Norwegian Projects

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  Report from Dr. Schweizer on a Trip to Norway and Denmark, May 15, 1944

  Bruno Schweizer

  Schweizer describes the results of a trip to Scandinavia designed to investigate opportunities for collaboration with Scandinavian scholars and set goals for language and dialect research, with particular focus on the development of Scandinavian and Germanic language atlasses. The report describes several opportunities for collaboration and names of potential resources, but describes a fraught political situation where collaboration must be conducted privately for fear of backlash for the Scandinavian scholars involved.

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  Report from Hans Schwalm on a Meeting with SS-Sturmbannführer Noot of the SD, October 30, 1942

  Hans Schwalm

  Schwalm summarizes a meeting with SS-Sturmbannführer Noot in which Noot promised that relevant SD documents would be made available to Schwalm in the areas of Germanic culture and scientific research. The situation in Norway was discussed, including political tension following the death of Minister Lunde. Skepticism was noted concerning the success of German research endeavors in Norway, partly attributed to political uncertainty and partly to "weary" Norwegian blood. It was noted however that the work was important and should be attempted nonetheless as even a negative result was significant for making decisions about the reconstruction of Europe.

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  Report by Hans Schwalm on a Meeting with Norwegian Minister of Justice Riisnaes, October 25, 1942

  Hans Schwalm

  Report on a meeting with Norwegian Minister of Justice Riisnaes describing individuals in Oslo of interest to the Germans, particularly historians and those involved in the Ministry of Culture.

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  Report from Hans Schwalm on a Meeting with SS-Obersturmführer Dr. Vollberg, October 25, 1942

  Hans Schwalm

  Hans Schwalm reports on a meeting with SS-Obersturmführer Dr. Vollberg of the SD on October 23, 1942. The meeting focuses on the anti-German sentiment of the Norwegian science community. It is noted that the University of Oslo had been rejecting members of Nasjonal Samling and German patience was wearing thin. They additionally discussed individual scientists with anti-German sentiments, including Anton Wilhelm Brøgger, Sigurd Grieg, Carl Marstrander, and Johannes Bøe. Of particular concern was the appointment of Johannes Bøe to a prestigious position without consulting the German occupiers. Schwalm asked to be informed on such topics. They additionally discussed Eberhard Günther Kern of the Language School Kern, noting that while he had valuable connections and knowledge, his personal behavior could be damaging to their cause. The final topic was the destruction of archaeological sites by the Wehrmacht and the need to find ways to secure the discoveries. Vollberg noted that the Wehrmacht would not allow Norwegian scientists to participate, so a team of German scientists was required. It was finally noted that the poor relations between Higher SS and Police Leader Redieß and the Wehrmacht was an obstacle. Vollberg asked that Schwalm investigate whether the Reichskommissariat might be involved, as their relations with the Wehrmacht were much better.

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  Report by Hans Schwalm on a Meeting with SD Literature Advisor SS-Hauptsturmführer Falk, October 21, 1942

  Hans Schwalm

  In this document, Hans Schwalm describes a meeting with SS-Hauptsturmführer Falk, literature advisor of the SD. Falk was unable to recommend individuals to collaborate on Ahnenerbe work, but recommended Schwalm reach out to Fin Halvorsen and SS-Obersturmführer Bischof. He described struggling efforts by Gudmud Schnittler to publish a Norwegian lexikon, attributing the failure to anti-German sentiment and refusal to collaborate. He also warns against the circle of people led by Gulbrund Lunde, as they were focused on Norse identity ("norrön") in opposition to a pan-Germanic concept of identity, including efforts to purge German influences from the Norwegian language.

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  Confidential Statement from Hans Schwalm to Hans-Ernst Schneider and Wolfram Sievers on Objections to the Book "Norwegian History" by Martin Gerlach, October 17, 1942

  Hans Schwalm

  In this confidential note, Schwalm discusses a book by German professor Martin Gerlach titled "Norwegian History". Ministerial Councilor Huhnhäuser had several objections to the book's content, with which Schwalm agrees upon a cursory review of the manuscript. The objections relate to the author's Christian perspective and lack of focus on pre-Christian pan-Germanic cultural heritage. It is noted that the book fills a missing gap, that of the German perspective on Norwegian history, and would therefore sell well and be considered the official position of German authorities, due to the regime's reputation for censorship. The letter concludes with a three point plan to prevent printing and distribution of the book in question.

