We welcome your comments for public posting, which may be edited for content, length, and clarity. Let us know your thoughts on IBM and the Holocaust by e-mailing Reader Comments. Public Debate Needed Jay Sun Buffalo November 17, 2005 I finished reading your book about two years ago, and have been telling people I come across about it ever since. The main point I came away with, which was not dealt with directly, were the implications of American public policy. Extrapolate to today's current events: We learn Kodak in Rochester NY helped make components to gas the Kurds, yet now it is all Saddam's fault for Iraqi woes. One of the most common statements I get when critcizing the USA's current actions is that it saved the world from fascism. Without this claim to fame, what is this country? You don't get to feel good about stopping Hitler if you were the one that helped them--and yes, I blame this country, not just its businesses. This should be an item of public debate. Because it is not, I feel I have every right to infer that there was direct national wrong doing. A nation can't 'give' its own people the freedom of speech while assisting the mass murder of other peoples. Period. So what if through American business, America is guilty as charged? This is should be the subject of public debate--immediately.  Revulsion and revelation Ian Knight Coventry, UK August 2005 I came to your book almost by accident whilst looking in a bookshop for a holiday read - I was intrigued by the cover and the precis! Having been trained in computer programming in the late 70's and early 80's--IBM was held up as 'models' to aspire to by some lecturers, others called them salesmen with tight and effective sales techniques (to quote the popular "No one ever got fired for buying IBM!"). As a result, I've always had a degree of scepticism about IBM and the wholesome image it 'projects' in public, especially having read snippets about the company and Watsons influence in various computing publications over time. Earlier last year I was reading a copy of Martin Gilberts history of the Second World War - I got to the part where the Nazi extermination of the so called 'lesser races' was covered and what struck me was the precise numbers that were given for numbers exterminated in the documents that Gilbert quoted. What I found abhorrent, incomprehensible and sickening (at age 45) was the detail of the figures e.g. 1857 not 1800 or so - I have been unable upto now to continue reading the book. The overriding feeling I had was revulsion at a regime that kept such meticulous records of such events and how did they know - now I know. I'm glad I read your book - it was a disturbing read in some respects, but only because of the events and people it covers. Having read the afterword - I am also glad that it's becoming a part of the history of the Holocaust and that the history of IBM and it's involvement is being developed - I shall certainly keep an eye open for future editions. Congratulations on the book - it must have been very testing for you to write and research - but I hope that you're finding equal reward for your efforts in the comments being posted to your site. Profits Above Human Suffering Jeff Ebner Atlanta, GA August 16, 2005 I recently finished reading your extremely interesting book "IBM and the Holocaust" and want to commend you for a thorough investigation of the subject. Several years ago I too had been to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and seen the exhibit of the Dehomag Hollerith machine and wondered what was the entire story. Now I know, and I no longer view IBM the same way as I once did. Thanks for a well researched and interesting, if depressing, examination of when corporate loyalty and profits are placed above human suffering and survival. In a word, Brilliant Alberto Rodriguez Guaynabo, Puerto Rico June 2, 2005 I only have one word to describe Mr. Black's work with IBM and the Holocaust...Brilliant!!! I only have one question...What the competent authorities waiting for to punish this criminal called IBM as they deserve for profiting on the death of millions of innocent human beings during World War II ? Very Interesting, Very Revealing Jeff Nutter, Jr. Vestavia Hills, Alabama February 24, 2005 I read half the book in early 2004 but misplaced it until recently where I just finished it! My engineering background drove me to read and re-read some portions to realized how the Hollerith machines where used so efficiently in the pursuit of all the Jews. Watson's continued supply of technology and the newer cards requested by the Third Reich still remains a great mystery to me once he knew--and he did know--how these machines were being used! The book captured my imagination and generated vivid pictures of the time. Why was there not someone that saw these atrocities and the machines and how their uses were to kill so many millions of people. Power and money causes man to do things they would never do otherwise. Thank you, Edwin, for reminding us of this in IBM and Holocaust! Makes Me Sick Carrie Hoffelner Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada February 21, 2005 Thank you for writing this book. This story needs to be told and broadcast. I'm telling all my friends about it. It makes me sick to read how IBM so clearly profited from this and immensely (exponentially) increased the number of deaths due to their facilitation with their technology. Had they respected the blockade wouldn't the death and destruction have been far, far, far less? As you say, the Holocaust would still have happened, but no