[Richard T. Eger]

Dear Ed and Steve,

Thank you for your comments. Ed, the Germans vacillated on whether or not to provide the Japanese with plans of the Me 262. That the Germans became concerned about the security around what they told the Japanese is shown by an interview Manfred mentioned to me:

"Fw. Heiner Geisthövel, a pilot of 11./JG 7, which was stationed at Brandenburg-Briest, had told me once, that at the end of February 1945, a Japanese military delegation paid a visit to B.B. They were to be shown the daily operation of a field unit equipped with jet-propelled aircraft. But at the briefing of the members of 11./JG 7 held prior to the arrival of the delegation, it was impressed upon them, that under no circumstances were they to mention, or even explain, the EZ 42, of which several had already been installed in the Me 262's of 11./JG.7. To me this indicates, that German intelligence services had at least an inkling, that some Japanese were leaking military secrets to the enemy."

Perhaps they got smart rather late in the game. In regard to your points, Ed, I think of interest to the Japanese would be an example of typical operations, any useful tactics, and the success rate achieved. Obviously, to build Me 262's in Japan, they would need plans. But, the need to know what unit was equipped at any particular point in time to me wouldn't have had value to the Japanese and thus my question regarding "need to know".

As for the possibility of plans and an actual example having been shipped by submarine, it looks like it may have been plans only, contrary to other reporting.

Steve, I appreciate your putting this on your docket. I hope that Nick Beale also joins in the discussion.

Regards,
Richard