Meldung 51 (NO-1128)

Meldung 51/NO-1128 is a document purportedly detailing orders from Himmler to Hitler regarding the execution of 300,000 Jews in Volhynia in 1941. The authenticity of this document has been questioned, with some suggesting that the word "exekutiert" (executed) might be a misinterpretation of "evakuiert" (evacuated). The reported figure of 363,211 executions in this region during a short period in 1943 is considered unrealistic by early Holocaust researcher Gerald Reitlinger, who acknowledged it as a "manifest exaggeration."

Historical records and demographic data from the region further challenge the claims of Meldung 51. Historian Carlo Mattogno, in his book "The Einsatzgruppen," points out that contemporary demographic assessments by researchers Alexander Kruglov and Shmuel Spector suggest significantly lower numbers of Jewish victims in 1942, totaling around 171,900 for Volhynia and Podolia, well short of the reported 363,211. Einsatzgruppe C's report from April 1942 also indicates that about 40,000 Jews had already been "resettled" by that time, further reducing the feasible number of victims. Additionally, Christian Gerlach's estimate of 86,000 Jews killed in Polesie in 1942 brings the total potential victims to a maximum of around 217,900, still less than 60% of the 363,211 figure.

The document's portrayal of mass executions lacks corresponding physical evidence, such as mass graves, which raises doubts about its credibility. Moreover, the logistical feasibility of executing over 91,000 people per month while incurring minimal German casualties is questionable. The narrative of mass extermination relies heavily on Soviet Extraordinary Commission reports, which are notorious for exaggerated claims and are considered unreliable. Claims of near-total annihilation in the region are contradicted by other German documents indicating the presence of Jews in Volhynia into 1942.

Alternative interpretations suggest that Germany might have engaged in a policy of evacuation or resettlement, potentially moving Jews to isolated or contested regions. Such actions align with documented German postwar resettlement plans and are consistent with strategic military and administrative objectives.

In conclusion, the Meldung 51 document's claims are not supported by verifiable evidence or realistic population and logistical data. The revisionist perspective, skeptical of the mass extermination narrative, is grounded in the critical analysis of available historical records and demographic statistics, maintaining that the burden of proof for such claims remains unmet.