English Translation

As the Witkowitzer Eisenwerke have so far carried out their duties in an exemplary manner and the work is technically perfectly managed, there is no reason for such a coercive measure and this would be regarded as incomprehensible and diametrically contrary to the requirements of the 5thEriegsjahr. In order to remove Mr. Ing.Kuchinka from the management of the ironworks, as he - as it is certain - is voluntarily not willing to do so. Since, with regard to the person of Mr. Dr.Guido Schmidt, the political and, insofar as it concerns the leadership of the actual production tasks, naturally also the professional suitability of the relevant departments is questioned, there is the less the incentive to carry out this venture without special compelling reasons at the present time. If Mr Ing.Kuchinka refuses to respond to the proposed amendment, I believe that it would be right to call this amendment to Mr Krohn's Secretary of State an inconvenient and, as a result of the extraordinary tasks of production, a dangerous interference in the management which has been in operation so far. If, nevertheless, Mr Krohn, Secretary of State, took the view that Mr Kuchinka had to be assisted by another gentleman to carry out his duties, I would recommend that you make a specific proposal in the near future, including the political aspects, which are particularly relevant in the Ostrava region. Dr. Guido Schmidt would probably not be eligible for this active function after all that has been done so far, but would probably have been satisfied with the function of the chairman of the board of directors without immediate intervention. - I can remember in this case the consideration at the time to win Mr. Dr. Schicketanz for it. Eray Prague, 20 June 1944.