A Memo From Hitler

[Following is a translation of a memorandum signed by Adolf Hitler and dated Jan. 11, 1942. It was written to "Party Comrade Prof. Dr. Porsche," then head of Volkswagen, and Heinrich Himmler, head of the Nazi secret police, or Gestapo.]

SECRET

The completion and commissioning as well as the continued expansion of the foundries, especially the light metal foundry at the Volkswagen Werk, are to be accelerated with all means available.

I approve the proposal by Party Comrade Prof. Dr. Porsche and my representative Party Comrade Werlin to transfer the completion, expansion, and operation of these foundries to the Reichsführer- SS and Head of the German Police, who will provide the workforce from the concentration camps. The Reichsführer- SS is to take the responsibility for the implementation of these instructions in the shortest period of time. The factory must have started operations by the fall 1942 at the latest.

The necessary contingents for this purpose are to be made available immediately.

Führer Headquarters, January 11. 1942.

[signed: Adolf Hitler]

To: The Reichsführer- SS
And Head of the German Police

To: Party Comrade Prof. Dr. Porsche

To: Party Comrade Representative Jakob Werlin