Jeremy Maddux’s Reviews > IBM and the Holocaust > Status Update

"the world must extend a sympathetic understanding to theGerman people and their aims under the leadership of Adolf Hitler." - Thomas J. Watson, chairman/ceo of IBM. 'More than fundamental sympathy, Watson in 1933 possessed an extra-ordinary investment in Germany. It began in the early twenties during theheight of Germany's tornadic post-War inflation.'

'And also proudly boast Of that "man of men," our sterling president. The name of T.J. Watson means a courage none can stem: And we feel honored to be here to toast the IBM. Revival-style meetings enthralled the men of IBM. Swaying as theychanted harmonies of adulation for the Leader, their palms brought togetherin fervent applause in hero worship,' They had so much in common with Germany. No wonder they did business

And the songs. They began the very first day a man entered the IBMculture. They never ended during one's entire tenure. More than 100 songswere sung at various company functions. There were several for Watson,including the "IBM Anthem": There's a thrill in store for all, For we're about to toast The corporation that we represent. We're here to cheer each pioneer And also proudly boast Of that "man of men," our sterli

'The roads traveled by Hitler and Watson began in different parts of theworld in completely different circumstances with completely different inten-tions. How did these two men—one an extreme capitalist, the other anextreme fascist—form a technologic and commercial alliance that would ulti-mately facilitate the murder of six million Jews and an equal number ofother Europeans?'

'IBM Germany,using its own staff and equipment, designed, executed, and supplied the indispensable technologic assistance Hitler's Third Reich needed to accomplish what had never been done before—the automation of human destruction.'

Enter IBM and its overseas subsidiaries.Solipsistic and dazzled by its own swirling universe of technical possi-bilities, IBM was self-gripped by a special amoral corporate mantra: if it can be done, it should be done. To the blind technocrat, the means were more important than the ends.'