way could they have done it an such a speedy and organized manner. I won't buy another IBM product until I'm satisfied they have come clean on this, apologized and condemned this kind of corporate behaviour and condemned Mr. Watson's conduct in particular. Maybe even then I won't. As the involved generations get older it become even more important to tell the stories of the Holocaust over and over. Obviously, not all the information is even out as yet. Horrible but not surprising Larry Judd Barrington, IL January 13, 2005 Mr. Black, you are truly a great historian! I have only read your IBM book, just finished it this evening. What a magnificent work! As a lawyer of twenty years there was nothing about your findings or conclusions I found surprising. The leaders of the IBM today, though far removed from the horrible wrongs exposed in your book, would be well advised to assist your research in every way possible; lest the shadow of past transgressions continues to haunt them.  It is the duty of every thinking American to read your book and ponder the implications for public policy. IBM and the Holocaust is one of the greatest books ever written. Sixteen yet very connected Mariana Avilano  Buenas Aires, Argentina January 7, 2005 I¬´m a 16 year old girl who is really impressed by your work. Since I was a child I always felt very connected to and interested in both the Holocaust and the Second World War. I consider that we have to know the truth about what happened, because knowing the real facts is a key to prevent us from forgetting our history and barbarism. I feel very happy to know that people like you exist, and so many others have helped you in that amazing and extraordinary investigation. IBM afraid of discoveries Vivienne Edwards Toronto, Canada May 17, 2004 Thank you for a book that was an incredible eye-opener to me. Never before was I made so fully aware of just how, and to what extent, the Nazis systematic and evil persecution was perpetrated against the Jews and other undesirables as defined by their convoluted and "mad" logic. It also brought into perspective how many other factions at that time followed the madness. I was stunned that Bulgaria seemed to be the only nation that tried to openly defy the Nazi's elimination of its Jewish population. The fact that IBM is totally against the exploration of their archives concerning this period is very disturbing. I can't help but wonder if the corporate culture entrenched by Watson is still how they do business. I wonder if IBM might be afraid of discoveries concerning questionable business activities, post WWII to present day will come to light? Watson should have been charged with war crimes, or treason at the very least. Uncomfortable but Comforted Mary Young Somerset, UK February 7, 2004 I have read and re-read your book IBM and the Holocaust and it's a total enlightenment. For years I worked for a chemist in the UK whose tills were made by IBM. I'm most uncomfortable at that memory, and the only comforting thought is that the wretched things kept malfunctioning! Your book is brilliant, and for the sake of all murdered Jews, you must, please write more revealing books. An Indescribable Rush of Emotions Walter A. Boyd Newtownards, Northern Ireland October 4, 2003 I have just completed reading my recently acquired copy of IBM and the Holocaust. Its reading has caused an indescribable rush of emotions! Anger, loathing and resentment for those who spearheaded the campaign of hatred against my fellow men; and at the other end, deep pity and compassion for those who suffered that campaign for no reason other than their racial identity. The book is brilliantly researched and documented with amazing accuracy and attention to detail. May you be rewarded in your own soul for the service you have rendered to all mankind in exposing an anonymous and detached complicity in such horrible crimes by an international institution with a household name. I am a Christian preacher of the gospel and will ensure that I will recommend the book to as many as I possibly can. It will help those who are ignorant of the plight of the Diaspora to understand some of its implications. Opened Eyes Kenny Rudzinski South Holland, IL July 24, 2003 I bought your book around Thanksgiving in 2002. Since then I have read many books on what happened in the lead up to WW II and who financed whom. I just wanted to say thank you for opening my eyes as to what "really happened" in WW II, before and after. Keep up the good work, and I look forward to your next book. A Very Sad Story Jake Lampert St. Louis, MO July 24, 2003 Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed reading IBM and the Holocaust. Although a very sad story, it is nice to see someone uncovering the facts of what happened during World War II. Traitorous Watson Mike Hoffman Middleburg, Florida May 1, 2003 I’m currently reading your amazing book. When I saw you on TV a while back and listened to the story, I finally bought myself a copy and it is stunning. President Roosevelt even had Watson in the White House and that shocked me, was our President closing his eyes to what this guy was doing, he sort of had to know... Watson was a traitor in every sense of the word, working as kind of a double agent representing America and Germany during that time, he was actually just out for the money but his actions were traitorous… Thanks Mr. Black for this outstanding book. The Same Ruthless Approach Alfred Bovill London, England December 27, 2002 It is interesting to note that the same ruthless approach as was propagated by the values of IBM and