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Acknowledgements

More than anything else, creating this book became a much needed diversion at what was a very stressful time in my life. Reading, researching, and writing about the subject matter under consideration may not immediately strike most people as being the usual response to a traumatic event. But it worked for me, providing the stimulus needed during many difficult days.

I realise now that writing it was in effect a kind of therapy, furnishing the impetus required to concentrate my mind on something other than my immediate concerns. When I began it I certainly never anticipated the result being published. That it has is due to the advice, influence, and support of many people, not least the numerous authors whose works I have extensively drawn upon. If space prohibits my thanking each one individually, I take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation to all of them for their scholarship and expertise. Whilst acknowledging the inspiration they have provided, unless otherwise attributed all opinions expressed in this book are my own.

Although thanks are due to many, there are some special colleagues without whose contribution publication of this book would not have been possible.

Valerie Lange and Florian Bölter at ibidem were helpful and considerate editors. They have guided me through the intricacies of developing my manuscript into the finished article, and did so with great courtesy and thoughtfulness, showing apparently limitless reserves of patience in dealing with a lengthy and complex text.

Joyce Field and Lance Ackerfeld at Jewish Gen are long-established friends whose support and advice has been invaluable over many years, but never more so than in connection with this book. It was Dr Robin O'Neil who introduced me to Jewish Gen, and it was Robin's tireless and invaluable investigation into the gestation of Aktion Reinhard and the tragic fate of Galician Jewry that encouraged me to explore more fully the historical background to a subject that has been of abiding interest to me for most of my life.

Dr Dick de Mildt, whose published works are an indispensable source to any student of this subject, was unfailingly courteous and helpful, particularly in guiding me through the intricacies of the German and Austrian legal systems, whilst Dr Tudor Georgescu was kind enough to read the draft manuscript and provide vital guidance. I am fortunate that so distinguished a scholar agreed to assume responsibility for such an important contribution. Natasha Neary took on the task of compiling the index, the preparation of which was a terrifying prospect for me.

Professor Matthew Feldman is a prized friend of many years standing, a truly talented academic with whom I have worked on numerous occasions. His faith in this book has often exceeded my own, and it is due to his determination and steadfast belief that it has finally seen publication. I hope this acknowledgement of the immense contribution he has made goes some way towards expressing the depth of my appreciation.

Finally, today and every day, my thoughts are of Bernice and Doreen, without whose love and devotion nothing was, or is, possible.

Melvyn Conroy

March 2017