A Well, I don't know what conference you are talking about. Would that be the expert conference? Was it the expert conference?
Q How many conferences did you have in the summer of 1940?
A I no longer know that. Sometimes I took the questionnaires up there, and delivered them to some agency, and then briefly spoke to these people. I only had two conferences in Berlin, so far as I remember. One of these conferences was the first conference to which I was invited by Bouhler, and the second conference was the expert conference in Berlin, about which we have been speaking today, wherein we received all our principles.
Q Now let's take the first conference. You were invited to the first conference by Bouhler. Was that the first time you had heard about the institution of euthanasia program of the German Reich?
A That was the first time I was over in Berlin. I had never been to Berlin before that, and I had nothing to do with it before that.
Q Doctor, you will answer the questions briefly. Now you could have answered the last question, yes or no. Now, kindly try to do that, and we will proceed much more rapidly. Then this was the first time you ever heard of the euthanasia program when you were invited to a meeting or conference in Berlin in the Summer of 1940. That is the first conference you attended where Bouhler invited you. Now as Bouhler present?
A Yes. Yes, Bouhler was there.
Q And who else was there?
A So far as I can remember, Conti was present, Linden was present, Professor Heide was there, and Hetze. I think Dr. Brandt was there.
Q Yes.
A Brandt and Brack, and I think I can still remember these.
Q Now you say Dr. Brandt was there. Was that Dr. Karl Brandt?
A Yes, sir.
Q Was Professor Nietzsche there?
A So far as I can remember, Doctor Karl Brandt was there.
Q Was Professor Nietsche there?
A I don't believe so.
Q Was Warburg there?
A Warburg? I don't know him.
Q Was Hevelmann there? Do you know that man?
A Heffermann?
Q Hevelmann, yes?
A I can not remember Hevelmann. I can not remember he was present during the conference.
Q Was Blankenburg there?
A Blankenburg? Yes. I made his acquaintance later, but I can not remember whether he was there.
Q Was Dr. Schuhmann there?
A No.
Q Was Dr. Falkhauser there?
A No.
Q Was Professor Brack there?
A I beg your pardon.
Q Was Professor Brack there?
A Brunck?
Q Victor Brack?
A Victor Brack, yes, I believe he was there?
Q You say at that meeting a letter from the Fuehrer charged Dr. Karl Brandt and Reichsleiter Bouhler with the authority to give permission to other men to conduct the euthanasia program was exhibited to you for the first time?
A No, I never said that. No letter was shown to me during that conference. This so-called decree of which I saw a photostatic copy was shown to me by Bouhler much, much later when he was at this very institution.
He did that upon my request. I wanted to know whether there was to be a transfer of patients, which had something to do with this question.
Q That is correct, that this outline of the letter of the Fuehrer was not exhibited, is that correct?
A No. I did not know anything about the euthanasia program.
Q What was the purpose of the meeting?
A The transfer of patients who were to be treated and to be separated to other institutions, and, persons who were to be taken care of, to be sent to other institutions, the separation of these two cases of patients.
Q All right.
A That is how I understood it.
Q Then when was the first time that the inmates were to be exterminated?
A I never heard anything about extermination. Pardon no if I say so, but I didn't know the expression "exterminated". I no longer know exactly when the thought arose that this was to be an euthanasia measure. I think it must have a happened when I visited Berlin or perhaps when I was in Munich. I no longer know that. I repeatedly said so. I can't toll you that now. At any rate, at the beginning of the action I was fully conscious that those people were to be sent to welfare institutions, probably for the purpose of euthanasia, but when exactly euthanasia was to start I did not know.
Q May I ask you one question, Doctor, along these lines? Was there over any one, to your knowledge, killed under the euthanasia program. That is, accorded a mercy death, or helped along so that they could die without any further suffering. To your knowledge, do you know that?
A No, I hoard about that for the first time in Frankfurt One of the interrogators told me in Frankfurt that the action had continued after it was supposed to be stopped. I didn't know anything about that.
Q Then you know about the commencement of that action? When did this begin so far as you knew?
A Well, I don't know that either. I don't know when the action started. I never said that I did know it. I don't know it. I was never asked to participate in any discussions regarding that.
Q How many children did you accord a mercy death in your asylum?
A I can't tell you that either exactly because I no longer know the number
Q You applied....
A (Interrupting) No, on the basis of the authorization I had those children fall asleep.
Q What do you call that?
A The children received luminal. In the case of those children a very little dose was sufficient in order to relieve the suffering of these pitiful little beings.
Q How many children did you do that too? Two, three, two hundred, five hundred, one thousand, or eighty thousand?
A For God's sake! I really don't know how many there were. I don't know whether there were a hundred cases or over a hundred cases. The cases who were purely put into a slumber must number around one hundred twenty. However, I can't toll you that with certainty. I am under oath here, you know.
Q I realize that, Doctor. Do you know when the last child was accorded a mercy death in your institution?
A No, I don't know that exactly but Dr. Rodell - I think, Dr. Rondell - said that in Frankfurt that shortly before the Americans arrived children wore still treated with euthanasia. He mentioned one child - but I am not quite sure. At that time I was very excited as a result of these questions.
Q Well, how long did you carry out euthanasia of children in your institution? From 1940 to what date?
A In 1939 I had no euthanasia, I am quite sure that is wrong. I am quite certain it is wrong. I already mentioned a document today.....
Q (Interrupting) I didn't mention the date of 1939 to my knowledge. I said 1940. Maybe we got an incorrect translation. 1940 I said.
A I think you said 1939.
Q Well now, toll me, from 1940 on you were ....
A (Interrupting) Do you want to know when it started?
Q I want to know when it started, yes.
A Well, I really can't tell you that exactly. I said the same thing in Frankfurt. You can't expect from me that I remember all these single dates after so many years have passed. With the best of my will I can not tell you that. This is the question again and again.
Q When did it stop?
A What stopped? What do you moan?
Q The killing of these children.
A The killing of these children? The killing of these children was never stopped.
Q The according of a mercy death to these children.
A The authorization was never stopped, not until the very end. I never received any such stopping. The action regarding the grownups was stopped, and after that, grown up people were no longer subjected to euthanasia in my institution and were no longer transferred. There must be some mix up here.
Q How many grownups were accorded a mercy death in your institution?
A Well, these are the very same questions which have been put here before. Also in Frankfurt. I can no longer Q (Interrupting) Just a moment, Doctor.
Just a moment. I will ask the questions and you answer them. If you do not choose to answer the question will you kindly say "I refuse to answer the question." Either answer the question or don't answer the question. I don't want to hear any more quibbling from you.
Now, let's continue. How many grownups - that is, adults - did you accord a mercy death in your institution
A The mercy death, in my institution - I didn't grant that to any adult. I just transferred the patients.
Q Well now, this first conference in Berlin - the first one, the one that Bouhler invited you to - that concerned the transfer of inmates from one institution to another? Was that its purpose?
A The purpose of that conference was the transfer of patients, who could no longer be treated, into care institutions. These were county care institutions, and that was tho expression I heard there for tho first time.
Q Then what happened immediately after that conference? Did you then go back to your institution and start to transfer the inmates affected, or then did you wait a while and have another meeting in Berlin, or did you have to attend another conference before the program got underway, or just what did happen?
A I returned to Munich.
Q You returned to Munich. Now did you then immediately start to transfer inmates?
A No, I transferred the patients as soon as the first transport was demanded from me. That is quite impossible what you are saying.
Q When was the first transport... I'm not saying anything. I'm questioning you. Now, let's not have this hostile attitude.
A I beg your pardon. It hurts mo because these are matters which I do not understand. It excites mo.
A Well, all right now, after your meeting in tho summer of 1940, you returned to your institution. Now, when did you receive tho first order to send patients away from your institution?
AAs far as I remember, I received that order during the same year, and I think that was probably in the late fall of 1940.
Q Now, in the same summer, that is, the summer of 1940, did you attend another meeting or conference in Berlin.
A Yes, the export conference. I already said that.
Q Now, will you toll me about the export conference? Was Brack there?
A I believe he was there, yes.
Q Was Bouhler there?
A I don't know that any more. It may be that he looked in, but I really don't know that exactly.
Q Well, just about two hours ago, on direct examination you stated that at this conference of exports in Berlin, Brack was there but Bouhler was not. Is that what you said then?
A I said that I believed that Bouhler was not there, but I can't remember these personalities now. I don't believe Bouhler was there. However, I can't exclude the possibility, if you are speaking of possibilities, I can hardly say "no".
