"Another possible solution of the problem has now taken the place of emigration, i.e. the evacuation of the Jews to the East, provided that the Führer gives the appropriate approval in advance. These actions are, however, only to be considered provisional, but practical experience is already being collected which is of the greatest importance in relation to the future final solution of the Jewish question... In the course of the practical execution of the final solution, Europe will be combed through from west to east."

Minutes of the Wannsee Conference, Berlin, 20 January 1942. The conference was chaired by Reinhard Heydrich, head of the Reich Security Main Office, and attended by senior SS and government officials. The minutes were recorded by Adolf Eichmann.