SS General Hans Kammler, and related German WW2 underground factories. (National Archives And Records Administration – Archival Or Special Access)

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Thank you.

Dear Tino Von Struckmann,

This is in response to your February 14, 2024 Freedom of Information Act
request (#24-24698) about “all information about SS-Obergruppenführer (SS
General) Hans Kammler, the Bergkristall, Quarz, Dora Mittlebau tunnel
factories and Jonastal SIII.” We received your request in the Textual
Reference Branch at the National Archives in College Park, MD (Archives II)
on February 15, 2024.

We make reasonable efforts to assist researchers with their work. As a
matter of policy, the National Archives is staffed to assist researchers
with their work, including but not limited to pointing researchers to
helpful finding aids to begin their research. However, given the
limitations on staff resources, we do not generally conduct substantive
research in response to requests filed under the Freedom of Information
Act, except in circumstances where documents are easily locatable.

Your request primarily consists of a stated topic rather than describing
specific documents, and therefore is not reasonably specific enough for us
to be in a position to easily locate documents responsive to your request.
A preliminary search of the finding aids that are available to us reveals
that your request could contain information in a number of series in
various record groups.

For example, European Name Index to the Series "Case Files, 1944-1949"
<https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1683246> (entry A1 142) in the Records of
the Office of the Judge Advocate General (Army) (Record Group 153) and
located one card for "Kammler, Dr." (see image 1039)
<https://catalog.archives.gov/id/166832179?objectPage=1039> that might be
of interest to you. This index has been digitized and may be viewed online
using the National Archives Catalog link provided. The card for Dr. Kammler
includes the case file number 110-10. That file is located in box 101 of
the series Set-Up Files, 1944–1949 <https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1692305>
(entry A1 145) in Record Group 153. Although the Set-Up Files have not been
digitized, they are already open and available for researchers to access
without submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Please
email the Textual Reference staff at Archives II at
archives2reference@nara.gov for more information about these records.

The National Archives Collection of World War II War Crimes Records (Record
Group 238) also includes multiple references to Hans Kammler
<https://catalog.archives.gov/search?q=%22Hans%20Kammler%22&recordGroupNumber=238>
and Kammler, Hans
<https://catalog.archives.gov/search?q=%22Kammler%2C%20Hans%22&recordGroupNumber=238>
in several series related to Case No. 4, United States v. Oswald Pohl, et
al. These records have been digitized and may be viewed online using the
Catalog links provided.

Next, we searched the non-digitized Personal Name Index, as well as the
Index to the Director’s Files (Microfilm Publication 1642), to the Records
of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) (Record Group 226), but we were
unable to find any reference to Hans Kammler in these indexes.

In addition, National Archives Record Group 319: Records of the Army Staff
contains Investigatory Records Repository (IRR) files accessioned by the
National Archives from the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command
(USAINSCOM). The IRR files are military intelligence and Counter
Intelligence Corps (CIC) files maintained by USAINSCOM and its
predecessors. The primary IRR series in our custody include:

-

Intelligence and Investigative Dossiers Impersonal Files
<https://catalog.archives.gov/id/576906> (entry A1 134A)
-

Selected Printouts of Digital Intelligence and Investigative Dossiers
from Impersonal Files <https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6705484> (entry
ZZ 6)
-

Intelligence and Investigative Dossiers Personal Files
<https://catalog.archives.gov/id/645054> (entry A1 134, A1 134B)
-

Selected Printouts of Digital Intelligence and Investigative Dossiers
(Personal Files) <https://catalog.archives.gov/id/12191624> (entry ZZ 5)

We have carefully searched the finding aids available to us, but we were
unable to locate any references to Hans Kammler among these records.

You may also wish to search for relevant records within these series in the
Records of the Central Intelligence Agency (Record Group 263):

-

First Release of Name Files Under the Nazi War Crimes and Japanese
Imperial Government Disclosure Acts, ca. 9/18/1947 - 1999
<https://catalog.archives.gov/id/573459> (Entries A1 86 and ZZ 16); not
digitized

-

Second Release of Name Files Under the Nazi War Crimes and Japanese
Imperial Government Disclosure Acts, ca. 1981 - ca. 2002
<https://catalog.archives.gov/id/640446> (Entries A1 88 and ZZ 18);
digitized in full

-

First Release of Subject Files Under the Nazi War Crimes and Japanese
Imperial Government Disclosure Acts, ca. 9/18/1947 - 2002
<https://catalog.archives.gov/id/574143> (Entries A1 87 and ZZ 17); not
digitized

-

Second Release of Subject Files Under the Nazi War Crimes and Japanese
Imperial Government Disclosure Acts, ca. 1981 - ca. 2003
<https://catalog.archives.gov/id/640447> (Entries A1 89 and ZZ 19);
digitized in full

Plus, we located the file CIOS Reports: XXXIII-38, 21 - Underground
Factories in Germany <https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2152276> in box 693
and the file CIOS Reports: XXXII-17, 4 - Underground Factories in Central
Germany <https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2152133> in box 686 of the
series Publications
Files, 1950–1951 ("P File") <https://catalog.archives.gov/id/656424> (entry
NM-3 82, UD 82-A) in Record Group 319. These records have not been
digitized.

