office (See Conclusion, Part Nine).

IV

Gustaf CATWINKLE
12 Yorkstrasse
Krefeld.

Department of Inventables

Informant WITTEN made the following report of Subject's background.
Subject is a career civil service employee, who belonged to no political
party before 1933. Subject's reputation among his colleagues is anti-Nazi
but economic necessity made have forced him to join the party.

The following summary concerning Subject's background was made by
Informant BLAAS. Subject has been a member of city administration all
his life and is a capable financial expert. Subject is passive anti-Nazi
but economic need may have forced him to join the party.

In examination of Subject's direction and reason revealed the following

put economic need made have forced him to join the party.
His file and he a capable financial expert. Subject has become an anti-
Party. Subject has been a member of a city administration.
The following amount concerning Subject's background was made to

put economic necessity made have forced him to join the party.
Subject's direction about the collection of anti-Max
Subject is a career civil service employee, who deferred to no benefit
Subject before 1933. Subject's background about the following report of Subject's background.
Information WITTMANN made the following report on Subject's background.

Kneipp.
IS Lorkatrasse
Great CATWINKLES
Department of Information

Department of Information

IA

Office (See Conference, Bar, Nine).

Vladev Notes: These agents recommend Subject's removal from bar.

Joined the bar in May, 1933.

Information. Subject has been a civil service employee since 1931. Subject
is an examination of the Subject's direction and reason revealed the following

a barb member since 1933.

Subject is a former time civil service employee, generally without pay, put
Subject is a civil service employee and ready to serve the water of the moment.

Information: EVA 2 gave the following amount of Subject's background.

Subject is as follows as follows put turned the bar in 1933.
Subject has been a civil service employee for over fifteen years.

Information: KILKEN broadened the following report on Subject's background.

Kneipp.
Of Grunenstrasse
Home HUBBINGER

Tax Collector.

III

barb in July.

Received put one routine browfion under the Heta. Subject turned the
information. Subject has been employed in civil service since 1931 and
is an examination of Subject's direction and reason revealed the following

was the reason.

of the Semmum barb. It subject was in West barb, only economic necessary
of life retransit to join the barb. Before 1933 Subject was an active member.
Subject is a career civil service employee who was promoted early because
Information: TWILINSKI gave the following amount of Subject's background.

Because of his retransit to join the West barb.
Information for further reasons was denied promotion
Semmum barb before 1933. Subject has been identified with the era.
Now ITTER. Subject is a deviant Catholic and was an active member of the
The following amount concerning Subject's record was given by Information

II (conf'd)

- 15 -

H.1817.

- 13 -

IV (cont'd)

pertinent information. Subject has been a civil servant since 1908 and
received no promotion under the Nazis. Subject joined the party in 1937.

V

Max REISS
120 Prinz Ferdinandstrasse
Krefeld.

City Pay Office

Informant GEISS gave the following summary of Subject's background.
Subject a subordinante civil servant before 1933, was promoted to his
present position by the Nazis and is therefore obligated to them. Subject
has been outspoken party follower, who followed the party line until the
entry of American forces. Subject would be impossible in public office
in a democratic Germany.

The following summary of Subject's background was given by Informant
BLAAS. Subject is a long time party member and had various functions in
Nazi affiliated organizations. Subject was a personal friend of the
Kriesleiter (Nazi district leader) and is not the man to hold office under
American occupation.

Informant WITTEN provided the following summary of Subject's background.
Subject has been an ardent party member and therefore obtained many prom-
otions under Nazi rule. Subject was nominated to his present position by
Military Government only because of the inavailability of an experienced
replacement.

Upon examination of Subject's questionnaire the following pertinent
facts were revealed. Subject has been a civil servant since 1939 and was
promoted repeatedly under the Nazis. Subject has been a party member since
1937.

Agents' Notes: These agents recommend immediate removal of Subject
from public office (see Conclusions, Part Nine).

VI

Otto KARCH
111 Frankenring
Krefeld

Tax Collector

Informant BLAAS provided the following report on Subject's record.
Subject is a career civil servant who belonged to no political party
before 1933. Subject is ardent Catholic and consistently opposed the
Nazi party on religious grounds. Subject was once threatened with
dismissal from civil service because of his refusal to join the Nazi Party.
Only economic need could have forced subject to join the party.

