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Report By Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Alfred Huhnhäuser, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

This report by Hans Schwalm on a meeting with Alfred Huhnhäuser discusses possibilities for creating a centralized research institute in Norway. Huhnhäuser was disappointed that his plan would receive no support as long as it included the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Society as the main tie to Germany. He and Schwalm discuss other options. Schwalm reports on the situation of the Ahnenerbe in pursuing such a project, indicating that they are 2 1/2 years behind Huhnhäuser, who has achieved great respect and built solid connections. He indicates that it would be better to work with Huhnhäuser than pursue such a project separately. The document …

Statement By Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Ss-Obersturmführer Dr. Ritz Of The Sd, October 15, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Hans Schwalm describes a meeting with SS-Obersturmführer Dr. Ritz regarding plans of Alfred Huhnhäuser for a broad-reaching research facility in Norway. The note describes the challenges involved in such a plan, including the involvement of the Kaiser Wilhelm Society and negative sentiment among Norwegian intellectuals due to the imposition of martial law in Trondheim. It is stated that contact may take long to establish and that a trip to Posen for Schwalm would break off work entirely.

Letter From Rudolf Brandt Of Heinrich Himmler's Personal Staff To Ss-Gruppenführer Berger Of The Ss Main Office, September 28,1942, Rudolf Brandt

Norwegian Projects

A letter from Rudolf Brandt of the Reichsführer-SS Personal Staff, in which he states that the recipient, SS-Gruppenführer Berger of the SS Main Office, has been unjust to SS-Obersturmbannführer Dr. Richert. He states the Reichsführer SS is supportive of proposals to form a research institute in Norway in cooperation with the Ahnenerbe.

Note From Gottlob Berger To Wolfram Sievers With Forwarded Letter To Heinrich Himmler, September 22, 1942, Gottlob Berger

Norwegian Projects

This document includes a note from Gottlob Berger to Wolfram Sievers accompanying a copy of a letter to Heinrich Himmler. In the note to Sievers, Berger comments on the rival plans of Hans Schwalm and Gustav Richert for a centralized research institution in Norway, stating that it could not be allowed to have two separate organizations. The letter to Himmler includes comments on the struggles of the Ahnenerbe in creating its reputation and the importance of establishing the Ahnenerbe as the authorititive scientific research institution, as well as doubts regarding the authenticity of Richert. It concludes with a push for …

Note By Schwalm On A Meeting With Hans Jacobsen, September 18,1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Schwalm describes a meeting with Hans Jacobsen, Fylkesmann of Østfold and founder of the journal Ragnarok. In the meeting, Schwalm inquired about individuals from the Ragnarok circle who might be useful in the cultural and racial research projects he wished to conduct in Norway. Most individuals mentioned were not suitable for various reasons, often anti-NS and anti-German sentiment due to events and behavior related to the occupation of Norway. Jacobsen himself was willing to contribute but did not show interest in leadership of a committee. They agreed to continue to meet as circumstances allowed.

Statement From Hans Schwalm, September 18, 1942., Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Statement from Dr. Schwalm on a meeting with Dr. Huhnhäuser in which it was determined that Huhnhäuser would be informed of the results of upcoming meetings and his program would be on hold until that point.

Report By Schwalm On The History Of Competing Efforts To Establish A Centralized Research Association In Norway, September 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

This document offers a description of competing efforts to establish a centralized research association in Norway. The primary interests of many stakeholders were racial biology and ethnology, though Huhnhäuser was shown to want an organization encompassing all fields of research. The note concludes with future plans for coordination between the R.u.S. and the Ahnenerbe as well as a note of warning against a plan to create an R.u.S. office within the NS as it would strip the work of German control.