its leader(s), the Watson family, received a timely blow when they disregarded the fact that control of software (read punch cards) was the key to financial success. Microsoft with its flagrant disregard (investigation by the Justice Department, just as was Watson and IBM) for an ethical standard of behavior, operate the same values as IBM has done. It will be interesting to discover, as inevitably it will be, what depths Mr. Gates and his loyal cohorts have stooped to in the pursuit of profit at any price. It would be amusing if it were not so tragic, given the example of IBM. Gates will be careful to keep his “hands clean,” but given the paperless trail that the digital world leaves behind itself, he will be discovered. I just wonder where? Big Business Can Deceive and Kill Jennifer Nelson Beaverton, OR September 11, 2002 I heard of IBM and the Holocaust when one of my poly-sci roommates was reading your book for a class of hers. I became very interested when I saw a household name like IBM was involved in one of the great tragedies this world has seen. When trying to find a summer reading book, I remembered yours and picked it up at the local Barnes and Noble. It took me all summer to read and I just finished it. I just wanted to let you know what a fabulous book it is and I am going to pass it on to my old business ethics professor. It makes you realize how big business can deceive, and kill, the public in order to make a profit. I know that whenever I hear the name IBM, I will associate them with the aiding of the most inhumane acts our world as ever seen. Thank you for bringing to light the truth of IBM's involvement. Your book was incredible to read as well as to learn from. My Own Dots Have Been Connected Seth Levine Hurley, NY August 22, 2002 As an American Jew in my early 40’s, I originally purchased your book as part of my journey for further understanding of not only history, but of the Jewish struggle in the confusion of humanity. What I discovered was a connection of my dots. As an avid reader of the New York Times, I find dates become extraneous to the struggle against the evil side of the human race, many of the headlines could be interchangeable with different race struggles like Kurds instead of Jews for example. To the people affected it doesn’t make a difference if it is 1942 or 2002. After reading your book, my views on capitalism, after 25 years of learning, practicing, and reflecting on its interaction with humanity became crystal clear, my dots have been connected. With the current corporate headlines of deception and denial your book takes on an added dimension of personal responsibility, that all individuals who benefit from a capitalist society must bear, when the power of capitalists turns a blurry eye to their destructive power and can only see their own gated communities. Capitalism may be the best system we are aware of, but as far as markets that correct or police themselves, laissez-faire my ass. The List is Long Greg Coelho Austin, TX July 3, 2002 You are right on--globalization has long been in place. What is disturbing is the fact that numerous other corporations and prominent individuals were complicit with the Nazis during WWII and not a word is being raised. Standard Oil, General Motors, The Ford Motor Company, ITT, Kodak--the list goes on and on. What is phenomenal is that nothing has been said about it and that only after 60 years are we presented with a dribble of information regarding it. We have heard recently that Daimler Benz has 'admitted to' using slave labor and have paid reparations. What is interesting is that Daimler Benz only manufactured a few aircraft and tank engines for the Third Reich. Much of the Nazi motor pool was supplied by General Motors and The Ford Motor Company. Are we to believe that these corporations bypassed the opportunity to make millions more in additional revenues by using slave labor? Amazed at the Depth Garrett Hoffman Los Angeles, CA July 1, 2002 I just finished reading the IBM book that my stepfather passed to me after he read it himself. I was amazed at the depth of the relationship IBM had with the Nazis, how smart Watson was in his dealings with the Germans and how he ran IBM. Nothing surprises me anymore as everything unfortunately comes down to money. As much as I loved reading the book, I would also get a feeling of anger and sickness after reading the gruesome details. After reading this book I am going to do 3 things: 1) sell my IBM stock; 2) read The Transfer Agreement; 3) continue to tell as many people as possible that I meet to read your book. Keep up the excellent work. Final Solution made Efficient George S. Rigakos Halifax, Canada June 21, 2002 As the Hollerith machines hummed in the conquered territories, a logistical machinery never before seen was made possible through technological innovations pioneered by IBM. The "final solution" was made efficient by the power of automatic collation and punch-card technology. This is a gripping, powerful and insightful book. It will be invaluable for social theorists and thinkers interested in the machinations of the Third Reich and particularly the power of statistical constructions. Tug of War Jan Farrington Fort Worth, TX May 29, 2002 My husband and I have been reading our copy of your IBM book in a kind of tug-of-war. I read a few pages, gnash my teeth, and hand it to him... and yes, we need to buy a second copy. I don't often write authors, but feel compelled to thank you for a tremendously important piece of writing. To be able to gather together so many strands, and then write about