7216 - Franz von Papen Autograph Document Signed at Nuremberg, Requesting Evidence and Witnesses for His Defense

Franz von Papen Autograph Document Signed at Nuremberg, Requesting Evidence and Witnesses for His Defense ADS in German, signed "Papen (v. Papen)," one page, 8 x 12.75, October 23, 1945. Document submitted to the General Secretary of the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg, requesting several documents and witnesses for his defense. In part: "After conference with Major Neare, I should like to make the following requests: 1) As material evidence to be used in my defense: A) Speeches made by me as Vice Chancellor in 1933...b) A Speech made by me in Marburg in 1934...c) The Reich Code from 30 Jan. 33 to 30 Jun. 34, or the most important of the laws and proclamations promulgated by the Reich government during this period," plus further transcripts of laws and a "Hitler speech in the Reichstag of 20 Feb. 1938." As to witnesses, he wishes to call several of his diplomatic colleagues—Guido Schmidt, Victor Erbach, Dr. Kroll, and Turkish Foreign Minister Nuban—in anticipation of the prosecution's reference to his work in Vienna or Ankara. Backed by lightweight cardstock and in fine condition. Written just days after his indictment at Nuremberg, this document shows Franz von Papen beginning to carefully construct the defense he would carry through the trial: that he had opposed important aspects of Hitler’s rule and should not be held criminally responsible for the regime’s later policies. His request for the 1934 Marburg speech was especially significant, since that address had openly criticized Nazi repression and excesses, while the diplomatic witnesses he sought were intended to address his controversial service in Austria and Turkey. Papen was ultimately acquitted on all counts by the International Military Tribunal, one of only three defendants at the main Nuremberg trial to be found not guilty.