Q Was Brack introduced to the members of this conference?
A I don't know. I can't toll you that. I don't know that.
Q Who presided over the conference?
AAs far as I remember, the conference was presided over by Mr. Brack. As far as I remember, Professor Nietzsche spoke from the physicians. I also spoke. All the other physicians spoke. This was a general discussion.
Q This is a good breaking point, Your Honor.
THE PRESIDENT: At this point the Tribunal will be in recess until 9:30 o'clock Monday morning.
(A recess was taken until 0930 hours, 12 May 1948)
Official Transcript of the American Military Tribunal in the matter of the United States of America against Karl Brandt, et al, defendants, sitting at Nurnberg, Germany on 12 May 1947, 0930, Justice Beals presiding.
THE MARSHAL: Persons in the court room will please find their seats.
The Honorable, the Judges of Military Tribunal I.
Military Tribunal I is now in session. God save the United States of America and this honorable Tribunal.
There will be order in the courtroom.
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Marshal, you ascertain if the defendants are all present in court.
THE MARSHAL: May it please Your Honor, all the defendants are present in court.
THE PRESIDENT: The Secretary-General will note for the record the presence of all the defendants in court.
Counsel may proceed.
HERMANN PFANNMUELLER - Resumed
CROSS EXAMINATION (Continued) BY MR. HARDY:
Q Dr. Pfannmueller, at the close of the session on Friday we were discussing the organization of the euthanasia program and I an interested in having you explain to the Tribunal in more detail the activities and events of the various conferences in the summer of 1940. I want to go back now, for the moment, to the first conference wherein you were invited by Bouhler to attend the conference, that is the first conference in the summer of 1940. Do you understand me?
A Yes.
Q Now, this first conference, after you arrived and the assembly was called to order, who was the presiding officer at the conference?
A Reichsleiter Bouhler.
Q Now, what was the subject of the conference?
A The discussion was about dealing with incurably insane persons in institutions and their transferring to care institutions. I never had any, other idea of tho purpose of this meeting.
Q Now, after tho incurably ill patients were transferred to care institutions was it decided at this conference what would be the final disposition of those particular patients?
AAt this meeting nothing was said about that. The word euthanasia was not mentioned at all. It was never mentioned.
Q I see. Now, did Bouhler refer to any state order that this transfer must take place?
A No.
Q Then the discussion merely included the transfer of incurables from various institutions, such as your own, to those so-called care institutions, is that correct?
A Yes, in my opinion. That is tho impression I had.
Q I see. You have attempted, for tho benefit of the Tribunal, to recollect those in attendance at that meeting. I am fully aware of the fact that this meeting took place 7 years ago and it is with considerable difficulty that you are attempting to recollect those present. Could you toll us how many were there, that is, were there 20 people there, or thirty people, or fifty people? Do you recall that, doctor?
A I believe there were not over twenty, rather, less. I can't say exactly.
Q Did anyone else other than Bouhler participate and have anything to say at tho meeting?
A Yes.
Q Who was that, do you remember?
A Yes, I believe I can remember that there was Brack. I believe I can remember Professor Heyde, I can't remember with absolute certainty but I believe he was there. I believe I can remember Professor Heinze, I think, but I don't know for sure, that Linden was there from the Reichs Ministry of the Interior.
And I think that Conti was there too, but I can't remember these two definitely. There were other people there too. The introduction was as it usually is, I don't understand names and you just smile. But I think I can remember that during tho discussion the question of incurability was discussed and I believe that Professor Heinze spoke, and I said something, and I think Professor Heyde made a remark too. That is what I remembered about this conference and what I think I can swear to.
Q I see, did Blankenburg participate? Did ho have anything to say?
A Blankenburg - I don't know. I don't know. There was a small man whom I not later but I don't remember on what occasion. I don't believe that ho was at that meeting but I can't say for certain.
Q How about Professor Nietsche?
A I do not believe so. I think I not Professor Nietsche for the first time at tho second exports meeting.
Q How about Professor Dr. Karl Brandt?
A I believe so, I think so, but I can't say for certain but I think he was there. I didn't know that ho was a professor.
Q I see. Was Professor Doctor Kurt Blome there?
A I don't know, I never talked to Blome. I don't know him. I don't know Blome.
Q Well, now, Doctor, as best as you can recollect, what was tho final outcome of this particular meeting, this first meeting? Was anything absolutely decided? Just what were the final results?
