7197 - Konstantin von Neurath Document Signed at Nuremberg, Calling on Bishop Theophil Wurm to Support His Claim of Opposition to the Nazi Regime

Konstantin von Neurath Document Signed at Nuremberg, Calling on Bishop Theophil Wurm to Support His Claim of Opposition to the Nazi Regime Partly-printed DS, in German, signed “C. von Neurath,” one page, 8 x 12.5, December 8, 1945. Document headed (translated), "The International Military Tribunal, Defendant's Application for Summons for Witness," made while preparing his defense for the Nuremberg trials. Neurath and his defense lawyer request testimony from "State Bishop Dr. Wurm," citing his knowledge of these facts: "That the defendant Von Neurath has always been opposed to the policy pursued by Hitler and by the Nazi regime and to their legislation about Christianity, the Catholic Church and against the Jews and that he protested against them; that he has used his influence on behalf of the Church and the Jews, wherever he could possibly do so." Neurath states that the testimony is relevant "as proof for his opposition to the Nazi Regime." Signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Konstantin von Neurath, and countersigned by his defense counsel. Backed by lightweight cardstock and in fine condition. Theophil Wurm was a particularly useful figure for Neurath’s defense. As Protestant Bishop of Württemberg, Wurm had repeatedly protested Nazi interference with the churches and later spoke out against the regime’s euthanasia program, giving his testimony unusual weight on questions of Neurath’s conduct toward religious and racial persecution. An affidavit from Wurm was ultimately introduced as Neurath Document No. 1 during the trial, stating that Neurath had received him during the Nazi 'Church struggle,' helped arrange access to other government officials, and assisted people affected by anti-Jewish legislation where he was able. Neurath’s counsel repeatedly invoked Wurm’s affidavit in an effort to portray the former Foreign Minister not as an ideological supporter of Nazi domestic policy, but as a conservative official who privately resisted some of its measures while remaining inside the government. The Tribunal nevertheless convicted Neurath on all four counts charged against him and sentenced him to fifteen years’ imprisonment.