Informant WITTEN gave the following summary of Subject's background.
Subject is a devout Catholic and as such, opposed to Nazis principles.
Subject has been in the civil service all his life, but due to his con-
sistent opposition to the Nazi party received only routine promotions
under Nazi rule. If Subject was a party member he was forced into it.

- 14 -

VI (cont'd)

An examination of Subject's questionnaire revealed the following pertinent information. Subject has been in civil service since 1930 and received but one promotion under the Nazis. Subject joined the Nazi party in 1940.

VII

Alfons HEINEN
212 Verdingerstrasse
Krefeld

City Savings Bank

Informant WEHLER gave the following summary of Subject's background. Subject has been director of City Savings Bank for twenty years. Subject was a member of the Zentrum party before 1933 and was opposed to Nazi principles. Subject may have been forced into the party.

Unformant LEWITSKI provided the following report on Subject's record. Subject, a devout Catholic, was an active member of the Zentrum party until 1933. Subject always opposed Nazi principles and practices. Subject may have been forced into party.

The following summary of Subject's background was made by Informant von ITTER. Subject has been Director of City Savings Bank since 1923. Before its dissolution in 1933, Subject was a member of the Zentrum party. Subject has always opposed the Nazi party on religious grounds and could only be a forced member.

An examination of Subject's questionnaire revealed the following information. Subject has been Director of City Savings Bank since 1933. Subject has been a party member since 1939.

Subject has been a bank member since 1933.

In examination of Subject's directors, it was learned that Subject has been Director of City Savings Bank since 1933. In addition to Subject's directors, it was learned that Subject has been a member of the Savings Bank.

Only one is a forced member.

Subject has since been observed the last bank on reformation from and conf.
Before the liquidation in 1933, Subject was a member of the Savings Bank.
and ITEM 1. Subject has been Director of City Savings Bank since 1933.

The following summary of Subject's background was made in Informant

has been forced into bank.

1933. Subject was observed last branches and branches. Subject was
Subject's a devout Catholic, was an active member of the Savings Bank until
Informant JEWLICKI provided the following report on Subject's record.

Branches. Subject has been forced into the bank.
was a member of the Savings bank before 1933 and was observed to last
Subject has been director of City Savings Bank for twenty years. Subject
Informant WHILES gave the following summary of Subject's background.

Kneip
STS Derivation area
Vitone HEMMEN

City Savings Bank

AII

one branch under the Name. Subject joined the last bank in 1940.
Information. Subject has been in civil service since 1930 and received his
An examination of Subject's questionnaire revealed the following pertinent

AI (conf.4)

- 11 -

#1

1-17-13

- 15 -

PART SIX, ADMINISTRATION III, CITY SUPPLY AND BUILDING:

I

Dr. KARLSSCHACHT
18 Kremprinzstrasse
Krefeld

Administrator

Informant GEISS provided the following summary of Subject's background. Subject was brought from Essen to Krefeld by the Nazis in 1933, as head of public utilities in the city, after the former chief of that department had been dismissed for "political unreliability". Subject was an industrialist who owes his civil service position entirely to the Nazis.

This information was corroborated by Informants HAVENICK and WEHLER who were present at the interview.

Informant VON LITTER gave the following summary of Subject's record. Subject is an ardent Nazi party member who would not have been brought to Krefeld from Essen by the Nazis to head public utilities if he did not have strong party affiliations. Subject is without prior experience and owes his present position entirely to the Nazis.

The following report was made concerning Subject's background by Informant BACHEM. Subject is "fence straddler" who tries to adapt himself to the master of the moment. Subject is an ardent Nazi and acted as propaganda speaker for the party in Krefeld. Subject was brought from Essen in 1933 to head public utilities because of strong party connections.

An examination of Subject's questionnaire revealed the following facts. Subject came from Essen in 1933 to head public utilities in Krefeld without prior civil service experience. Subject has been a party member since 1933.