A No, the final result of tho meeting, as far as I can remember, was that tho certain patients who were considered incurable and in need of permanent institutional care might have to be put in separate institutions.
I don't know whether the name Reich Working Union was mentioned at the time, but the main point of the meeting was that the people were to be transferred to these institutions. It was said that beds were to be released for curable cases, for curable cases which required treatment in these institutions. And during the course of those many examinations I have been thinking this over. I think it was also said that bods were also to be released for wounded, I believe, but in any case I remember only that bods were to be released for curable cases, that is, the institutions were to be exclusively institutions for curing curable cases. One of the oldest followers of practical psychiatry I was in favor of separating the curable and incurable cases and I know the suggestion very thoroughly. And I may add something that has since occurred to me. I was afraid at the time that my institution might be dissolved if I accepted many permanent cases. I think that I expressed these misgivings but after this long lapse of time you can't think ill of me if I don't remember all these details.
Q Now, was there anything further you recall about that meeting that you would like to tell us about?
A No, I can not remember anything else.
Q Well now-
A (Continuing)nothing else was said. I had no idea as to why that conference was called. The invitation did not say.
Q Now, Dr. Phannmueller, after a completion of this conference, you then, I suppose, returned to your Institute, and when did you here-
A Yes.
Q When did you hear again about this subject?
A So far as I can recollect, I received the questionnaires. It had been said that the head of the Institute would receive questionnaires: in connection with registering the patients; I believe that was the first meeting, but I received the questionnaires, and had to fill them out, and I did fill them out about the so-called permanent cases.
Q Those were questionnaires - -
AAnd then I believe I was told, I don't know by whom, if it was one of the men at this meting I can not say whether Brack - - it was not Bouhler, but I don't know whether it was Brack, or whether it was Hefermann, who might have been there, I don't know any longer, but I remember the name from later, I was told I was to take care of these questionnaires as quickly as possible, to examine the cases quickly, and to take the questionnaires up to Berlin, because they wanted to discuss with me what mental institutions there were in Germany. Apparently, no preliminary work had been done in Berlin, and I took the two volumes works on Mental Institutions in Germany, I don't remember the year when it was published, I don't have those things with me, I took that along to be able to tell the gentlemen something about the size and number of beds, and so forth, of the various institutions.
Q Now when you received this questionnaire, did you have filled out these which were to be filled out with only the patients in your hospital, is that correct?
A Yes, yes, of course.
Q After you had completed filling out these questionnaires on the patients in your hospital, then you had to send the questionnaires to Berlin, or, did you have to carry them to Berlin personally? Do you recall that?
A I believe twice I took questionnaires to Berlin personally by request. It took a long time because I worked there carefully-I testified so in Frankfurt-I believe the rest of them were sent by registered mail to the Reich Working Union.
Q Well, now, Dr. Pfannmueller - -
A I don't remember the address but I think it was in the Columbus House. I don't remember.
Q Now, Dr. Pfannmueller, after those episode of receiving questionnaires to be filled out on the patients in your hospital, then there was another meeting held, that is, a meeting of the experts in the Summer of 1940. Can you tell us just what was the reason for the calling of this meeting of experts, as you understand it to be and what developed at the meeting, and what was the outcome of the meeting?
A So far as I can recall, I shall testify, of course, about it. That conference was called, I believe, when I got a written invitation. It might be that I was asked by telephone to come, I don't know exactly. I think I got a written invitation. We met in the ante-room At then end of the corridor was Bouhler's office, and then we were taken over to a small conference room. I don't remember how many people were there, but I think that there were about twenty. So far as I can recall the conference was opened, or presided over, I don't remember exactly, by a Mr. Linden, or was it Dr, Brack, or was it somebody else, I can not remember exactly. Of the people attended, this conference, I think I can remember Brack. During the discussion I believe I can remember Professor Heinze, Professor Nietsche, whom I got to know better at that time. I had known him before as a member of the board of the Society cf German Psychiatrist and Neurologist. Then there were people from Nassau Institutes.
I can remember one of them, because I worked from thirteen to sixteen in an Institution in Nassau, that was Dr. SchneiderI beg you pardon, perhaps you can help me. I remember somebody else, Henkel, a physician or somebody like that, but- -
Q Let's see-
Q Who must also have been a Nassau Director.