Note By Wolfram Sievers On A Meeting With Gottlob Berger, August 17, 1942, Wolfram Sievers

Norwegian Projects

Wolfram Sievers reports on a meeting with Berger, who requests an Ahnenerbe science advisor for SS-Sturmbannführer Neumann, soon to be dispatched to Oslo. Sievers noted that he could not spare anyone else, but Hans Schwalm, already in Oslo, could assist. Berger also recommended that Sievers get a decree from Himmler stating that the Ahnenerbe was responsible for all legitimate scientific research in the SS and implied that this was important, but was unable to explain why.

Letter From Josef Wimmer To Walther Wüst Forwarded By Wolfram Sievers To Rudolf Brandt, July 22, 1941, Josef Wimmer, Wolfram Sievers

Dowsing Research

In this letter, Josef Wimmer asks for direction on whether or not to carry out dowsing studies on the mountain Hohenwehen in Hegau. Sievers forwards the note to Rudolf Brandt asking if there are objections and stating that he believes it fine for Wimmer to travel.

Letter From Reinhard Heydrich To Heinrich Himmler, March 29, 1941, Reinhard Heydrich

Dowsing Research

In this letter from Reinhard Heydrich to Heinrich Himmler, Heydrich summarizes the books confiscated from the publisher J. Huber and lists his recommendations based on the petition by the Reich Association for Dowsing and the assessment conducted by Josef Wimmer. The document includes notes on the side in response to the recommendations. It is also noted the Dr. Lutz of the Propaganda Ministry does not need to be involved in these discussions as a middleman.

Proposals And Statements On The Work Of Olier Mordrel In Germany, Olier Mordrel

Breton Nationalism

Written after Olier Mordrel left France to stay in Germany, this document offers a summary of Olier Mordrel's history and credentials with a focus on his work as a Breton nationalist leader and publisher of the journal "Stur". Opportunities for collaboration are listed, along with practical issues related to Mordrel's stay in Germany and reports to be completed by Mordrel. The document concludes with a political note stating that Mordrel should be free to return to Britanny if he felt the situation required it and a reprimand stating that his removal from Brittany had negative effects on German-Breton relations and …

Letter From The Ahnenerbe To Rudolf Brandt, November 25, 1940, Ahnenerbe

Dowsing Research

In this letter to Rudolf Brandt of the Reichsführer-SS's personal staff, the writer states that Ahnenerbe Curator Walther Wüst has spoken to Dr. Lutz regarding dowsing rods and pendula and therefore it is not necessary for Brandt to reply to Lutz himself. Additionally, it is stated that the attachment includes the Ahnenerbe position on the prohibition of documents on dowsing and pendula in a letter from 11/20/40 which was sent to the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD.

Letter From Wolfram Sievers To Reinhard Heydrich, November 20, 1940, Wolfram Sievers

Dowsing Research

This letter from Wolfram Sievers to Reinhard Heydrich summarized the assessment of confiscated documents related to dowsing, pendula, and astrology by Josef Wimmer of the Department for Applied Geology. Sievers notes the principles used for assessment: first, that recent research has led to great progress on the dowsing question and physical causes related to the sidereal pendulum may also soon be understandable; second, the dowsing literature does contain false reports and mistakes, but also much that has been scientifically proven - the task at hand, therefore, is to sift the literature and separate out that which is valuable and prevent …

Letter From The Head Of The Sicherheits Polizei And The Sd To The Ahnenerbe, October 31, 1940, Head Of The Sicherheitspolizei And The Sd

Dowsing Research

A request from a representative of the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD (Reinhard Heydrich) to the Ahnenerbe for an update on the review of dowsing and pendulum documents expressing the hope that this activity can be completed shortly, as they must report to the Reichsführer-SS (Heinrich Himmler).

