[Signature] R. Br. [Rudolf Brandt]

Reichsarzt SS4/July

Minutes of the conference on 20 May 1944 re methods for making sea-water drinkable

Present:


10.OberstingenieurChristensenGerman Air Ministry—
GL/C-E 5 IV120047/28
11.StabsingenieurDr. Schicklerdto.120047/4335
12.StabsingenieurBerkaE-TraVienna
B 23566
13.StabsarztDr. Becker-FreysengChief Medical Service278313
14.UnterarztDr. SchaeferLuftwaffe Medical
Research Institute27 83 13

I. On 19 May 1944 a preliminary discussion was held at the Reich Air Ministry—GL/C-E 5 IV. Present were the following persons:

GL/C-E 5 IVObersting. Christensen
dto.Stabsing. Dr. Schickler
E-Tra.Stabsing. Berka
L. In. 14Major Jeworrek
Chief of the Medical Service [Office]Stabsarzt Dr. Becker-Freyseng
dto.Unterarzt Dr. Schaefer
Herr Pahl.

At this meeting Captain (med.) Dr. Becker-Freyseng reported on the clinical experiments conducted by Colonel (med.) Dr. von Sirany and came to the final conclusion that he did not consider them as being unobjectionable and conclusive enough for a final decision. The Chief of the Medical Service is convinced that, if the Berka method is used, damage to health has to be expected not later than 6 days after taking Berkatit, which damage will result in permanent injuries to health and—according to the opinion of N. C. O. (med.) Dr. Schaefer—will finally result in death after not later than 12 days.

External symptoms are to be expected such as drainage, diarrhea, convulsions, hallucinations, and finally death. As a result of the preliminary discussion it was agreed to arrange a new series of experiments of short duration. A commission was to be set up for the arrangement of these series of experiments. This commission should be set up together with the High Command of the Navy at the conference on 20 May 1944.