As a supplement to report 1, some special publications are attached; of
which the two parties from the “Zeiss Nachrichten” #10 (Vol. II) and 1-5
(Vol. III) facilitate most rapid general orientation, whereas other
publications deal with difficult, individual scientific studies.
Sincerely yours
Heil Hitler!
[Signed] SIEVERS
_Enclosures_
* * * * *
_Enclosure_
Subject: Securing skulls of Jewish-Bolshevik Commissars for the purpose
of scientific research at the Reich University of Strasbourg.
There exist extensive collections of skulls of almost all races and
peoples. Of the Jewish race, however, only so very few specimens of
skulls are at the disposal of science that a study of them does not
permit precise conclusions. The war in the East now presents us with the
opportunity to remedy this shortage. By procuring the skulls of the
Jewish-Bolshevik Commissars, who personify a repulsive yet
characteristic subhumanity, we have the opportunity of obtaining
tangible scientific evidence.
The actual obtaining and collecting of these skulls without difficulty
could be best accomplished by a directive issued to the Wehrmacht in the
future to immediately turn over alive all Jewish-Bolshevik Commissars to
the field police [Feldpolizei]. The field police in turn is to be issued
special directives to continually inform a certain office of the number
and place of detention of these captured Jews and to guard them well
until the arrival of a special deputy. This special deputy, commissioned
with the collection of the material (a junior physician attached to the
Wehrmacht or even the field police, or a medical student equipped with
car and driver), is to take a prescribed series of photographs and
anthropological measurements, and is to ascertain, insofar as is
possible, the origin, date of birth, and other personal data of the
prisoner. Following the subsequently induced death of the Jew, whose
head must not be damaged, he will separate the head from the torso and
will forward it to its point of destination in a preserving fluid in a
well-sealed tin container especially made for this purpose. On the basis
of the photos, the measurements and other data on the head and, finally,
the skull itself, comparative anatomical research, research on racial
classification, pathological features of the skull formation, form and
size of the brain, and many other things can begin. In accordance with
its scope and tasks, the new Reich University of Strasbourg would be the
most appropriate place for the collection of and research on the skulls
thus acquired.
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NO-086
PROSECUTION EXHIBIT 177
LETTER FROM SIEVERS TO RUDOLF BRANDT, 2 NOVEMBER 1942, REQUESTING WITH
HIMMLER’S APPROVAL, 150 SKELETONS
The Ahnenerbe
The Reich Business Manager
Berlin, 2 November 1942
[Stamp]
Personal Staff Reich Leader SS
Registration of Files Secret 5/116