Baldur von Schirach Document Signed at Nuremberg, Requesting 'Look, the Heart of Europe' as Proof of His “Effort of Trying to Preserve Peace”
Von Schirach's own propaganda backfires: a book he sponsored becomes evidence against him
Partly-printed DS, in German, signed “v. Schirach,” one page, 8 x 12, January 23, 1946. Document headed (translated), "The International Military Tribunal, Defendant's Application for Document," made while preparing his defense for the Nuremberg trials. Schirach and his defense lawyer request the book "'Look, the heart of Europe,' 1937, Stanley McClatchie," explaining that it will show "that the defendant v. Schirach had not educated German youth in the spirit of militarism and that he had for years been concerned with the effort of trying to preserve peace."
Schirach emphasizes further that the book will "prove that the defendant loved peace and that he had never been a member of any conspiracy." Signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Baldur von Schirach, and countersigned by his defense counsel. Backed by lightweight cardstock and in fine condition, with light toning across the top. Accompanied by a contemporary English translation.
Von Schirach's request backfired badly. McClatchie's own preface acknowledged that von Schirach, three-quarters American by ancestry, had personally sponsored and facilitated the book's publication in both German and English, and the prosecution seized on this to argue the book was not an independent American perspective at all but an extension of von Schirach's own propaganda operation, packaged as friendly cultural exchange to mask militarist intent from Western audiences. Rather than proving his peaceful character, the book helped the Tribunal see exactly the opposite. Von Schirach was found guilty of Crimes Against Humanity for his role deporting Vienna's Jewish population and sentenced to twenty years, served in full at Spandau until his 1966 release.
Von Schirach's own propaganda backfires: a book he sponsored becomes evidence against him
Partly-printed DS, in German, signed “v. Schirach,” one page, 8 x 12, January 23, 1946. Document headed (translated), "The International Military Tribunal, Defendant's Application for Document," made while preparing his defense for the Nuremberg trials. Schirach and his defense lawyer request the book "'Look, the heart of Europe,' 1937, Stanley McClatchie," explaining that it will show "that the defendant v. Schirach had not educated German youth in the spirit of militarism and that he had for years been concerned with the effort of trying to preserve peace."
Schirach emphasizes further that the book will "prove that the defendant loved peace and that he had never been a member of any conspiracy." Signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Baldur von Schirach, and countersigned by his defense counsel. Backed by lightweight cardstock and in fine condition, with light toning across the top. Accompanied by a contemporary English translation.
Von Schirach's request backfired badly. McClatchie's own preface acknowledged that von Schirach, three-quarters American by ancestry, had personally sponsored and facilitated the book's publication in both German and English, and the prosecution seized on this to argue the book was not an independent American perspective at all but an extension of von Schirach's own propaganda operation, packaged as friendly cultural exchange to mask militarist intent from Western audiences. Rather than proving his peaceful character, the book helped the Tribunal see exactly the opposite. Von Schirach was found guilty of Crimes Against Humanity for his role deporting Vienna's Jewish population and sentenced to twenty years, served in full at Spandau until his 1966 release.
