Did Heinrich Himmler Really Let Reinhard Heydrich Die?

The death of Reinhard Heydrich remains a controversial topic, with speculations ranging from a seemingly deliberate act by Heinrich Himmler to a tragic medical misstep. This article delves into the evidence and historical context to uncover the truth, exploring whether Heydrich's untimely death was a calculated decision or an unfortunate accident.

Medical Mystery: Heydrich's Death and Sulfonomides

Heydrich's death from septicemia raises numerous questions. Dr. Karl Gebhardt, Himmler's personal physician, was involved in treating Heydrich. Interestingly, Hitler's personal physician, Dr. Morrell, suggested using sulfonomides, but Gebhardt rejected this approach. This initial refusal casts doubt on the effectiveness of the initial treatment.

Gebhardt later went to great lengths to fabricate experiments with permission from Himmler. These experiments were intended to prove that sulfonomides were ineffective, but they were ultimately a farce designed to cover up the truth. Gebhardt and others were later tried in the Doctors' Trial for their unethical and inhumane practices.

Evidence Against a Himmler-Planned Assassination

Despite the inclination to blame Himmler for Heydrich's death, the evidence does not support such a claim. According to wartime reports and post-war investigations, there is no concrete evidence indicating that Himmler orchestrated Heydrich's assassination. Furthermore, the rise of Heydrich within the Nazi hierarchy, coupled with his personal relationship with Hitler, suggests that outright murdering him might have been counterproductive for Himmler.

Security Flaws and Personal Responsibility

The death of Heydrich can be attributed to more than just medical issues. Public records and accounts from the time highlight Heydrich's poor security arrangements. Despite numerous warnings about potential security threats, Heydrich continued to travel in an open-top car without adequate protection, in an area plagued by resistance movements.

It's worth noting that Heydrich's medical team, which consisted of SS doctors, treated him after his initial injuries. The sudden and unexpected worsening of his condition, leading to a fatal seizure, raises suspicions about the actual cause of death.

End of Speculation and the Truth

While it's easy to assign blame, the truth is a mix of human error, inadequate medical treatment, and poor security measures. The death of Heydrich was largely a result of his own negligence and the limited medical options available at the time, rather than a strategic decision by Himmler.

Throughout the Nazi regime, the SS doctors played a significant role, often performing unethical experiments and using their positions to cover up their actions. However, it is undeniable that Himmler had a working relationship with Heydrich, and the evidence points towards Heydrich's own actions being the primary cause of his demise.

Conclusion

Whether Heydrich's death was intentional or accidental remains a subject of much debate. However, the available evidence does not support a scenario in which Himmler actively arranged for Heydrich's death. Heydrich's own negligence in maintaining his security, coupled with the limited medical treatment available, contributed to his tragic end.