them in a completely clear and vivid way--it's a real piece of work, and unravels so many puzzles about how the Nazis could seem so efficient and all-knowing in their search for the Jews. I know I will never see the name IBM again without seeing those punch cards, remembering the millions who died, or thinking of the bravery of Rene Carmille and others. I plan to make it my business NOT to buy IBM products in the future--and am even looking for information about other companies IBM may own, so that I can avoid their products as well. Looking for More Viktor Toth Ottawa, Canada May 15, 2002 I only have one complaint about your excellent book on IBM and the Holocaust: it ends too soon. I'd like to know what happened to IBM after the Holocaust. It is my understanding, for instance, that in my native Hungary, IBM's subsidiary "somehow" managed to avoid nationalization, perhaps the only privately held company to do so. How did they manage that? What was their role in the establishment of a communist state in Hungary and other East Bloc countries? When decades later, Comecon countries standardized on an IBM compatible line of mainframe computers, was this done with IBM's blessing (and to their profit)? Thanks for your incredibly valuable work. Bulletproof Nancy Marks New York, NY March 5, 2002 Recently, I heard Edwin Black speaking when he said his documentation was "bulletproof" and this was why IBM has remained silent for a year. I then discussed this with my professor and several of us made a concerted effort to find any errors--or locate any other university professor who had discovered any errors in your book. We called several. We could find no errors, and none of the professors we contacted have found any errors. In view of the certainty of this information, how can IBM continue to remain silent? And why are not more historians investigating this matter? Whatever the Moral Costs Femke Maes, age 17 Oudenbosch, Netherlands February 22, 2002 I am a student from the Netherlands and read your book. I usually read a lot, and a few months ago I saw your book in our local bookshop. Usually, I don't like history and certainly not WWII, but your book intrigued me somehow. I bought it, started reading and couldn't stop. It's very fascinating to see the development of IBM and their following the Nazi's whatever the moral costs. Everyone I tell about the connection between IBM and Nazi-Germany is very surprised and wants to know more about it. Your book is also the subject of my oral examination English. The only thing which bothered me was that you're sometimes not too objective. Off course, the sources are but your own comment is somewhat colored. Not that it is a big problem, but as an historical document it does matter. But again, I read it with pleasure (if I can call it that) and admire your (and all the people who helped you) patience and endurance to read all the documents you needed for this book. Discovering the Missing Link Frances Whelan Ottawa, Canada February 18, 2002 I purchased your book last February about two weeks after it was released. I could not put it down until I had finished it and wanted to write to you at that time but was unable to find your e-mail address. When I buy certain books I know that I have to re-read them at a later date, and your book fits that category. The second time was this past week. When I re-read a book, the pencil now comes out, the underlining goes in and the notes are made at the side for future reference. Your book is so marked from underlining that it will remain part of my private library forever. It is an incredible book and unbelievably researched. My nationality is Irish and I was born in Dublin at the beginning of the war. Although we were one of the lucky countries never affected by the war, we were made aware of the horrors that were going on and the concentration camps that existed through our newspapers. Ever since I was young I have read everything possible on the war to try and understand why human beings could do this to other human beings. I always felt there was a missing link somewhere. Your book is that missing link. It explains everything: how the Nazis had the information and how they used it. The enormity of the genocide and atrocities that went along with it will live in history forever. Your book is that written history documenting how it was engineered. It must have brought you to the brink of insanity as you delved further and further into the collusion of IBM to the Holocaust. It gives new meaning to "corporate greed." Thank you, again, for an excellent historical account of one of the worst periods in the history of mankind. A Great Service Bernard A. McIlhany Lebanon, GA 15 February 2002 I am just an ordinary American, but I want to thank you for your outstanding book exposing IBM's terrible part in the Nazi Holocaust. I am a former IBM employee, during the reign of the junior Watson. None of us then (in the middle 60's) were told of IBM's evil cooperation with Hitler. You have done a great, great service to the world with this book. A modest suggestion for your Second or Revised Edition: PICTURES! What did Thomas J. Watson look like? Heidinger? Chauncey? Sam Woods? Veesenmayer? Hollerith? How I would love to see the faces of these participants in the drama! Also, perhaps a NAMES index, separate from subjects, etc., would be useful. But I am so very grateful for your hours and hours of efforts to make this evil account available to the public! I am recommending its reading to friends in Germany, Mexico, Canada and, of course, many here in the USA. Thank