7191 - Erich Raeder (2) Documents Signed at Nuremberg, Requesting Testimony from His Former Adjutant Erich Schulte-Mönting

Erich Raeder (2) Documents Signed at Nuremberg, Requesting Testimony from His Former Adjutant Erich Schulte-Mönting Two partly-printed DSs, in German, signed “Erich Raeder,” each one page, 8 x 12, December 10, 1945, and January 19, 1946. Documents 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 "Erich Schulte-Mönting," noting: "The witness was my adjutant, later was the chief of staff; after my departure he was admiral in command of the Norwegian west coast in Drontheim, there he was taken prisoner, and is probably in a prisoner-of-war camp in England (Scotland)." Raeder states that he "discussed with the witness all important questions, especially my fundamental attitude (no war of aggression, organization of navy only for defense measures, occupation of Norway only on account of forced military position)," and that the testimony is relevant "for refutation of points one and two of the indictment." Each is signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Raeder, and countersigned by his defense counsel. Backed by lightweight cardstock and in overall fine condition. Schulte-Mönting served as Raeder's adjutant and later Chief of Staff, subsequently commanding Admiral of the Norwegian west coast at Drontheim, where he was taken prisoner and held in the UK. Raeder's defense leaned heavily on his testimony to portray Raeder as an apolitical, traditional naval officer acting defensively rather than a party to Hitler's conspiracy, and to argue the Norway occupation was a forced defensive necessity. The Tribunal rejected this line, ruling no Allied invasion of Norway had been imminent, and Raeder was convicted on all three counts and sentenced to life imprisonment.