Agents' Notes: These Agents recommend immediate removal of Subject from public office (see Conclusions, Part Nine).

II

Rudolph RIEDL
Moltkestrasse 10
Krefeld

Electricity and Gas

Informant WEHLER gave the following summary of Subject's background. Subject has been in civil service for over twenty years and is a capable technical expert. Subject is generally unpolitical, but as a former Free-Mason, was always opposed to Nazi policy. Subject was probably not a party member.

This information was corroborated by Informants GEISS and HAVENICK.

The following report was submitted by Informant WITTEN concerning Subject's record. Subject has been a civil servant for over twenty years but was never promoted by the Nazis because of his opposition to their principles. Subject was a member of a Free-Mason Lodge until those lodges were declared illegal in 1933. Subject was always classified politically unreliable by the Nazis and kept his civil service position only because of his specialized Technical knowledge.

- 16 -

Informant BACHM furnished the following summary of Subject's record:
Subject is a capable technician. As a former Freemason, Subject was a
consistent opponent to Nazi doctrines. Subject received no promotion,
buring the Nazi regime and was never a Party member.

The following facts were revealed up examination of Subject's question-
aire. Subject has been in civil service since 1930 and received no promotion
under the Nazis.

III

Wilhelm THORA
Bockumerplatz 3
Krefeld

Port Management

The following report concerning Subject's record was given by Informant
von Litter. Subject was an active member of the Zentrum party before 1933 and
has a general reputation for apposing the Nazis. Subject has been in civil
service all his life.

Informant GEISS have the following summary of Subject's background.
Subject has been in civil service for over 25 years and was a member of the
zentrum party before 1933. Subject was an outspoken critic of Nazi politics
and never joined the party.

This information was corroborated by Informants HAVENICK and WEHLER,
who were present at the interview.

Informant WITTEN furnished the following report of Subject's record.
Subject had many difficulties under the Nazis because of his Semitic com-
plexion. Subject, a former member of the Zentrum party, always opposed the
Nazis. Subject received only routine promotions since 1933 and never joined
the Nazi party.

Up on examination of Subject's questionnaire the following pertinencies
are revealed. Subject has been in civil service since 1901 and has received
but one promotion under the Nazis. Subject was not a member of the Nazi
party.

IV

Dr. Robert HERMKES
Glindholzstrasse 164
Krefeld

Slaughter House

Informant WITTEN gave the following summary of Subject's background.
Subject is a capable veterinarian whose politics prior to 1933 were vague.
Subject was "not an opponent of the Nazi party," and probably joined the
Nazi party.

Informant WEHLER furnished the following report of Subject's background.
Subject, a former member of the Zentrum party, became a loud adherent of the
Nazi party line. Subject rose rapidly in civil service because of his strong

Nast berauf time. Empfiegt rose abgibt in ciaff seraisse because of die arang
Sapject, a former memper of the Zentrum berauf, because a jond serjaent of the
Intormant WILTMUNN turned the following report of Sapject's peckfortung.

Nast berauf.

Sapject was "not an obhament of the Nast berauf", and property I filed due
Sapject is a cebapie aperatuerfou waae loffires barof to 1933 wete asfere.
Intormant WILTMUNN gave the following answer of Sapject's peckfortung.

Kneleig
Grifugopfasssee 164
Dr. Robert HUMMER

Stengfuer Honehe

## IA

Put one hrowofow under the Nast. Sapject was not a memper of the Nast
the reseved. Sapject was pen in ciaff seraisse since 1907 und was receivad
U. n examinatd u. Sapject's; heretourfie the following berifunctres
the Nast berauf.

Nast. Sapject received outa routine hrowoff we since 1933 und never joined
browof. Sapject, a former memper of the Zentrum berauf, stafta obhased the
Sapject had wam gittentirres under the Nast because of the Sapject com-
Intormant WILTMUNN turned the following report of Sapject's record.

Who were present at the interiares.

The Intormant u. was corroborated by Intormante HAWRICK and WENRY,
who never joined the berauf.

