In particular I wished to point out the following in my letter, I said, and I quote: “I could imagine that as the Fuehrer stopped the program in the insane asylums sometime ago, he might at this moment consider ’special treatment’ of the incurably sick as unsuitable, and unwise from a political point of view.” I mentioned that because Greiser’s suggestion in the year 1941 pointed to a comparison with the euthanasia action. In order, however, to be quite sure that these political misgivings also reached Hitler and that the decision did not rest mainly in Himmler’s hands, I sent a copy of my letter direct to Martin Bormann.[[92]] I furthermore want to point out the following matter. I said: “I consider any secrecy completely impossible.” In this connection, I should like to refer to a letter concerning a different action, namely the letter from the Deputy Gauleiter of the Lower Danube, dated 1942, which suggests experiments on the sterilization of national groups such as gypsies. In this letter, contrary to my letter, completely different tactics are used. The Deputy Gauleiter of the Lower Danube stated that one must keep such an action very secret, because otherwise it would have serious consequences from the point of view of the state.

Mr. Hardy: Is it the intention of the defendant to put the letter he is referring to in as evidence, or is he merely quoting from his own letter?

Presiding Judge Beals: Can counsel for the defendant Blome advise the Tribunal on that point?

Dr. Sauter: This is a letter which has already been used by the prosecution and thus came to the knowledge of the defendant. Therefore he can quote it. It is certainly not necessary to submit this letter once more.

Presiding Judge Beals: Would counsel please identify the letter, the exhibit number, and where it may be found?

Dr. Sauter: One moment, please. Mr. President, this letter was submitted by the prosecution concerning sterilization experiments. It was submitted as Document NO-039—I repeat NO-039—Prosecution Exhibit 153. It is a letter from the Deputy Gauleiter of the Lower Danube district addressed to Reich Leader SS Himmler dated 24 August 1942. This letter was already submitted by the prosecution.

Dr. Sauter: Doctor, will you please finish your answer?

Defendant Blome: In this letter the Deputy Gauleiter of the Lower Danube district writes to Himmler, and I quote:

“We are quite clear about the fact that such examination must be considered as an absolute state secret.”