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Partly-printed DS, in German, signed “C. von Neurath,” one page, 8 x 12.5, December 8, 1945. Document headed (translated), "The International Military Tribunal, Defendant's Application for Summons for Witness," made while preparing his defense for the Nuremberg trials. Neurath and his defense lawyer request testimony from "Nuntius Orsenigo," citing his knowledge of these facts: "That the defendant Von Neurath has always opposed the politics carried on by Hitler and by the Nazi regime and to their legislation against Christianity, the Catholic Church, and against the Jews and that he had always protested against it; that he has used his influence in favor of the Church and of the Jews, whenever he could possibly do so." Neurath states that the testimony is relevant "as proof for his opposition to the Nazi Regime." Signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Konstantin von Neurath, and countersigned by his defense counsel. Backed by lightweight cardstock and in fine condition. Accompanied by a contemporary English translation.
As Apostolic Nuncio to Germany from 1930 to 1945, Cesare Orsenigo was the Vatican’s senior diplomatic representative in Berlin throughout most of the Nazi era and had direct dealings with Hitler’s government, placing him in a strong position to speak to Neurath’s conduct toward the Catholic Church and the regime’s anti-Jewish measures. Neurath’s defense sought to use Orsenigo, much like Bishop Theophil Wurm, to support the argument that he had privately resisted aspects of Nazi religious and racial policy while serving within the government.
Orsenigo, however, died in April 1946 before Neurath’s defense was presented in June, leaving the defense to rely on other affidavits and witnesses as it advanced the same broader claim that Neurath had opposed significant elements of National Socialist policy. The Tribunal ultimately rejected that defense as sufficient to absolve him, convicting Neurath on all four counts charged and sentencing him to fifteen years’ imprisonment.
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