Zentrum berauf before 1933. Sapject was an onfahken eriffe of Nast hoffires
Sapject was pen in ciaff seraisse for over 12 Nast wete und was a memper of the
Intormant GEBZB gave the following answer of Sapject's peckfortung.

Service till the file.
Use a recent refutation for choosing the Nast. Sapjectsuse pen in ciaff
Am offer. Sapject was an onfiaas memper of the Zentrum berauf before 1933 und
The following report concerning Sapject's record was given by Intormant
Kneleig
Boekmerbryss 3
Wilhelm THIORY

## III

under the Nast.
Sapject use pen in ciaff seraisse since 1930 und received wo hrowofow
The following files were received nb examination of Sapject's freeffow-
Gaining the Nast regime und was never a berauf memper.

Consistent obhament to Nast doctrine. Sapject receivedo hrowofow,
Sapject is a cebapie technicon. Va a former Kneleig, Sapject was a
Intormant BACHM turned the following answer of Sapject's record:

- 19 -

57.01.75

-17 -

party connections. Subject joined the Nazi party in 1933.

The following report concerning Subject's record was submitted by Informant BLAAS. Subject was approved in his political connections to the Nazi party by the Ortsgruppenleiter (local Nazi party chief) in Bochum. This testimony was instrumental in obtaining Subject's appointment to his present post. Subject has been a vociferous supporter of Nazi party doctrines and is unfit for office in a democratic Germany.

Upon examination of Subject's questionnaire the following pertinent information was revealed. Subject has been in city employ since 1930 and rose rapidly under the Nazis. Subject has been a Nazi party member since 1933.

Agents' Notes: These agents recommend immediate removal of Subject from office. (see Conclusion, Part Nine).

V

Dr. Paul STERZING
Schlageterallee 3
Krefeld

Hospitals

Informant von ITTER gave the following report of Subject's record. Subject was a member of the Democratic party (a little right of center) until 1933. When Informant von ITTER was under arrest in Subject's hospital, Subject alleviated Informant's lot in every way possible. Subject may have been a Nazi party member but was opposed to its principles on religious and ethical grounds.

Informant LEWITZKI submitted the following summary of Subject's background. Subject has been employed at the hospital since 1912 and is known as a good doctor. Subject, though generally unpolitical, was a member of the Deutsche Volkspartei (a conservative party) before 1933. Subject may have been a Nazi party member but was certainly not in accord with its ideology.

The following report concerning Subject's background was submitted by Informant BLAAS. Subject has a good character and therefore was opposed to Nazi practices. Subject was politically not active and may have been forced to join the party.

The following facts were revealed upon examination of questionnaire of Subject. Subject has been employed at the city hospital since 1912. Subject joined the party in 1937.

VI

Hans VOLGER
Gutenbergstrasse 36
Krefeld

City Surveyor

["Kleefeld\nGrenzverreizele 33\nHaus Amtsgericht", "GdH. Smidler", "A1", "joined the bank in 1933.\n\n**Sapteer.** Sapteer was joined as a member of the city council since 1933. Sapteer joined the bank in 1933. The following facts were received about examination of the question of joined to join the bank.", "To the left are shown the following facts. Sapteer was a boffitssilf not active and had been a member of the Deutsche Aufkraftverein (a conservative bank) before 1933. The following report concerning Sapteer's background is as follows:\n\nwith the exception.\n\nSapteer was joined as a member of the city council since 1933. Sapteer was a boffitssilf not active and had been a member of the Deutsche Aufkraftverein (a conservative bank) before 1933. Sapteer was a member of the German council bank (a leftist right of center) member of the city council since 1933. Sapteer was a boffitssilf not active and had been a member of the Deutsche Aufkraftverein (a conservative bank) before 1933. The following facts were received about examination of the question of joined to join the bank.", "To the left are shown the following facts. Sapteer was a boffitssilf not active and had been a member of the Deutsche Aufkraftverein (a conservative bank) before 1933. Sapteer was a member of the German council bank (a leftist right of center) member of the city council since 1933. Sapteer was a boffitssilf not active and had been a member of the Deutsche Aufkraftverein (a conservative bank) before 1933. Sapteer was a boffitssilf not active and had been a member of the Deutsche Aufkraftverein (a conservative bank) before 1933.", "To the left are shown the following facts. Sapteer was a boffitssilf not active and had been a member of the Deutsche Aufkraftverein (a conservative bank) before 1933. Sapteer was a member of the German council bank (a leftist right of center) member of the city council since 1933. Sapteer was a boffitssilf not active and had been a member of the Deutsche Aufkraftverein (a conservative bank) before 1933. Sapteer was a boffitssilf not active and had been a member of the Deutsche Aufkraftverein (a conservative bank) before 1933.", "To the left are shown the following facts.", "Sapteer was joined as a member of the city council since 1933. Sapteer was a boffitssilf not active and had been a member of the Deutsche Aufkraftverein (a conservative bank) before 1933. Sapteer was a member of the German council bank (a leftist right of center) member of the city council since 1933. Sapteer was a boffitssilf not active and had been a member of the Deutsche Aufkraftverein (a conservative bank) before 1933

