THE RUDOLF REPORT

GERMAR RUDOLF · THE RUDOLF REPORTmeasures and act accordingly. Hydrogen cyanide (= Zyklon B) was themost reliable disinfestation agent of its time (for details, please see“Blausäure als Entlausungsmittel in Begasungskammern”, 142 or “Entlausungmit Zyklon-Blausäure in Kreislauf-Begasungskammern”. 143The only problem was in finding a safe location for such facilities,perhaps outside the actual camp (see chapter 5.4.3.).5.2.3.5. The Army Medical OfficerOn September 9, 1942, Dr. E. Wirths was stationed in Auschwitzas garrison physician. From the records we may say that he performedhis duties correctly; in this context, reference is made, in particular, tohis massive criticism of the highest echelons.As time went by, the number of inmates increased steadily, andunfortunately there were more than just one epidemic. We shall thereforebriefly summarize, by means of examples, the conclusionsreached by this physician and the steps he took in consequence.On December 4, 1942, Dr. Wirths reported to headquarters about adiscussion held in the administrative council of Bielitz District. Thesubject was epidemic typhus. A considerable number and range of personshad participated in the discussion, including the medical officer,the Wehrmacht, and representatives of the government. This illustrateshow seriously the epidemic was taken to be: 144“He reports that at present three large disinfestation, shower, andsauna facilities could be put into operation, specifically two facilities forthe inmates and one for the members of the SS troops. The capacity ofthese facilities is some 3,000 to 4,000 persons per 24 hours. Zyklon Bdisinfestation has been discontinued entirely, since it has been found thatsuccess is not 100% certain with this procedure.”Buildings BW5a and 5b were intended for the inmates. The capacityof these disinfestation facilities was probably adequate for the numberof inmates at this time. One must consider, however, that at thissame time the structural shell for another 19 DEGESCH circulation142 Gerhard Peters and W. Rasch, “Die Blausäure als Entlausungsmittel in Begasungskammern”,Der praktische Desinfektor, September 1941, pp. 93-96.143 Gerhard Peters, Emit Wüstinger, “Entlausung mit Zyklon-Blausäure in Kreislauf-Begasungskammern. Sach-Entlausung in Blausäure-Kammern”, Zeitschrift für hygienischeZoologie und Schädlingsbekämpfung, issue 10/11 (1940), special printing. TCIDK 502-1-332-86/90; it arrived at the Auschwitz construction office on July 3, 1941.144 TCIDK 502-1-332-117/11970