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Partly-printed DS, in German, signed “A. Jodl,” one page, 7.75 x 12, 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 "Dr. Krieger, Stenographer to the Fuhrer" citing his knowledge of Jodl's "relations with the Fuhrer." Jodl asserts that the testimony will "show the character of my personality to remove certain mistakes." 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.
Ludwig Krieger was uniquely positioned to observe the relationship between Hitler and his senior military commanders. A veteran Reichstag stenographer, he was assigned to Hitler’s headquarters in February 1943 as part of the small stenographic staff charged with recording the Führer’s military conferences, producing detailed transcripts of discussions with Jodl, Keitel, and other members of the German high command. Krieger therefore witnessed firsthand the often contentious exchanges in which Hitler issued strategic directives and his generals attempted to raise objections.
Jodl hoped Krieger’s testimony would help portray him as a professional soldier operating beneath Hitler’s highly centralized command rather than as an independent architect of Nazi policy. Contemporary records confirm that Jodl did at times raise military objections—including concerns during planning for the Ardennes Offensive—only to have Hitler overrule them. The defense sought to use such episodes to demonstrate the limits of Jodl’s influence and to counter the prosecution’s portrayal of his close association with Hitler.
Krieger ultimately furnished sworn testimony at Nuremberg concerning the relationship between Hitler and members of the OKW; an affidavit dated March 31, 1946, was admitted into evidence and described Hitler’s dealings with senior commanders and their treatment of his decisions as orders. Such evidence did not alter Jodl’s fate: the tribunal found him guilty on all four counts charged against him—conspiracy, crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity—and he was executed on October 16, 1946.
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