Q I can go through a few for you and see if I can refresh your recollection to help you.
A Please.
Q Was Bouhler there?
A I said that Frankly that I can not remember for sure. It may be he was there for a while, but he did net preside a this meeting, otherwise, I would have remembered it.
Q You say Victor Brack was there?
A Yes, he spoke too, so far as I can remember.
Q Was Blankenburg there?
A Blankenburg was never in such a close contact with me, I would be able to remember. I talked to blankenburg and. I can remember that he was a short man, physically small man, but I really con't know whether he was present or not. Not with certainty anyway.
Q Was von Hegener there?
A I don't know.
Q Was Vorwerk there?
A. Vorwerk?
Q Yes.
A Vorwerk, I believe Vorwerk was present, but I don't know for certain. I believe that he was there at the end, but I don't know for sure, gentlemen. I believe that a few words were said about the transport of the patients, and that might have been Vorwerk. It was discussed they should be removed in buses. I don't know for certain.
Q Was Professor Heyde there?
A I think Professor Heyde was there, yes.
Q What about Professor Nietsche, he was there?
A Yes, he took a very active part in the conference, in the discussion about the diagnostic and prognostic judgments of the institutional cases.
Q Was Dr. Linden there?
A Yes, I believe Linden was there.
Q Was Dr. Conti there?
A I don't think so. I don't believe that Conti was present. I can not remember having seen Conti.
Q Dr. Blome was there?
A I don't know Blome. I don't knew who Blome is either.
Q Is the name of Allers familiar to you. Was Allers there?
AAllers?
Q Yes.
A No, no Ahlers. He was my superior in Augsburg.
THE INTERPRETER: Allers, Allers, Allers?
AAllers, no.
BY MR. HARDY:
Q Was Dr. Schumann there?
A I thought that over for a long time. I don't know for sure. I don't remember whether it was Wahlmann or Schumann. I can't tell.
Q Was Professor Dr. Brandt there?
A No, I believe that he was not there. I don't remember about that very well. I only have a faint recollection of him. I saw him again here during the walks. He will be able to confirm that. In my opinion I saw Professor Brandt only at this first Bouhler meeting. I cannot remember if he was at the second conference.
Q Was Dr. Falkenhauser there?
A Falkenhauser?
Q Yes?
A No, that was a very good friend of mine, my paternal friend, and my teacher. He was not there. He was not present at this conference.
Q Was Dr. Hennecke there?
A I believe that you misunderstood me, probably that was Menneke.
Q Menneke?
A Yes, Menneke.
Q Yes, Menneke?
A I don't remember, I can not remember Menneke. I knew Menneke only from later scientific meeting, a small convention in Heidleberg at the Psychiatric clinic, of Professor Schneider.
Q Can you tell us now Dr. Pfannmueller what developed?
A Excuse me for interrupting you. There were other doctors present, but I did not know them.
Q Yes, can you tell us what developed at this meeting of experts. That was the purpose cf the meeting, as you understood it; what was tho final outcome? Can you kindly tell the Tribunal just what developed at this meeting?
A The results of tho meeting was mere or less what I have testified to here I was examined by Dr. Froeschmann, in my capacity cf an expert. That is, in the discussion of the doctor, the medical conclusions were reached about the evaluation cf the permanent cases, which were to he transferred to other institutions, and about details cf the diagnosis and prognosis cf cases, and in their registration; about the use of tho questionnaire by doctors with scientific and practical experiences and knowledge, as experts, and to deliver that questionnaire. I believe I can remember that a questionnaire of this type such as was shewn to me here was exhibited, and the technique was discussed of marking positive cases with a plus mark, and the negative cases with a minus; and the doubtful cases with a question mark.
Then I believe I can remember it was said that it was possible for the experts, if they were appointed, to make personal remarks, something about the case history of personal examinations and remarks about filling out of the questionnaires, that they were not filled out carefully. Finally, as far as I can remember, gentlemen, it was also discussed how the whole activity was organized, the preliminary expert, the chief expert, how the Government agency came in the Reichs Working union, the administrative elements and the final decision by the man in charge of the institution. Gentlemen, I cannot say with certainty whether it became obvious at this point that Euthanasia was a program. I don't remember, but I believe it was only later that I heard about Euthanasia, that is near to the time when Bouhler appeared at my institution. I cannot say with certainty, but I do not want to deny the possibility that it was said due to the treatment of the patients it night lead to their dying. I cannot say with certainty, but I believe that is all I can tell you from my own memory about this conference as far as I can remember after all these years.
