In conclusion, I should like to present my opinion about these three points to you, my dear Reich Minister, in your capacity as cabinet member in charge of the establishment of protective custody and the camps for protective custody.
1. It seems now absolutely necessary that the competent minister should decree unified camp regulations for all camps for protective custody, which shall regulate completely and unmistakably the question of corporal punishment as disciplinary measure, and the question of use of weapons by the guards.
2. It appears necessary that the competent cabinet minister order valid for all police authorities an absolute prohibition against mistreatment of prisoners for the purpose of forcing statements.
3. All mistreatments which are entirely or partly due to personal reasons must be prosecuted vigorously and punished under close cooperation of all governmental offices concerned.
Heil Hitler!
[Signed] Dr. Guertner
- TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NG-326
- PROSECUTION EXHIBIT 456
DIRECTIVE OF 12 JUNE 1937 FROM HEYDRICH, CHIEF OF THE SECURITY POLICE, TO POLICE OFFICES, CONCERNING PROTECTIVE CUSTODY FOR JEWISH RACE DEFILERS
Copy
The Chief of the Security Police