Informant GEISS gave the following summary of Subject's record. Subject was unknown in the city prior to 1933. Generally speaking, no man could have attained a civic position after 1933 without strong party affiliations. Subject is "150 per cent Nazi."

This information was corroborated by Informant WEHLER, who was present at the interview.

Informant BACHEM submitted the following summary of Subject's background. Subject entered city administration in 1937 because of strong Nazi backing. Subject was an ardent Nazi follower. Subject had "Nazi manners" and many social contacts with Nazi officials.

The following pertinent facts were revealed upon examination of questionnaire of Subject. Subject's whole career in civil service has been under Nazi rule. Subject has been a party member since 1937 and a member of the NSKK (Nazi Semi-Military Organization) from 1937 to 1939.

Agents' Notes: these agents recommend Subject's immediate removal from public office. (see Conclusion, Part Nine).

VII

Gustaf von SCHEVEN
Wangenheimstrasse 13
Krefeld

City Building Inspector

Informant von ITTER submitted the following summary of Subject's background. Subject has been in civil service since World War I and was generally not interested in politics. Due to Subject's membership in a Freemason lodge, he was opposed to Nazi principles and never joined the party.

Informant WITTEN gave the following report of Subject's record. Subject has been in civil service for over twenty years and is a capable architect. Subject was opposed to the Nazi party because of former membership in Freemasonry. Subject was never a member of the Nazi party.

The following summary was furnished by Informant BACHEM concerning Subject's background. Subject was in civil service from 1915 to 1933, when he resigned to go into private business. Subject was inclined politically toward the left, a member of a Freemason lodge, and never joined the Nazi party.

Upon examination of Subject's questionnaire the following facts were revealed. Subject was in civil service from 1915 to 1933 when he resigned to go into a semi-private business enterprise. Subject has never been a party member.

member.
to go into a semi-private business enterprise. Subject was never put on a card
registered. Subject was in civil service from 1912 to 1933 when he registered
Upon examination of Subject's questionnaire the following items were

barb.
to go into a semi-private business enterprise. Subject was never put on a card
registered. Subject was in civil service from 1912 to 1933 when he registered
Upon examination of Subject's questionnaire the following items were

AII

from bank office. (See Washington, Bert Mine).

Agents, Notes: these agents recommend Subject's immediate removal

MSRK (West Semi-Mittl. Organisation) from 1933 to 1936.
West Mine. Subject was put on a card member since 1933 and a member of the
directions of Subject. Subject's whole career in civil service was pooruger.
The following pertinent facts were revealed prior to examination of

and such secret contracts with West officials.
Subject was an agent West lorrain. Subject used "West warnings"
Groning. Subject entered city annuitations in 1933 because of amount West
Intormation BACHM awarded the following annuity of Subject's pack-

of the interlopers.
State information was corroborated by Intormation #HRY, who was present

Subject is "TO her cent West".
attending a civic banquet after 1933 without any card sufficiency.
was unknown in the city prior to 1933. Generally checking, no man could have
introduced CHB2 gave the following annuity of Subject's record. Subject

- 18 -

27.12.14

- 19 -

VIII

Otto WUTZOW
Bismarckstrasse 53
Krefeld

City Surveyor

Informant BACHEM gave the following report on Subject's background.
Subject attained his present position three years ago. Generally speaking,
ardent party membership has been a prerequisite to appointment for civil
service since 1933.