The non-digitized records outlined above are open and available for
researchers to access in the Textual Research Room at Archives II. We will
be happy to make these records available in our research rooms should you
have an opportunity to visit the National Archives. We recommend scheduling
an advanced consultation before scheduling a research visit; working with a
reference consultant will help you better prepare for your visit. Please
contact archives2reference@nara.gov to schedule an advanced consultation.

You may use the National Archives Catalog <https://catalog.archives.gov/>
to search for additional, potentially relevant records. For example, we
located multiple records related to Underground Factories
<https://catalog.archives.gov/search?page=1&q=%22underground%20factories%22>
that might be of interest to you. Please see Using the National Archives
Catalog <https://www.archives.gov/research/catalog/help/using> and National
Archives Catalog Search Tips
<https://www.archives.gov/research/catalog/help/search-tips> for guidance.
Some records may be digitized and available online using the Catalog, but
many records have not been digitized. Please contact the NARA reference
unit listed in each Catalog description for assistance with those
particular records.

You could also hire a researcher to conduct research on your behalf. A list
of private researchers who are familiar with National Archives facilities
is available on our website at
https://www.archives.gov/research/hire-help/index.html.

We do not consider this a denial of your FOIA request. However, if you are
not satisfied with our action on this request, your options for appeal and
dispute resolution are outlined below. If you have any questions, you may
reach us at archives2reference@nara.gov.

This concludes the processing of your request.

Sincerely,

Rachael Salyer

FOIA Appeal and Dispute Resolution Options

You have the right to file an administrative appeal in writing via regular
U.S. mail or email. Your appeal should be received within ninety (90)
calendar days from the date of this letter and it should explain why you
believe this response does not meet the requirements of the Freedom of
Information Act. Please address it to the Deputy Archivist of the United
States (ND), National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi
Road, College Park, Maryland 20740. Both the letter and the envelope
should be clearly marked “Freedom of Information Act Appeal.” You may also
submit your appeal to FOIA@nara.gov also addressed to the Deputy Archivist.
All correspondence should reference your internal case tracking number found
in the opening paragraph.

In addition to your right to file an administrative appeal with the Deputy
Archivist, you may seek assistance from our FOIA Public Liaison, Rebecca
Calcagno. Contact information for the FOIA Public Liaison at the National
Archives, Washington DC area is as follows:

Accessioned Executive Branch Agency Records - Washington, DC Area
FOIA Public Liaison: Rebecca Calcagno

8601 Adelphi Road, Room 5500

College Park, MD 20740-6001
Email: DC.foia.liaison@nara.gov

Telephone: 301-837-3190

Finally, the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) offers
mediation services to resolve disputes between FOIA requesters and Federal
agencies as a non-exclusive alternative to administrative appeals. Using
OGIS services does not affect your right to pursue an administrative
appeal. The contact information for OGIS is as follows:

Office of Government Information Services

National Archives and Records Administration

Room 2510

8601 Adelphi Road

College Park, MD 20740-6001

E-mail: ogis@nara.gov

Telephone: 202-741-5770

Facsimile: 202-741-5769

Toll-free: 1-877-684-6448

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Special Access and FOIA e-mail <specialaccess_foia@nara.gov>
Date: Thu, Feb 15, 2024 at 11:13 AM
Subject: Re: Freedom of Information Act Request: SS General Hans Kammler,
and related German WW2 underground factories. (National Archives And
Records Administration – Archival Or Special Access)
To: Special Access and FOIA e-mail <specialaccess_foia@nara.gov>
Cc: <archives2reference@nara.gov>

Good morning,

Forwarding to your office for a response. The researcher's email is
requests@muckrock.com.

Thank you,
Brittanie Sadler
Special Access and FOIA Program

On Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 5:38:32 PM UTC-5
requests@muckrock.com wrote:

