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Partly-printed DS, in German, signed “A. Jodl,” one page, 8 x 12.25, November 14, 1945. Document headed (translated), "The International Military Tribunal, Defendant's Application for Summons for Witness," made while preparing his defense for the Nuremberg trials. Jodl and his defense lawyer, Franz Exner, request testimony from "Franz Halder…Chief of the German Army General Staff until 1943" citing his knowledge of "the causes which led to the UK 55 (the forcing of inhabitants of Leningrad and Moscow to the East)—about the division of responsibility for the Eastern and other theaters of war." Jodl asserts that the testimony will "exonerate me from the reproach of UK 55 and in general limit my responsibility." Signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Alfred Jodl, and countersigned by his defense counsel, Franz Exner. Backed by a lightweight cardstock sheet and in fine condition, with light toning.
“UK-55” concerned German plans for the civilian populations of Leningrad and Moscow during the 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union. As German forces advanced, the high command faced the question of what to do if either city fell or surrendered. The policy that emerged was exceptionally severe: the cities were to be isolated rather than occupied, their surrender was to be refused, and civilians were to be pushed eastward instead of being allowed through German lines or becoming the responsibility of the German military. Jodl’s own October 7, 1941 directive, Document C-123, reflected this policy and was later introduced at Nuremberg as evidence against him.
By calling Franz Halder, the former Chief of the Army General Staff, Jodl hoped to show how these decisions had been formulated and how responsibility was divided between Hitler, the Army leadership, and the OKW. His defense sought to portray the policy as one imposed from above and shaped by wider strategic and logistical concerns, rather than as a decision for which Jodl alone bore responsibility. Halder’s testimony was therefore intended to help Jodl contest the UK-55 charge and limit his broader responsibility for German conduct on the Eastern Front.
Jodl’s defense ultimately failed. The International Military Tribunal found him guilty on all four counts, concluding that his role went beyond merely transmitting Hitler’s orders and that he had participated directly in the planning and execution of Germany’s wars of aggression and related criminal policies. He was sentenced to death and hanged at Nuremberg on October 16, 1946.
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