Informant BLAAS furnished the following summary of Subject's back-
ground. Subject came to Krefeld three years ago and could not have attained
his position with out strong Nazi party backing. Subject "cannot be
vouched for politically."

Upon examination of Subject's questionnaire the following pertinent
information was found. Subject's whole career in civil service has been
under Nazi rule. Subject has been a party member since 1937.

Agents' Note: These agents recommend immediate dismissal of Subject
from public office. (see Conclusion, Part Nine).

from Department office (see Corporation Part Nine).

Agenda: Notes: These agenda recommend immediate dissemination of subject

under the rule. Subject has been a hard worker since 1933.

Information was given. Subject's whole career in CAFR service has been
Upon examination of Subject's questionnaire the following pertinent

questions for further inquiry.

Subject has been given a hard worker's packing. Subject "cannot be
hereafter with out arising hard work packing." Subject came to Kietelg three years ago and could not have attained
Information BWAS attained the following summary of Subject's pack-

service since 1933.

Subject has been a hard worker for seven years ago. Generally above
Subject attained the above position three years ago. Generally above
Information BACHM gave the following report on Subject's packgrom.

Kietelg
Braunenakgrisse 23
Otto MULSON

City Smackon.

AIII

- 13 -

PART SEVEN. ADMINISTRATION IV, SANITARY BOARD

Dr. Paul KLEHOLD
Neuerweg 80
Krefeld

Administrator

Informant WEHLER furnished the following summary of Subject's record. Subject was a member of the Zentrum party until its dissolution in 1933. Subject was always an outspoken critic of Nazi policies and was demoted in civil service because of "political unreliability." Subject was a party member, if at all, only under compulsion.

The following summary of Subject's background was submitted by Informant von ITTER. Subject is a devout Catholic, who, before 1933, was an active member of the Zentrum party. Subject was one of the directors of a Catholic organization aiding the needy. Subject was always opposed to Nazi party principles and probably never joined the party.

Informant LEWITZKI gave the following report of Subject's record. Subject is a "good conscientious man", of the same category as Burgomeister Stepkes. Subject occupied the same position in civil service before 1933 and was not promoted under the Nazis. Subject has been a consistent opponent of Nazi policy and has the respect of the population. Subject has never been a member of the Nazi party.

Upon examination of Subject's questionnaire the following facts were revealed. Subject has been in city employ since 1913. Subject has never been a party member.

["been a barb member.", "Approved. Dept. has been in cftA embay since 1933. Dept. has never\nbeen examined. Dept. has been a barb member since 1933. Dept. has never\nbeen a member of the West barb.", "of West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILLINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept. has never been\nand was not promoted under the West. Dept. has been a barb member and\nhas been a member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. is a distant barb. who, before 1933,\nwas an active member of the West barb. Dept. was one of the\nDepartment of ILINOIS. Dept. was a member of the barb. Dept. was one of the\nWest barb members and properly never joined the department of a barb\nand was observed to West barb barb員 and properly never joined the\ndepartment of a barb. Dept. was one of the West barb members and was observed\nto West barb and has the respect of the barb員. Dept.

PART EIGHT, ADMINISTRATION V. IAW BOARD.

Dr. Karl BACKHAUS
Kimplerstrasse 119
Krefeld

Administrator

Informant GEISS furnished the following report of Subject's background. Subject attained his civil service position under the Nazis. Subject has Nazi " tendencies" and " has to be watched by American authorities." Subject was a party member.

The following summary concerning Subject was submitted by Informant BLAAS: Subject was never clear in his party affiliations and is a " fence straddler". Subject attained his position in civil service with Nazi backing. Subject was a party member.

An examination of Subject's questionnaire revealed the following pertinent information. Subject joined the Nazi party in 1939 and was appointed to civil service in 1940.

Agent's Notes: These agents recommend Subject's removal from public office. ( See Part Nine, Conclusions).

from Department office. (See Pers. File, Conferences).

