The prosecution’s summation of the evidence on the experiments for mass sterilization is contained in its closing brief against the defendant Rudolf Brandt. An extract from this brief is set forth below on pages 695 to 702. A corresponding summation of the evidence by the defense on these experiments has been selected from the final plea for the defendant Gebhardt and closing brief for the defendant Pokorny. It appears below on pages 702 to 708. This argumentation is followed by selections from the evidence on pages 710 to 738.

b. Selection from the Argumentation of the Prosecution

EXTRACT FROM THE CLOSING BRIEF AGAINST DEFENDANT
RUDOLF BRANDT

Sterilization Experiments

By 1941 it was the accepted policy of the Third Reich to exterminate the Jewish population of Germany and the occupied countries.[[81]] Because of the pressing need for laborers, sterilization of Jews able to work was considered as an alternative to outright extermination. (NO-205, Pros. Ex. 163.)

In order to ascertain cheap and fast working methods for sterilization, experimentation on concentration camp inmates by means of drugs (NO-036, Pros. Ex. 143), injection of an irritating solution (NO-212, Pros. Ex. 173) and X-rays and surgical operation (Tr. pp. 556-9) were carried out on a large scale. Brandt not only had full knowledge of these experiments, but collaborated actively in all of them.

The purpose of the sterilization experiments is well described by Brandt in his own affidavit:

“Himmler was extremely interested in the development of a cheap and rapid sterilization method which could be used against enemies of Germany, such as the Russians, Poles, and Jews. One hoped thereby not only to defeat the enemy but to exterminate him. The capacity for work of the sterilized persons could be exploited by Germany, while the danger of propagation would be eliminated. As this mass sterilization was part of Himmler’s racial theory, particular time and care were devoted to these sterilization experiments. Surgical sterilization was of course known in Germany and applied; this included castration. For mass application, however, this procedure was considered as too slow and too expensive. It was further desired that a procedure be found which would result in sterilization that was not immediately noticeable.” (NO-440, Pros. Ex. 141.)

Sterilization experiments in order to ascertain the efficacy of a drug known as caladium seguinum (Schweigrohr) were suggested to Himmler by the defendant Pokorny in October 1941. Pokorny reported that Dr. Madaus had found, as a result of his research on medical sterilization of animals, that caladium seguinum produced sterility in animals when administered orally or by injection. Pokorny further stated in his letter that:

“* * * the immense importance of this drug in the present fight of our people occurred to me. If, on the basis, of this research, it were possible to produce a drug which after a relatively short time effects an imperceptible sterilization on human beings, then we would have a new powerful weapon at our disposal. The thought alone that the 3 million Bolsheviks, at present German prisoners, could be sterilized so that they could be used as laborers but be prevented from reproduction, opens the most far reaching perspectives.”