28 Nov. 45
little historical perspective and perhaps freshen our
recollection of the ways in which the Nazi conspirators worked. In
considering Hitler's letter to the Defendant Von Papen on July 26, we
might bear in mind as an interesting sidelight, the widespread report
at that time, and I mention this only as a widespread report, that
the Defendant Von Papen narrowly missed being purged on June 30,
1934, along with the Nazi Ernst Roehm and others. The letter from
Hitler to Von Papen is as follows:
"Dear Herr Von Papen:
"As a result of the events in Vienna, I am compelled to
suggest to the Reich President the removal of the German Minister to
Vienna, Dr. Rieth, from his post, because he, at the suggestion of
Austrian Federal Ministers and the Austrian rebels, respectively
consented to an agreement made by both these parties concerning the
safe conduct and retreat of the rebels to Germany without making
inquiry of the German Reich Government. Thus, the Minister has
dragged the German Reich into an internal Austrian affair without any
reason.
"The assassination of the Austrian Federal Chancellor which
was strictly condemned and regretted by the German Government has
made the situation in Europe, already fluid, more acute, without any
fault of ours. Therefore, it is my desire to bring about, if
possible, an easing of the general situation, and especially to
direct the relations with the German Austrian State, which have been
so strained for a long time, again into normal and friendly channels.
"For this reason, I request you, dear Herr Von Papen, to
take over this important task, just because you have possessed, and
continue to possess, my most complete and unlimited confidence ever
since we have worked together in the Cabinet.
"Therefore, I have suggested to the Reich President that
you, upon leaving the Reich Cabinet and upon release from the office
of Commissioner for the Saar, be called on a special mission to the
post of the German Minister in Vienna for a limited period of time.
In this position you will be directly subordinated to me.
"Thanking once more for all that you have at one time done
for the co-ordination of the Government of the National Revolution,
and since then together with us for Germany, I remain, yours very
sincerely, Adolf Hitler."
Now let us look at the situation 4 years later, on July 25, 1938,
after the Anschluss with Austria. At that time the German officials