THE RUDOLF REPORT

5. AUSCHWITZor not the existing disinfestation installations were consistently reliablefor the indicated number of persons. Pressac, in the conclusions to hissecond book, 138 indicates the peak of the first epidemic between “7./11.September” 1942 with “375 deaths per day”, which clearly indicates thatthe capacity of the facilities available did not suffice.5.2.3.4. Basic Policy DecisionsTwo policy decisions made by the SS-Hauptamt Haushalt undBauten (SS Main Office Budget and Construction) in the Reich Administrationof the SS and its successor no doubt also influenced themeasures taken in the camp. The first decision of June 5, 1940, 139stated that HCN would no longer be used, and replaced instead with ahot-air method. The reason for this was probably that the use of HCNin makeshift delousing chambers was not reliable and had caused manyaccidents and was thus deemed too dangerous. The second decision,issued on March 11, 1942, 140 21 months later, seems to have reversedthat first decision by calling for the “[…] conversion of all delousingfacilities to operation with HCN”, in which regard it was noted:“Deviations therefrom—delousing by means of hot air or hotsteam—is only permissible insofar as they involve temporary installations,in which the necessary safety for the handling of HCN is not assured.”A further letter from the Office C VI of February 11, 1943, 141 tothe Commandant again expressly states, probably with reference to theletter of June 5, 1940: “[…] as per the prohibition against the use ofHCN for disinfestation […]”. This means that all efforts were to bemade to convert all facilities to be operated with the only really reliablemethod available—HCN—but that the use of HCN was allowed onlywhere and if the necessary safety and reliability of the method was assured,i.e., makeshift delousing chambers were not allowed to be operatedwith HCN.Men in positions of authority, accustomed to decision-making, andfaced with a dangerous epidemic capable of spreading to the civilianpopulation with incalculable consequences, will always take suitable138 J.-C. Pressac, op. cit. (note 90), p. 157139 TCIDK 502-1-333-145140 TCIDK 502-1-336-94141 TCIDK 502-1-332-3769