Why did Heydrich write the "Schnellbrief"? A remark on the reason and on its significance

Dan Michman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

Abstract

Discusses a lengthy express letter sent by Heydrich to Einsatzgruppen commanders on 21 September 1939, which has become an important document for the study of Nazi wartime policy. Heydrich used the word "Endziel" (final goal) and mentioned, inter alia, the proposed concentration of Jews at central localities near railway stations and the establishment of Judenräte. Points out that some Judenräte were already appointed on 6 September, which shows that the anti-Jewish policy for Poland was planned even before the invasion. Notes that the letter was sent after Heydrich's meeting with Einsatzgruppen, SS, and SD commanders, so they already knew its contents. Contends that it was written even before the meeting, and that it was actually aimed at the heads of various ministries, to whom it was also sent, to let them know that Heydrich and the above-mentioned groups were in charge of anti-Jewish policy.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)433-447
Number of pages15
JournalYad Vashem Studies
Volume32
StatePublished - 2004

Bibliographical note

See also in Hebrew.

RAMBI Publications

  • RAMBI Publications
  • Antisemitism -- Germany -- History -- 20th century
  • Heydrich, Reinhard -- 1904-1942
  • Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) -- Germany
  • Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) -- Poland
  • Jewish councils -- Poland

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