Report By Josef Wimmer On The Position Paper By The Reich Association For Dowsing And The S.D. Report, October 30, 1940, Josef Wimmer

Dowsing Research

In this report, Josef Wimmer adds his opinion on first, the position paper by the Reich Association for Dowsing which defends dowsing and proposes official measures to protect the practice and empower the association and second, a report from the SD in response to the Reich Association petition. Wimmer responds to criticism of dowsing included in the SD report while also recognizing sources of error that the Reich Association training fails to address. He concludes with proposals that would reorganize the association and strengthen the training and oversight capacities, placing the association within the oversight of the Ahnenerbe and encouraging …

Letter From The Head Of The Sicherheits Polizei And The Sd To The Ahnenerbe, August 13, 1940, Head Of The Sicherheitspolizei And The Sd

Dowsing Research

This letter accompanies documents seized during the sequestration of occult literature. It is noted that the Reich Association for Dowsing requested the release of the books and the letter writer asks that the Ahnenerbe provide a statement of opinion on the documents in question.

Report On The Visit Of Dr. Wentzel On June 6, 1939, Unknown

Dowsing Research

This report on a visit to Berlin by Dr. Wetzel notes progress in scientifically determining physical causes for the dowsing rod phenomenon and laments the rejection of dowsing by experts due to activities by "dilettantes and frauds", whose activities should be stopped through official measures.

Wetzel expressed a desire for the Association for Dowsing to come under the umbrella of the German Police with the protection of the Reichsführer-SS, possibly within the Ahnenerbe. He compares dowsing research to World Ice Theory research, both facing opposition from government and party officials which could discourage researchers.

Wetzel additionally mentions his support for …

Letter From The Reich Main Security Office To The Ahnenerbe, May 26, 1939, Reich Main Security Office

Dowsing Research

This note from the Reich Main Security Office on behalf of the Reichsführer-SS (Heinrich Himmler) accompanied a report on dowsing rods which was submitted to Himmler. The note states that the report was being forwarded for information purposes.

Report Of The Sd Directed At Reichsführer Ss Heinrich Himmler, May 26, 1939, Sicherheitsdienst

Dowsing Research

This report from the SD responds to the petition by the Reich Association for Dowsing which defends dowsing and asks for measures to regulate dowsing and empower the association in its oversight capacities.

The SD response begins with a summary of the arguments made by the Reich Association for Dowsing which refers to dowsing successes and outlines obstacles in the form of hostility from the science community, lack of resources, and the detrimental effect of "wild dowsers" on the overall reputation of the practice.

The paper then explores the organization itself, noting that it is based on a system of …

Letter From Heinrich Harmjanz To Wolfram Sievers, February 23, 1939, Heinrich Harmjanz

Atlas of German Folklore

Letter from Heinrich Harmjanz to Wolfram Sievers in which Harmjanz requests a document related to the commissioning of the work for the Atlas of German Volkskunde by the Ahnenerbe. He indicates that it is needed for an upcoming meeting with the German Research Association.

Letter From Heinrich Harmjanz To Wolfram Sievers, January 5, 1939, Heinrich Harmjanz

Atlas of German Folklore

Letter from Heinrich Harmjanz to Wolfram Sievers asking for copies of letters from the German Research Association which Sievers had previously promised to share with Harmjanz. Harmjanz asks that they be sent as soon as possible, as they were necessary for making decisions about the staff and relocation of the Atlas of German Volkskunde.

Letter From Rudolf Mentzel To Walther Wüst, November 30, 1938, Rudolf Mentzel

Atlas of German Folklore

A letter from Rudolf Mentzel to Walter Wüst agreeing to send the Atlas material to the Ahnenerbe for Harmjanz to use in ongoing work. The letter refers to a request for the material by Matthes Ziegler of the Professional Association for German Folk Studies, which was refused by Mentzel due to his verbal promise to Harmjanz.

Letter From Rudolf Mentzel To Matthes Ziegler, November 30, 1938, Rudolf Mentzel

Atlas of German Folklore

Letter from Rudolf Mentzel of the German Research Association to Matthes Ziegler of the Professional Association for German Folk Studies in response to Ziegler's request for the source material of the Atlas of German Volkskunde. Mentzel explains that the material has been sent to Heinrich Harmjanz of the Ahnenerbe for use in his work.

