740.00116 E.W./10–244
The Polish Embassy to the Department of State
Memorandum
Reference is made to the memorandum of the Polish Embassy dated September 23, 1944, relating to German plans of extermination of all prisoners in the concentration camp of Oświęcim.
The Polish Government in London has received further information from Poland, from which it appears that similar plans of extermination are being prepared also with reference to the prisoners in the concentration camp of Brzezinki, situated in the vicinity of [Page 1253] Oświęcim. The number of prisoners in the concentration camp of Brzezinki is estimated at 16,725 men and 39,125 women.
According to information received, the German Commanders of these concentration camps have prepared detailed plans for the extermination of all the prisoners. It is reported that the Commander of Brzezinki has asked for definite orders in writing from Berlin in this matter.
This information has been communicated by the Polish Government to the British Government as well as to the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States in London38 with the renewed urgent request that a joint Anglo-American declaration be issued as soon as possible.
The German plans of extermination are undoubtedly in line with the previous German threats that the most valuable elements of the Polish Nation would be liquidated, should the Germans be compelled to withdraw from Poland.
A joint Anglo-American declaration, as mentioned above, is therefore a matter of the greatest urgency and may be the only way to save the lives of these innocent persons.
- The Chargé near the Polish Government in Exile reported the receipt of the note in his telegram 109, September 29, 5 p.m.↩