Introduction
A radio message from the SS Economic and Administrative Main Office (SS-WVHA) to the Auschwitz concentration camp, dated 26 August 1942, shows how SS officials used euphemistic language to arrange the delivery of Zyklon-B supplies. In the message, the SS camp administration was granted authorization for a 5-ton truck to travel from Auschwitz to Dessau and back to collect “material for special treatment” (Material für Sonderbehandlung). The phrase “special treatment” was an euphemism for extrajudicial killings carried ou by Nazi police and security forces.
Document
Dienststelle: SS-Standort-Funkstelle Auschwitz
Funkspruch Nr. 83 SS-Standort-Funkstelle Auschwitz
Absendenende Stelle: W.V.H.A.
An K.L. Auschwitz
Tag Monat 26.8.42
Stunde Minuten 1558
Betr.: Fahrgenehmigung.
Bez.: Dort. Antrag v. 26.8.1942
Fahrgen. für einen LKW. nach Dessau zur Abholung von Material für Sonderbeh. wird hiermit erteilt. Fahrgen. ist dem Kraftf. mitzugeben.
Der Chef des Zentralamtes
gez. Liebehenschel
SS-Oberstubaf. (Ständiger Vertreter des Leiters der Dienststelle im Range eines Generalleutnants der Waffen-SS)
F.d.R.
[Unterschrift]
Funkstellenleiter
ausgeführt mit dem LKW Renault SS-16277
Office: SS Garrison Radio Station Auschwitz
Radio Message No. 83 SS Garrison Radio Station Auschwitz
Sending Office: WVHA
To: Concentration Camp Auschwitz
Date: 26 August 1942
Time: 15:58
Subject: Driving Permit
Reference: Local request of 26.8.1942
Driving permit for a truck to Dessau to pick up material for special treatment is hereby granted. The driving permit is to be given to the driver.
The Chief of the Central Office
Signed: Liebehenschel
SS-Obersturmbannführer (Permanent Deputy of the Head of the Office, in the rank of Lieutenant General of the Waffen-SS)
For the record
[Signature]
Head of the Radio Station
Carried out with the truck Renault SS-16277
Archivial reference:
APMAB, D-Au-I-4/1, p. 8