7189 - Erich Raeder Document Signed at Nuremberg, Seeking Testimony on Secret German Naval Rearmament and Alleged "Violations of the Versailles Treaty"

Erich Raeder Document Signed at Nuremberg, Seeking Testimony on Secret German Naval Rearmament and Alleged "Violations of the Versailles Treaty" Partly-printed DS, in German, signed “Raeder,” one page, 8 x 12.25, February 21, 1946. Document headed (translated), "The International Military Tribunal, Defendant's Application for Summons for Witness," made while preparing his defense for the Nuremberg trials. Raeder and his defense lawyer request testimony from "Reichsminister Severing," citing his knowledge of these facts: "That I have never dealt with matters concerning naval armament 'Behind the back of the Reich Cabinet' and that rather, the Reich Cabinet from the time of my entry into office expressly accepted sole responsibility, particularly for 'Violations of the Versailles Treaty.'" Raeder states that the testimony is relevant "to refute the charge that I pushed forward matters concerning naval armament 'behind the back of the Reich Cabinet.'" Signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Raeder, and countersigned by his defense counsel. Backed by lightweight cardstock and in fine condition, with slightly irregular toning. Raeder’s request reflects a central theme of his Nuremberg defense: that Germany’s secret naval rearmament under the Versailles restrictions had begun under the democratic Weimar governments and was known to civilian officials well before Hitler came to power. By calling former Social Democratic minister Karl Severing, Raeder sought to rebut the prosecution’s claim that he had advanced naval armament “behind the back of the Reich Cabinet,” portraying his actions instead as part of a broader, longstanding state policy. Although the defense established some continuity between Weimar-era and Nazi rearmament, it did not alter the Tribunal’s judgment on the larger charges; Raeder was convicted of conspiracy, crimes against peace, and war crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment.