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Partly-printed DS, in German, signed “A. Rosenberg,” one page, 8 x 12, November 13, 1945. Document headed (translated), "The International Military Tribunal, Defendant's Application for Summons for Witness," made while preparing his defense for the Nuremberg trials. Rosenberg and his defense lawyer request testimony from "Dr. H. N. Lammers," citing his knowledge of these facts: "1) That I was instructed, in a special decree of the Fuehrer's, dated June 1943, to confine myself to matters of principle. 2) When Kochs was appointed Reich Commissioner in Riga at the end of 1944, I was instructed not to restrict him in the execution of his duties." Rosenberg asserts that the testimony will "prove that I did not aim at a conspiracy against peace." Signed at the conclusion in pencil by Alfred Rosenberg, and countersigned by his defense counsel. Backed by lightweight cardstock and in very good to fine condition, with a repaired tear at center.
Rosenberg’s request for Hans Heinrich Lammers, chief of the Reich Chancellery, was designed to support a central theme of his Nuremberg defense: that his authority as Reich Minister for the Occupied Eastern Territories had been progressively curtailed by Hitler and rival Nazi officials. Lammers later testified concerning the bitter jurisdictional struggle between Rosenberg and Reich Commissioner Erich Koch, confirming that a 1943 Führer directive ordered Rosenberg to confine himself largely to questions of principle and effectively strengthened Koch’s independence in administering Ukraine. Rosenberg used this bureaucratic conflict to portray himself as an increasingly powerless minister whose policies were frustrated by Koch, Himmler, Göring, Sauckel, and others.
The Tribunal nevertheless rejected the broader implication that diminished authority absolved Rosenberg of responsibility. As minister for the occupied East, he had helped formulate and administer German occupation policy and was implicated in the exploitation, forced labor, persecution, and plunder of conquered Soviet territories. Rosenberg was ultimately convicted on all four counts charged against him—conspiracy, crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity—and was executed by hanging on October 16, 1946.
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