Position of the defense
Time. The practice (of euthanasia) by virtue of the authorization started at the beginning of 1940 and lasted until August 1941, when it was stopped. Statement of Karl Brandt. (Tr. p. 2431.) Statement of Brack. (Tr. p. 7543.) According to both statements, the practice was suspended because of an oral order by Hitler to Karl Brandt. (Oral order of suspension was sufficient, since the legal ordinance itself was not revoked, because in principle euthanasia was supposed to be continued after the war. Continuation of the Reich Committee for Children.)
Suspension of euthanasia is confirmed through the following depositions: Statement by Blome. (Tr. p. 4653.) Statement by Pfannmueller. (Tr. p. 7348.) Statement by Dr. Schmidt. (Tr. p. 1823.) Statement by Dr. Mennecke. (Tr. p. 1879.) According to these testimonies, euthanasia was discontinued in Hadamar in August 1941 and the gas chambers removed. (See record of Hadamar Trial, especially indictment[[103]].)
The witnesses say further that euthanasia was no longer practiced at Eichberg either.
Affidavit of Irene Asam-Bruckmueller. The witness confirms suspension in Ansbach; she places this in the year 1942. (3865-PS, Pros. Ex. 365.)
Affidavit of Jordans. According to this, the witness learned in March 1942 that there had been a euthanasia program in other institutions, too, which now had been discontinued. (3882-PS, Pros. Ex. 371.)
Kirchert affidavit. According to this, suspension occurred in the summer of 1941. (Karl Brandt 18, Karl Brandt Ex. 15.)
Mennecke correspondence. The witness writes on 15 June 1942 of “re-commencement” of euthanasia. (NO-907, Pros. Ex. 412.)
Number of dead.