Director:
I think you've got to slow down for a second. IMHO
Don't confuse HIAG with 'Der Spinne,' ODESSA or Gehlen's offspring. The mixture of all of them tends to conjure up a very 'hollywood nazi' theme.
Let's not fail to respect the veterans- of all sides- for starters and not diminish whatever service rendered to their country, by 'glamming' it up. the fact that HIAG was disbanded is a purely rational and respectful move. Waffen SS veterans had a lot of problems after the war where pensions, survivor's benefits, re-enlistment into the Bundeswehr, immigration to other countries, new employment etc., were heavily tainted by the image of the Waffen-SS and the immensely wide brush that it was painted with.
On a base level, the HIAG worked behind the scenes, like any quasi-lobby group, and serviceman's group, to proactively return men from behind the Iron Curtain, reinstate benefits and survivor's pensions, and general rights of the veterans involved.
I'm not flaming you, nor inciting a flamed conversation, just trying to debate the issue without becoming reactionary and trivilizing the motives of veterans. Just my 12 cents, is all.
For decent thread on the HIAG,
http://www.wssob.com had an interesting thread on the aftermath of the war and treatment and actions of veterans and their respective associations.
After all, 'Treue und Treue' just didn't mean 'Führertreue'
Whew. Now I'm outta breath.
best regards
Vinland
