Heinrich
Mueller, the son of poor Catholic parents, was born in Germany
on 28th April, 1901. He fought in the First World
War where he won an Iron Cross while
fighting against the Russian
Army on the Eastern Front.
After the
war Mueller joined the Bavarian police where he specialized in collecting
information about members of the German Communist
Party. A supporter of the National Socialist
German Workers Party (NSDAP), he was recruited by Reinhard
Heydrich in 1934 to take over the running of the Gestapo.
In 1939
Mueller was put in charge of the Secret Political Police. This involved
tracking down potential opponents including socialists, communists,
liberals and Jews.
After the
assassination of Reinhard
Heydrich Mueller worked closely with his replacement, Ernst
Kaltenbrunner.
He also played an important role under Adolf
Eichmann in the Final Solution.
When it
became clear that Germany would lose the Second
World War Mueller began to plan his escape. Heinrich Mueller disappeared
in April, 1945, and was never brought to justice.
(1)
Heinrich Mueller, head of the Secret
Political Police, order sent to all regional and local commanders
of the state police (9th November 1938)
(1)
Operations against Jews, in particular against their synagogues will
commence very soon throughout Germany. There must be no interference.
However, arrangements should be made, in consultation with the General
Police, to prevent looting and other excesses.
(2)
Any vital archival material that might be in the synagogues must be
secured by the fastest possible means.
(3)
Preparations must be made for the arrest of from 20,000 to 30,000
Jews within the Reich. In particular, affluent Jews are to be selected.
Further directives will be forthcoming during the course of the night.
(4)
Should Jews be found in the possession of weapons during the impending
operations the most severe measures must be taken. SS Verfuegungstruppen
and general SS may be called in for the overall operations. The State
Police must under all circumstances maintain control of the operations
by taking appropriate measures.
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