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Partly-printed DS, in German, signed “Hermann Göring,” one page, 7.75 x 12.75, November 14, 1945. Document headed, "The International Military Tribunal, Defendant's Application for Summons for Witness," made while preparing his defense for the Nuremberg trials. Göring and his defense lawyer request testimony from "v. Weisszäcker," citing his knowledge of these facts: "The consent for the meeting in Munich in September 1938 was obtained through the influence of Goering who wanted to prevent a war under any circumstance. At this meeting, the situation created up to that point (Germany's renunciation of the Treaty of Versailles) was recognized." Göring seeks the testimony as "proof that Goering was working eagerly for a peaceful understanding." Signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Hermann Göring, and countersigned by his defense counsel, Otto Stahmer. Backed by lightweight cardstock and in fine condition.
Ernst von Weizsäcker, State Secretary of the German Foreign Office from 1938 to 1943 and then German ambassador to the Vatican, was well positioned to testify about the diplomatic maneuvering that preceded the Munich Conference of September 1938. Göring sought to use his testimony to portray himself as a moderating influence who had helped secure the four-power meeting as an alternative to an immediate German attack on Czechoslovakia—a theme that recurred throughout his Nuremberg defense. The argument was sharply undercut by the events that followed: in March 1939, Göring participated in the pressure placed on Czech President Emil Hácha before the German occupation of the remaining Czech lands, and the International Military Tribunal ultimately rejected Göring’s broader claim that he had opposed aggressive war, finding him guilty on all four counts against him.
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