The Final Solution
The business relations gave Schulte the opportunity to travel often between Breslau in Silesia and Zürich in Switzerland, where he had contacts with Allen W. Dulles, with the dissident German consul Hans Bernd Gisevius, and Polish and French intelligence contacts, according to various sources.
In 1942 Eduard Schulte learned about the Final Solution concept, and in July 1942 he told Gerhart M. Riegner, the Swiss representative of World Jewish Congress. In August 1942, the Riegner Telegram notified the Allies, but they largely ignored the information which stated the estimated number of 3.5 to 4 millions Jews, and the planned use of hydrogen cyanide.
In 1943, the Gestapo noticed his activities, and Schulte had to permanently flee to Switzerland with his wife, while his sons had to fight in the Wehrmacht.
After the war, Schulte remained silent. Gerhart Riegner, the Swiss representative of the World Jewish Congress, always refused to acknowledge who had supplied him with the information as this was "the one request he ever made of me".
Read more about this topic: Eduard Schulte
Famous quotes containing the words final solution, final and/or solution:
“I herewith commission you to carry out all preparations with regard to ... a total solution of the Jewish question in those territories of Europe which are under German influence.... I furthermore charge you to submit to me as soon as possible a draft showing the ... measures already taken for the execution of the intended final solution of the Jewish question.”
—Hermann Goering (18931946)
“The train rounds, bending to a scream,
Taking the final level for the dive
Under the river”
—Hart Crane (18991932)
“Theres one solution that ends all lifes problems.”
—Chinese proverb.