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Partly-printed DS, in German, one page, 7.75 x 11.5, November 5, 1945. Document headed (translated), "The International Military Tribunal, Defendant's Application for Summons for Witness," made while preparing his defense for the Nuremberg trials. Keitel and his defense lawyer request testimony from "Ministerial director Dr. Lehmann," citing his knowledge of "legal administration in territories occupied by German troops and decrees…origins and purposes of the 'Night and Fog' decree…violations of international agreements relative to usages of war committed by our side and the adversary." Keitel states that the testimony is relevant because "the indictment accuses the Wehrmacht and the Armed Forces High Command of violations of these international agreements." Signed at the conclusion in pencil by Wilhelm Keitel, and countersigned by his defense counsel. Backed by a lightweight cardstock sheet and in fine condition.
Keitel’s proposed witness, Dr. Rudolf Lehmann, was uniquely positioned to address one of the most damaging elements of the prosecution’s case. As head of the Wehrmacht Legal Department, Lehmann had participated directly in formulating the notorious 'Night and Fog' decree, signed by Keitel on December 7, 1941. Intended to suppress resistance in occupied Western Europe, the directive authorized the secret removal of suspected resistance members to Germany, where their whereabouts and fate were deliberately concealed from their families. Approximately 7,000 people were arrested under its provisions. Later evidence at Nuremberg characterized Lehmann as a principal architect of the decree’s final form.
By summoning Lehmann, Keitel sought testimony not only about the decree’s origins and legal rationale, but also about the broader administration of occupied territories and alleged violations of the laws of war by both sides. The strategy went directly to Keitel’s defense against charges that the Wehrmacht and Armed Forces High Command had systematically violated international law. It was ultimately unsuccessful: the International Military Tribunal cited Keitel’s role in issuing criminal directives including the 'Night and Fog' decree, convicted him on all four counts, and sentenced him to death. He was executed at Nuremberg on October 16, 1946.
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