Monsieur

Jewgenij Jewtuschenko

Redaction „Junost“

Moscow

UdSSR

May 13, 1969

Dear Sir,

I am taking the liberty of writing to you in the hope that my name is not completely unknown to you.

Since the end of the war, I have been involved in the search for Nazi criminals. I know that this horrible chapter of our century is also close to your heart. We all know your wonderful poem BABI-JAR. I'm writing to ask you to send me a contribution for my new book, of which I'm writing a brief summary.

In June 1942, in Lemberg, under strange circumstances, a young SS man in agony confessed his crimes to me, so that he could die in peace, he said, having obtained forgiveness from a Jew. I felt I had to refuse him this pardon. I then discussed the incident for a long time with my deportation comrades and, after liberation, I went to see the young Nazi's mother but didn't have the courage to tell her the truth about her son.

Obsessed by this story, I decided to tell it, and at the end of my manuscript, I ask the question, which even today, because of its political, philosophical or religious significance, deserves an answer: was I right or was I wrong? I have decided to put this question directly, in several countries, to a number of personalities, including you, whose opinion I value highly.

I have already received many contributions – among others from:

Stephan Andres, Rene Cassin, Salvador de Madariaga, Gabriel Marcel, Luise Rinser, Hans Habe, Primo Levi, Manès Sperber, Vercors, Herbert Marcuse, Pater Niemöller, Herbert Gollwitzer, Senator Terracini and many others.

You will receive a copy of the French translation of my story "Les Fleurs de Soleil". I would be very pleased and honored if, after reading it, you would be willing to take part in the debate.

If, as I sincerely hope, you respond favorably to my request, I would be grateful if you would send me your contribution, 4 to 6 pages long, with your permission to publish it after my story.

Please accept, Sir, the expression of my highest consideration.

Simon Wiesenthal

author of

"The Murderers Among Us"