Grawitz: Question about the memorandum. Whether Rascher believes this to be absolutely established for dry freezings, too?
Rascher: No, a lot of theoretical work is still to be done, primarily many practical experiments have still to be conducted.
Grawitz: That is my opinion, too. We cannot distribute a memorandum to the troops, abolishing all former views, if this is not entirely well-founded, as otherwise uncertainties will arise among the troops. I shall write to Obersturmbannfuehrer Dr. Brandt that I am asking the Reich Leader SS not to distribute the memorandum before a well-founded method of treatment of dry frozen persons has been established.
Rascher: Very well, that’s why the Reich Leader SS gave me the order of 13 December 1942. But I urgently want to emphasize that the results of the freezing experiments with water have been established and are well-founded.
Grawitz: Well, now, this had to be mentioned in the letter to Brandt so that you are not blamed in any way! You see, from my former activities (mention of some hospital) I know so much about metabolism that I am almost a specialist in this field and can help you enormously.
Rascher: As I understood, Gruppenfuehrer, that’s why I am to turn to your office for glass materials, chemicals, etc.
Grawitz: No. Not only for that. You have to turn to me in all medical matters, since after all, I am Reich Physician SS and all medical affairs are subordinate to me. It is absolutely necessary that all medical matters destined for the Reich Leader SS go through my office.
Rascher: I don’t know, Gruppenfuehrer, if this was the intention. I am under the direct orders of the Reich Leader SS and I have always reported directly to him. I have never received orders to another effect.
Grawitz: You certainly will be transferred to the Waffen SS?
Rascher: Yes, I hope so. The transfer is under way.