Letter From Heinrich Harmjanz To Wolfram Sievers, November 17, 1938, Heinrich Harmjanz

Atlas of German Folklore

In this document, Heinrich Harmjanz writes to Wolfram Sievers regarding the source material for the Atlas of German Volkskunde. He reports that Matthes Ziegler had requested the material, stating that he'd heard the Atlas would cease to exist. Meanwhile, Harmjanz asks Sievers to reiterate the request to Rudolf Mentzel of the German Research Association that the material be provided to Harmjanz for further work, including a soon to be published Translyvanian atlas.

Letter From Heinrich Harmjanz To Oberregierungsrat Zimmerman, November 17, 1938, Heinrich Harmjanz

Atlas of German Folklore

A letter from Heinrich Harmjanz to Oberregierungsrat Zimmerman of the German Research Association discussing access to the Atlas source material. Harmjanz assures Zimmerman that Matthes Ziegler was incorrect in believing the Atlas work to complete. He details future plans and reasons the material was still needed. He notes that work would continue under the auspices of the Ahnenerbe. He also mentions that Rudolf Mentzel had verbally promised the loan of the material and assures Zimmerman there would be no financial cost to the German Research Association for this project.

Position Paper By The Reich Association For Dowsing Submitted To Heinrich Himmler, October 6, 1938, Reich Association For Dowsing

Dowsing Research

This position paper, directed at Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, from the Reich Association of Dowsing addresses the situation of dowsing and dowsing research and offers proposals for official actions.

The Association emphasises that a scientific explanation is urgently needed, but much progress had been made despite a crippling lack of resources. They cite evidence of dowsing successes (tens of thousands of cases) and note that failures occur in every profession and in dowsing they are not disproportionate.

They call attention to the obstacles of "wild" dowsers, not connected with the Association, as well as the hostility of the science community which …

Report On A Manuscript By Eduard Wildhagen Criticizing The Atlas Of German Folklore, June 1, 1938, Unknown

Atlas of German Folklore

Letter regarding a document by Wildhagen which is seen as an attack on the leadership of the Atlas and the German Research Association. The document was sent to several friends of Wildhagen and some scientists abroad. The writer sees the document as damaging to their interests and wants countermeasures to be taken. The author describes Wildhagen as a power-seeker who had caused great damage to the German humanities and folklore communities.

Letter From Wolfram Sievers To Walther Wüst, May 27, 1938, Wolfram Sievers

Atlas of German Folklore

Letter from Wolfram Sievers to Walther Wüst regarding Eduard Wildhagen's book concerning the Atlas of German Folklore. Sievers forwards relevant documents and asks for advice as to whether the matter should be addressed with Franz Six, Rudolf Mentzel and Heinrich Harmjanz.

Handwritten notes by Wüst and Sievers show that Wüst encouraged the meetings, which occurred on June 17-18, 1939.

Note From Karl Theodor Weigel About Eduard Wildhagen, May 27, 1938, Karl Theodor Weigel

Atlas of German Folklore

In this note for the files, Karl Theodor Weigel describes a letter from Eduard Wildhagen regarding a book by Wildhagen concerning the Atlas of German Volkskunde. Wildhagen sought approval from the Ahnenerbe and Reichsführer SS before publishing the book. Weigel noted that he advised Wildhagen to go through official channels. It is stated that Wildhagen was certain that Himmler was no longer hostile toward him, but Weigel had heard otherwise.

Excerpts From A Document By Eduard Wildhagen Discussing The Atlas Of German Folklore, May 21, 1938, Ahnenerbe, Eduard Wildhagen

Atlas of German Folklore

This document includes two excerpts from a 1932 work by Eduard Wildhagen discussing the Atlas of German Folklore, dealing particularly with its ineffective management.