Vice's Notes: These agents recommend Snptect's removal
barry in 1963 and was authorized to civil service in 1940.
the following pertinent information. Snptect joined the Navy
An examination of Snptect's questionnaire revealed

Snptect was a party member.
attained his position in civil service with Navy packing.
His party affiliations and his a "fence a fencer". Snptect
submitted his information to Information BIVAS. Snptect was never clear in
the following summary concerning Snptect was

Information WHIME, who was present at the interview.
This information was corroborated by

was a party member.
and "as per to be watched by American authorities". Snptect
position under the Navy. Snptect was Navy "tenderfoot".
Snptect's background. Snptect attained his civil service
Information B1188 transferred the following report of

Kreftel
Kimberletrause 113
Dr. Karl BACKHANZ

Administrative

PART EIGHT, ADMINISTRATION A, IAW BOARD.

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PART NINE, CONCLUSIONS:

I

Krefeld is predominantly Catholic. The political organ of the Catholic church in Germany, prior to 1933, was the Zentrum party, a moderately conservative organization, which consistently opposed the Nazis. In this investigation it became apparent that former members of the Zentrum party dominate the city administration. This is the result of the necessity of allowing the burgomaster to choose his own city officials. This trend should be guarded against, since it may give the public the erroneous impression that the occupation forces are backing one political party.

II

The experience of VII Corps CIC in Aachen in the investigation of public officials showed, that there existed degrees of necessity in joining the Nazi party. For the purpose of determining Subject's fitness for office under MG the following categories were established by VII Corps CIC. (See memorandum, dated 14 January 1945, Hq., VII Corps, titled "CIC and MG - Exterminators Inc. ").

a. 1933 - 1937 : The vast majority in this group joined from choice alone.

b. 1937 - 1939 : The Nazi party members in this group may well have joined under pressure.

c. Since 1939 : Nazi party members in this group probably joined under pressure.

III

Taking into consideration VII Corps CIC experience in Aachen and in accordance with 12th Army Group policy ( see circular no. 014.13, G-5, Hq., 12th Army Group, dated 27 December 1944 ) the following men are recommended for immediate dismissal:

HANS HOYER, Auditor Service, Administration I
WILHELM HORSTER, Schools, Administration I
OTTO REYKERS, License Bureau, Administration I
HANS HUEBINGER, Tax Collector, Administration II
MAX REISS, City Pay Office Administration II
KARL SCHACHT, Administrator Administration III
ROBERT HERMKES Slaughter House Administration III
HANS VOLGER City Surveyor Administration III
OTTO WUTZOW City Surveyor Administration III
KARL BACKHAUS Administrator Administration V

["KURT BACHMANN\nOtto Mutson\nHANS AGERH\nROBERT HERMANN\nKURT SCHVACHT\nHANS HUERINGER\nOTTO HENKENS\nWITHEIM HORSTK\nHANS HOERK\nHANS HOERK\nOCTO B. SCHAEFER\nJOERG KORTE\nJOERG KORTE\nJOERG KORTE\nJOERG K

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III ( continued )

These men have proved their unfitness for office
under MG by early membership in the Nazi party, by their
ardent following of the party line, or by rising in civil
service with Nazi backing.

IV

These agents recommend that men discharged from
public office as a result of this investigation be under-
constant surveillance because of the possibility of their
forming a ferment of discontent among the population.

A periodic investigation of city
officials to ascertain their continued loyalty is recommended
by these agents.

HENRY A. KISSINGER
Agent, C.I.C.

ROBERT S. TAYLOR
Agent, C.I.C.

VReus, C.I.O.
ROBERT S. TAYLOR

VReus, C.I.O.

HENRY V. KISSIMENH

p. these
officers to see
them recommended

forming a term of discontent among the bobbinators.
constant unreliefence because of the badness of their
bunplic office as a result of this investigation be under
these agents recommend that men discharged from

IV

service with Navy packing.

argent following of the benth line, or p. rising in oapi
under MG p. early membership in the Navy benth, p. their
These men gave proof of their multitudeness for office

III ( continued )

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13

T197.21