ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This book constitutes the revised version of my doctoral thesis, which was submitted to the Philosophical Faculty I of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin under the title ‘Neuordnung and Hungerpolitik: The development and compatibility of political and economic planning within the Nazi hierarchy for the occupation of the Soviet Union, July 1940-July 1941' in January 2005.

I would like, first of all, to thank my doctoral supervisor, Professor Dr Ludolf Herbst, for taking on the original project and lending his support throughout. The second marker, Professor Dr Rolf-Dieter Müller, provided me with a series of helpful comments on the thesis following its submission, for which I am grateful.

For their assistance during my regular archival visits, I would like to thank Frau Grüner and her colleagues at the Bundesarchiv Berlin-Lichterfelde, where I carried out the bulk of my research, as well as the staffs at the Bundesarchiv- Militärarchiv (Freiburg im Breisgau), the Bundesarchiv Koblenz, the Institut für Zeitgeschichte (Munich), the Politisches Archiv des Auswärtigen Amts (Berlin), and the Militärgeschichtliches Forschungsamt (Potsdam).

For reading substantial parts of the draft thesis and even, in some cases, the draft in its entirety, and providing valuable suggestions, I would like to express my appreciation to Dr Bob Moore, David Stahel, Dr Christoph Jahr and Dr Pertti Ahonen. Pertti was also a constant source of encouragement and good ideas.

Without Dr Marion Berghahn, Professor Omer Bartov, in whose series ‘Studies on War and Genocide' this book appears, and all at Berghahn Books, the current work would have remained a doctoral thesis. For their commitment and hard work I am very grateful.

On a more personal note, I would like to thank my parents, Annette and Edward, for their constant support and interest. My father has been unceasing in his encouragement of my academic aspirations. My biggest debt, however, I owe to my partner, Valentina Farle. She has been of incalculable support in so many ways, particularly in shaping the environment which made both the research and the writing possible. This book is dedicated to her.