>
> National Archives And Records Administration – Archival Or Special Access
> FOIA Office
> Room 5500
> 8601 Adelphi Road
> College Park, MD 20740
>
> February 14, 2024
>
> To Whom It May Concern:
>
> Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following
> records:
>
> I am requesting that the classified documents other and all documents
> pertaining to the following subjects be declassified and / or released
> forthwith. I know the Agency is in possession of a large number of these
> documents and it is long over due for them to be presented to the public
> and the families of those affected.
>
> SS-Obergruppenführer (from here on referred to as SS General) Hans Kammler
> Dr. Engineer (alternate mis-spellings of his name have been found in
> official files prior, so please expand searches). The SS General was in
> charge of numerous German special projects, THE JÄGERSTAB, the rocket
> forces and underground production and research facilities. ALL captured by
> US forces in 1945 April and May 1945, These locations listed below were
> investigated fully, all content was documented, photographed, and much
> content, equipment, machinery, plane, rocket parts and research removed by
> US forces. By Air-force Intelligence, OSS, Army investigators, CIOS and
> several others. These locations were handed over to US forces on orders of
> General Hans Kammler on May 7, I also requesting release of ALL this
> documentation, the photographs, films and inventory lists created.
> Including reports made on this location and adjacent related locations..
>
> Furthermore I request information about which US companies that the
> collected information and German research was handed over to.
>
> Furthermore I request ALL information about SS General Hans Kammler
> generated during and AFTER WW2. And all information regarding the SS
> Generals interactions with OSS agents, during the war and after, and
> Furthermore all documentation regarding the SS Generals life post- war. His
> interrogations and collaborations with US entities after 1945. And I
> request information of the SS Generals final resting place.
> Given the nature of the German research and the SS Generals expertise it
> was eventually collected and or copied to CIA files, especially those hand
> overs from the OSS.
>
> The Facilities I request ALL information to be released and de-classified
> on, are the following:
>
> Austria, St. Georgen Gusen (Near Linz)
> Code name: Bergkristall,B8 or Esche or Georgenmühle Möglegrube and the
> parallel underground production factory Kellerbau both run by the SS.
> Bergkristall was a huge underground factory and research system, producing
> mainly ME262 Jets and V2 Parts and other. Run by the SS with labor from
> local KZ camp Mauthausen. It was handed over to US Army troops in early May
> 1945, intact, SS General Kammler was there on May 4th. several weeks later
> it was handed over to the Russian army. it was surveyed, documented and
> filmed extensively by several US agencies, inventoried in detail.
> German organization Todt OT had it named as Object 503 and it has document
> file number 624 with Operational Group VI.
>
> Austria, Melk near Roggendorf and Loosdorf.
> Codename: Quarz I and II B8 or Melk, Organisation Todt reference number OT
> Nr. 505 and 519 code named Esche II it was a large underground tunnel
> system for production of various machinery for German and Austrian military
> production.
>
> Germany, Nordhausen, Niedersachswerfen, Wolffleben, Harztor.
> Code name: Dora Mittlebau I, Ellrich Mittlebau II, Harzungen Mittlebau
> III, other codenames for this underground tunnel complex: Mittlebau,
> Mittelwerk, Anhydrit, Kaolin, Eber, Kuckuck I, Zinnstein, Nordwerk, Hydra
> I, Hydra II.
> Huge underground tunnel system, consisting of several systems and
> entrances. for production of V2 rockets, V1 rockets, Jet air planes and
> parts. and other manufacturing. The System was captured by the US Army on
> 11 April 1945. It was extensively documented, photographed and video
> filmed, inventoried by all US and British intelligence and military
> intelligence, OSS, CIOS and ALSOS teams. Also congressional teams visited
> the site, and handed it over to Russian forces month later. after removing
> inventory and machinery, and documents. OT call names are: 5183, 518, 500.
> The location was handed over intact on orders of SS General Hans Kammler.
> none of this documentation have been released or declassified and I request
> this be done now.
>
> Several US CIOS reports on these subjects were released in part or not at
> all, these I also request in FULL unredacted, With ALL attached documents
> and photos.. the CIOS Report numbers requested are. XXXIII-38 and report
> number XXXII-17
>
> Germany, Jonastal, Ohrdruf, Arnstadt, Crawinkel, Codename SIII or Jonastal
> SIII. Huge underground tunnel system, underground, with several
> multi-stories underground bunkers and communication centrals. (AMT 800 and
> AMT 10) Also 25 unfinished tunnels were found in the Jonas Valley. However
> on the adjacent German proving ground experimental test sites were found
> for Nuclear weapons. remains were found, witnesses interviewed and
> entrances to large underground facilities were found and investigated by US
> army personnel, later documented by various Intelligence agencies and
> military Intelligence, OSS and ALSOS teams. Including the FULL report of
> the ALSOS teams findings at the nearby and related Nuclear Reactor site at
> the school building in Stadt-Ilm under command of Scientist Kurt Dibner.
> and actively covered before handing over of the area to the Russian army.
> The area was liberated April 4 1945 by the US army (4th Armored and 89th
> ID). I request all documentation of what was found, documented, filmed,
> inventoried and removed from these locations. This location was also under
> the command of SS General Hans Kammler.
>
> I respectfully request all the above information which in short is all
> information about SS-Obergruppenführer Hans Kammler, the Bergkristall,
> Quarz, Dora Mittlebau tunnel factories and Jonastal SIII. Still much of the
> information, documentation, reports and photographic documentation on the
> General and the Tunnel factories have never been fully declassified, or
> released to the public. this information is 79 years old, it should have
> been released long ago, and the strategic or military value of what was
> found can no longer hold any importance. I am requesting this to be
> released on behalf of history and the families involved, including the
> Kammler Family.
>
> If you need further documentation or report references please contact me
> for these.
>
> Sincerely
>
> Tino Struckmann
>
> The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and
> this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
>
> In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform
> me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer
> the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or
> CD-ROM if not.
>
> Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I
> look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business
> days, as the statute requires.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Tino Von Struckmann
>
> View request history, upload responsive documents, and report problems
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>
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>

--
Rachael Salyer, PhD
Textual Reference Section (RR2RR)
Archives II Reference, Research Rooms, and Augmented Processing Branch
(RR2R)
National Archives and Records Administration
College Park, Maryland