An investigation into the Nazi past of Hans-Adolf Asbach, former Deputy Minister President of Schleswig-Holstein, was underway here today. Dr. Hans Buhrke, a spokesman for the State Justice Ministry, said the probe will seek to learn whether Asbach should be charged with participation in the Nazi program to exterminate European Jewry.
He reported that evidence against Asbach was provided by the West German Central War Crimes Investigation Board in Ludwigsburg. He added that the data had been turned over to the office of the Kiel state prosecutor but declined to give any details.
Asbach, a co-founder of a German Refugee party, became state minister for Welfare Affairs in 1950, a post he held until 1957. He was also Deputy Minister President from 1954 to 1957 and is now manager of a housing firm. He joined the Nazi party in 1933 and held posts with the Nazi Labor front and with the Government. Details about his wartime career have never been disclosed.
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