I forgot one thing, gentlemen, to give you a true picture, in both conferences it was said that the discussions were top secret and that criminal proceedings would be started if anyone would declare anything about this he might be tried and it might involve the death penalty. I don't remember when I was obligated to secrecy and in what way, whether by solemnly shaking hands or at the end of the meeting when we were walking out. I cannot tell you that, but later my personnel was obligated to keep these things a top secret.
Q. Dr. Pfannmueller, after the completion of this meeting when did you for the first time, as far as you can recall, hear that Euthanasia was to be applied in the case of these incurables, after they had been first recorded in the questionnaire by the chief doctor of the institute when they were hospitalized; when did you first hear that the final disposition would be to accord these patients a mercy death? Do you understand the import of the question, doctor?
A. Yes, I know what you mean, but I was not able to formulate all of your statement.
Q. Then was the first time that you heard or were informed that Euthanasia was to be applied to these incurable patients?
A. As far as I can remember, the first time was when Bouhler visit me, I believe late in the summer of 1940, at my institution. I believe I suspected it before hand, but as far as I can remember I was told by telephone from Berlin about nine in the morning that Bouhler was going to visit me and I was not to leave the office. The call had been announced and then I was told he was going to visit my institution. I waited at the office and told the official that when the Reichsleiter came, he should be shown into my office. Then Reichsleiter Bouhler came to my office and asked me to show him around the institution. I took him to various buildings, I showed him the treatment building, the reception room, the acute cases, the very old patients and I showed him the purely anti-social departments, also the head working details. At the end of the discussion, I asked Reichsleiter Bouhler to tell me whether Euthanasia measures were responsible for the transfer of these patients. And then I saw the decree of the Fuehrer for the first time. If you ask me about the date at the top of it, I must tell you that I cannot remember. I looked at the decree and I know that there was the insignia at the left top of it. They told me in Frankfurt that it was in gold, but it was not in gold, I would have noticed it immediately. It was black sign. It was not a photostatic copy, but whether it was a carbon copy or not I cannot say. I thought it was the original, according to the signature Adolf Hitler at the bottom at the right, but I don't know for sure. I always thought that the names Brandt and Bouhler were on two different lines, but it could have been on the some line I am not sure. I cannot remember that it talked about incurably sick people, but it talked about incurably insane people. I may be mistaken, but I think at the bottom at the left, it said, "To the Reich Ministers." I think it said Reichs Ministers. I read the decree, then I said to Bouhler and asked him what would be done when Euthanasia would begin.
He did not give me any answer, he said that the law was being worked out, the regulation for the execution for this law were being worked out. That was the sense of what he said and also that the law would be published at the proper time. I said that it might be expedient to have a plebiscite on this question, but Bouhler for political reasons rejected this, he said it was impossible for this to be done because there was a war on. That is more or less what I discussed with Bouhler at that time and Bouhler said he was strongly impressed by many of the things he had seen. He had a terrible impression he said of many departments in which there were the terrible cases we have discussed here already.
Q. Now, Professor, when did you first receive conclusive knowledge, that is became fully aware, of the fact that those persons declared permanently incurable were to be accorded a mercy death?
A. I learned that in the way in which the general population learned it. The transports were taken away from my institution, the first ones wore by motor bus. I think Vorwerk was present at the first transport, but I am not sure, however, I think he was there. The transports left and I don't know if it was after the first or second transport, I don't remember the date exactly, but I think it was in the late fall of 1940 or the spring of 1941 but I cannot tell you exactly, in any case after the second transport approximately it was said that patients in these transports had died, because the relatives had in the meantime received the death notice. There were a number of rumors which were spread among the relatives, who visited the patients on the usual visiting says. They came out from Munich by train to my institution and the rumors wore spread on the train. One or two people came to me and told me about the death of the patients and that is how I learned about it. Then I believe I received instructions, I don't know whether it was from Berlin or Munich, I think from Berlin, I was to work out a letter to the effect that by order of the Reich Defense Commissioner, within the framework of planned economy measures, registration was to take place in the mental institutions. Something like that such and such a patient had been transferred for this reason to another institution.