61340 Vorabseiten_e - Unabhängige Expertenkommission Schweiz

dissuasion in the broadest possible terms – where the latter is concerned, we
have investigated only its effects on clearly-defined areas (gold transactions and
rail transit).
The public expects historians to recount stories, and for those stories to make
sense. In other words, historians have to provide interpretations. The interpretations
which we have presented in the series of monographic studies which
together constitute this synthesis report are those which seemed to us the most
plausible. However, they in no way represent «state verity» (the ICE was an
independent commission) or a single, final truth (our concern was of a scientific
nature). Historical research can never be brought to a conclusion; even less so
when the areas covered are as extensive as these. We are presenting our findings
as a basis for discussion and hope that they will stimulate further work. We
believe that we have filled in various gaps and arrived at a deeper understanding.
Perhaps the outline given above of what should be looked into at greater length,
or rather what we believe to be fundamentally feasible, also constitutes an
important aspect of our contribution.
The change in people’s awareness of history brings with it new challenges for
historical research. Remembering is crucial to building the future. The ICE
urges Swiss companies to open up their historical archives, not only to verify the
work of the Commission but also to approach the subject from a new angle. The
task of documenting our common history calls for equal responsibility on the
part of private industry and its trade associations.
Finally, the research carried out by the other Commissions in over twenty
countries must also be included. Each one had its own particular mandate,
though none so broad as ours. Taken as a whole, the findings will open up fresh
perspectives. They will permit more accurate comparisons – although these too
will be limited, given that the situation varies considerably from one country
to another. What is needed, above all, is a global approach encompassing a
vision which transcends borders, the unique character of individual countries,
and national sensitivities. Facing up to the past is a precondition for the future,
one which must arouse the interest of the international community as a whole.
It is therefore imperative that a future phase seek to achieve supranational coordination
of fresh discoveries in terms of both inner-state workings and international
relations, and of newly emerged facts concerning the economic,
political and moral dimensions of developments in individual countries during
the era of National Socialism, the Second World War, and the Holocaust. This
is no mean task, and the obstacles will be many. But only in this way will it be
possible to make a proper assessment of the unprecedented human suffering
visited upon mankind by the catastrophes of the 20 th century. Let us remember
and take heed.
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