The Gas Vans: A Critical Investigation - Holocaust Handbooks

SANTIAGO ALVAREZ, THE GAS VANS 327
In general the production of the coachworks has to be done
following the previous design. As discussed in person, the following
changes are to be made:
1.) The cargo box is to be shortened by 800 mm in length. The protrusion
at the door is omitted. The objection is herewith acknowledged
that the shortening would result in a disadvantageous weight
distribution. The Gaubschat Company will not be held liable for any
disadvantages resulting from this.
2.) Both wheel cases are to be extended forward and backward so
that a continuous box is created at both side walls.
3.) Since the current design of the grates is too cumbersome, the
grates [sections] are to be produced in a length of only 700 mm and,
in deviation from the current design, are to be put onto the continuous
wheel case box of no. 2.)
4.) Both door corners are to be covered with a solid cover. This
cover is to run from the door jambs to ½ m into the interior of the
cargo box, so that the interior of the cargo box tapers off toward the
doors.
5.) The openings covered by sliders at the rear doors are omitted
and are to be replaced with open slits of 100 × 10 mm in the upper
rear wall (not door). They are to be covered on the outside with
hinged flaps.
6.) The drainage opening with lid in the floor on the right in the
front part of the cargo box is omitted, and in its stead a drainage
opening of ca. 200 mm diameter is cut into the box floor. This opening
is to be closed with a strong and tight hinged lid which can be
opened and closed firmly and safely from the outside.
7.) The internal lights are to be protected with a highly domed gridwork
stronger than the one used so far.
It is requested to produce 1 vehicle as fast as possible and to
announce the delivery date of the remaining 9 vehicles already now.
3.) Resubmission 20 July [19]42.
p.p.
REMARKS: No reason is given for the demand to shorten the cargo
box. In my analysis of the Just document (2.2.4.), which addresses this
issue under #2, I have discussed the claim that a shortening of the cargo
box would lead to an “unfavorable distribution of weight.”