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  Report from Schwalm on a Meeting with Ivar Sæter, October 17, 1942

  Hans Schwalm

  Schwalm describes a meeting with Ivar Saeter of the National Teacher's Federation of Norway. He provides a summary of Saeter's military background and his lack of interest in and connection to the Teacher's association. In the meeting, Saeter described the types of people found in the NS (conquerors, sychophants, those aiming to restore an independent Norway and those who wish to collaborate with Germans) and the overall Norwegian situation. It is stated that the concept of Lebensraum means that Norway must be part of a greater Germain Reich and Norwegians should think of themselves as Germanic but not German. Saeter also stated that Himmler should be Hitler's Deputy rather than Göring and that German propaganda had had a negative impact on Norwegian popular opinion. Schwalm concludes that the conversation should continue in the near future, but he is unlikely to make more connections through Saeter, due to his weak relationship to the Teacher's Foundation.

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  Report from Dr. Schwalm on a Meeting with School Director Kern in Oslo, October 17, 1942

  Hans Schwalm

  Schwalm describes a meeting with Kern, who ran a language school in Oslo and had prior affiliations with the Foreign Organization. Kern's precarious position is detailed, including his ouster from the Foreign Organization and the efforts against him and his school by Huhnhäuser and Pudelko of the German Academy. Schwalm describes Kern as one willing to tap into his connections from years of teaching, but who is looking to benefit from this association. Kern refers to the atmosphere among the Norwegian intelligentsia including their reluctance to join the NS and willingness to engage in dialogue with Germans as long as they are not exposed. Kern warns against proceeding at a German pace in the research centralization project. Schwalm indicates that Kern may be a good resource, but more research is required prior to further collaboration.

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  Report by Hans Schwalm on a Meeting with Alfred Huhnhäuser, October 17, 1942

  Hans Schwalm

  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 concludes with the question of whether or not Wilhelm Redieß, Higher SS and Polizeiführer, would agree to a collaborative solution.

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  Letter from Hans Schwalm Regarding his Work in Norway to Schneider and Wolfram Sievers, October 17, 1942

  Hans Schwalm

  Schwalm writes to Schneider and Sievers regarding the difficulties of his work in Norway, focusing on lack of proper offices and his planned stay in Posen, which he is hoping will be cancelled to prevent an interruption of the work in Norway. Schwalm indicates the work is not progressing well and any interruption would mean having to start all over again.

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  Statement by Hans Schwalm on a Meeting with SS-Obersturmführer Dr. Ritz of the SD, October 15, 1942

  Hans Schwalm

  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.

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  Letter from Rudolf Brandt of Heinrich Himmler's Personal Staff to SS-Gruppenführer Berger of the SS Main office, September 28,1942

  Rudolf Brandt

  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.

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  Note from Gottlob Berger to Wolfram Sievers with Forwarded Letter to Heinrich Himmler, September 22, 1942

  Gottlob Berger

  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 financial support of the Ahnenerbe in its expansion to Germanic countries.

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  Statement from Hans Schwalm, September 18, 1942.

  Hans Schwalm

  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.

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  Note by Schwalm on a Meeting with Hans Jacobsen, September 18,1942

  Hans Schwalm

  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.

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  Report from Hans Schwalm on a Meeting with Alfred Huhnhäuser and Forwarded Copy of Huhnhäuser's Proposal for a Norwegian Research Association, September 17, 1942

  Hans Schwalm and Alfred Huhnhäuser

  Schwalm reports on a meeting with Dr. Huhnhäuser concerning the Reichskommissariat Science and Education Department, the establishment of a centralized research association in Norway, literature propaganda and future collaboration. He discusses the incorporation of Huhnhäuser into the SS to facilitate future work as well as Huhnhäuser's work to promote German literature, particularly to counteract the literature distributed by German emigrants. The primary focus is on the possibility of creating a centralized research institute through close German-Norwegian collaboration. Schwalm notes that Huhnhäuser's plans fit with the Ahnenerbe goals. The attached paper by Huhnhäuser describes the current situation and the importance of reorganization, while also mentioning a few candidates for leadership positions in the proposed association.

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  Report by Schwalm on the History of Competing Efforts to Establish a Centralized Research Association in Norway, September 17, 1942

  Hans Schwalm

  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.

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  Note by Wolfram Sievers on a Meeting with Gottlob Berger, August 17, 1942

  Wolfram Sievers

  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.