you, Mr. Black God bless you for this! Your Book is Incredible Douglas Spindler San Francisco, CA January 12, 2002 I too stood in the exact same spot as you in the Holocaust Museum asking the same question, how is an IBM machine connected to the Holocaust? I found your book incredible. I could not put it down. I have been in the Information Technology field for the past twenty years and learned how to program using IBM punch card technology in my college years. I have tried to find more information and confirm IBM's involvement as you have described in your book with little success. I have to admit I am stunned by the answers I have been receiving. I am even more surprised by the lack of continued research. I have contacted The Holocaust Museum in Washington DC, the Museum in Dresden which has loaned the Hollerith Machines to The Holocaust Museum in Washington, docents in Dachau, and a number of university professors. I have searched the web and found little. But the response that has sent me reeling is one from a survivor, "The machines were not seen at any of the camps, therefore they were not important." An Opened Mind Harris Garfkinle Frederick, MD December 18, 2001 IBM and the Holocaust reminds us of the importance of social responsibility. You will be amazed at how a simple goal, keep IBM at the top of the business pool, leads to the assistance of the largest act of genocide. It opens your mind to realized that power and technology, without restraint and guidance, can lead to dire consequences. IBM did not dispute it Marvin J. Migdol Dallas, TX December 11, 2001 member of the Board of Directors of American Jewish Congress, Southwest Region Edwin Black's book on IBM and the Holocaust is a monument to thorough historical research and documented fact-finding. He left no stone unturned. I tried to get IBM to dispute any part of it and they did not do so. Investigative journalism at its best! Shocked, Fascinated, and Angry Gord Ross Toronto, Canada September 11, 2001 I was at the same time shocked and fascinated by Edwin Black's book. As I continued to read I became angry. Why has IBM not been held accountable for abetting the Nazis in the "final solution." Granted those responsible are long gone, however, history has shown that accountability has no statute of limitations. Surely if war criminals can be brought to trial years after they committed their atrocities, then IBM can be as well. And then, I found myself in a quandary. I am writing this email not on an IBM computer, but on a clone version of technology they developed. This gives me a little satisfaction knowing that I am not supporting IBM per se, but in a round about way I am. Perhaps the answer would be for PC users to switch to Macs? Maybe then IBM would get the message that no amount of spin, withholding of documents, and denial is going to absolve them of their participation in the humanitarian catastrophe that was and is the Holocaust. Head and Heart A. J. Salonius Valencia, CA August 18, 2001 As a Jewish woman reading this book, I was engaged head and heart. Further, as a teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District, I was impressed with the depth and the detail of the research. I work with two other teachers in an interdisciplinary capacity, uniting English and history. This year, when I teach about the Shoah, attention will be devoted to a discussion of this book. Thank you for your book. Upset Soul Franco Ianiro Campobasso, Italy May 28, 2001 I'm from Italy, excuse my English. I'm reading your book IBM and the Holocaust. Every page of the book upsets my soul. You had a great bravery to dare one of the most important company worldwide. IBM's Globalization and the Holocaust George Zelmanovits May 28, 2001 Aurora, Ontario, Canada I am a Hungarian Jew whose family was destroyed by the German Nazi regime. While there is much discussion about the detestable role and complicity of IBM in the extermination of Jews, one cannot but make connection with the current frenzy of trade globalization whose purpose is the free movement of capital and currency across national frontiers. The book focuses one's attention on the issues and dangers surrounding the so-called "policy of constructive engagement" currently used by governments to justify trade with repressive regimes. There is a clearly articulated warning in Edwin Black's book about the danger of unleashing the supranational force of globalization without an enforceable charter upholding, above profits, the basic human rights of all persons. An email sent to IBM George Bria April 14, 2001 Schaumburg, IL I am truly shocked and sincerely outraged by the revelations in Edwin Black's book, IBM and the Holocaust. I have always held IBM in high esteem and considered them the best in ethics and professionalism. I have personally used many models of IBM equipment for myself and my customers since 1968 for my service bureau and international software company. After these revelations with no rebuttal by IBM and blocked access to historical files, I now consider IBM and everything it stands for as vile and corrupt. Much of the fame and fortune of IBM was founded on the pain, torture, suffering and death of millions of people. Thomas Watson was an opportunistic, greedy and vain man who I hope is enjoying the fires of hell because of the millions who cry out for justice and mercy. On this blessed Easter weekend, I, as a Roman Catholic, will remember with tears the suffering of my Jewish and Polish brethren and curse the name of IBM. Your famed One Source Solution will always be tied to Hitler's The Final Solution.