7218 - Hans Fritzsche Document Signed at Nuremberg, Preparing His Defense: "Even in the opinion of the allied radio commentators, I did not agitate anti-Jewish measures or crimes against humanity"

Hans Fritzsche Document Signed at Nuremberg, Preparing His Defense: "Even in the opinion of the allied radio commentators, I did not agitate anti-Jewish measures or crimes against humanity" Partly-printed DS, in German, signed “Hans Fritzsche,” one page, 8 x 12.5, November 13, 1945. Document headed (translated), "The International Military Tribunal, Defendant's Application for Document," made while preparing his defense in the Nuremberg trials. In part (translated): "I, Hans Fritzsche, hereby request that the Tribunal require the production of the following document to be used for my defense: collection of foreign opinions and attacks on me...put up for preservation in the radio room of the air raid shelter (basement) of the Ministry for Propaganda." Fritzsche asserts that "even in the opinion of the allied radio commentators, I did not agitate anti-Jewish measures or crimes against humanity." Signed at the conclusion in pencil by Fritzsche, and countersigned by his defense counsel. Backed by archival paper and in fine condition. Accompanied by a contemporary English translation. Fritzsche's stated purpose was direct: "invalidate the accusations of the indictment against me." Unlike his co-defendants, Fritzsche's defense succeeded. He argued he had been a subordinate carrying out Goebbels's directives with no independent policymaking power, and that his broadcasts, while propagandistic, were not intended to incite atrocities. The Tribunal acquitted him of all charges on October 1, 1946, one of only three defendants at the main Nuremberg trial to walk free. His freedom was short-lived. A West German denazification court subsequently sentenced him to nine years in a labor camp.