7171 - Arthur Seyss-Inquart Document Signed at Nuremberg, Seeking Testimony from Friedrich Rainer on the 1938 Anschluss

Arthur Seyss-Inquart Document Signed at Nuremberg, Seeking Testimony from Friedrich Rainer on the 1938 Anschluss Partly-printed DS, in German, signed “Seyss-Inquart,” one page, 8 x 12.5, November 6, 1945. Document headed (translated), "The International Military Tribunal, Defendant's Application for Summons for Witness," made while preparing his defense for the Nuremberg trials. Seyss-Inquart and his defense lawyer request testimony from "Dr. Friedrich Reiner, former Governor of Carinthia," citing his knowledge of these facts: "1) Has been currently oriented about my political intentions and plans. 2) Conversation in the train on the evening of 18 February, I do orient Dr. Reiner about the contents of my talk with Hitler as represented in the documents. 3) My standing aloof from the political situation on 11 March 1939 beginning with 1600 in the afternoon." Seyss-Inquart elaborates: "My political plan was, that the Austrian National Socialists should receive permission to take an active part and share responsibility in the State, but this on account of an express declaration by Hitler as a Party Leader that the Austrian Party should stand upon the basis of the Austrian State and be completely independent from the Reich Party. Those were also my demands from Hitler on the 17th of February. Therefore, the reproach of my participation in the conspiracy against Austrian independence becomes nullified. Further, beginning about 1600 on 11 March, no more influence upon the political developments." Signed at the conclusion in pencil by Seyss-Inquart, and countersigned by his defense counsel. Backed by archival paper and in fine condition, with professional cleaning to the paper. Accompanied by a contemporary English translation. Friedrich Rainer was a senior organizer of the Austrian Nazi underground before 1938, and his own 1939 report to Gauleiter Josef Bürckel became a central prosecution exhibit (Document 812-PS), used to establish Seyss-Inquart's coordination with the Nazi underground and his central role in the events of March 1938, the Anschluss itself. Seyss-Inquart's defense hoped Rainer, in person, could soften or reinterpret his own report and blunt the prosecution's case; the Tribunal instead treated the documents as reliable evidence regardless, and Rainer's testimony did not alter the outcome. Seyss-Inquart was convicted on all four counts and hanged October 16, 1946. Rainer himself was later extradited to Yugoslavia, convicted of crimes against the population of occupied Slovene territory, sentenced to death in 1947, and died in Yugoslav custody in November 1950.