Description:

KARL DONITZ
(1891 - 1980) German admiral who headed the U-Boat arm of the German Navy, later succeeded Hitler as Fuehrer after Hitler''s suicide. A.L.S. in German on personal letterhead, 7pp. 4to., Aumuhle, June 18, 1974, to William Greene, responding to an extensive list of questions from his correspondent, in part: "... I returned home from my cell regeneration treatment on June 15 and now can answer your letter of May 17th. As to the points of your letter: ... I will decide whether or not to write a forward to your book when I have read the manuscript of your book ... I have no knowledge of any biography about myself being written in any foreign country, but in Germany a naval officer has written a biography about me. He concerned himself with this in the 60''s, but as yet has not been published. ... I am desirous that you write a comprehensive biography self-sufficiently. Then I will tell you what I think of the content of your hard labor ... I am not in a position to tell you still more about my personal relationship with Hitler than I have already written in my three books..." Donitz goes on to provide contact addresses for Otto Kranzbuhler (his Nuremberg defense attorney), his adjutant Walter Ludde-Neurath, Eberhard Godt (who commanded the u-boat arm of the Kriegsmarine after Donitz''s promotion toCommander-in-Chief), former Reich Minister of Armaments and War Production Albert Speer, and Rear Admiral Gerhard Wagner. Donitz then continues to answer questions posed by Greene: "... As a younger officer in 1918 I was particularly proud of this decoration: the Knight''s Cross of the Royal Order of the House of Hohenzollern with Swords. I received it because I, as a U-boat commander in the Italian War Port of Porta Augusta, sank an Italian ship ... I consider the formal order to carry the dagger when in uniform on land absolutely appropriate, considering the times ... My personal possessions were lost to me after my arrest in May 1945. This was primarily due to the fact that my baggage and personal property were stored in the West of North Germany, and it was plundered by the British occupation troops ... I walk daily and read when I have enough time, and this with the fullness of my correspondence, visits in response to invitations, and receiving visitors fills my time..." Donitz signs in full at the conclusion in blue ink. Also present with the letter are its original transmittal envelope, Greene''s manuscript translation of Donitz''s letter, and a retained copy of Greene''s letter to Donitz of May 17, 1974, in which Greene poses a long list of questions for Donitz to answer. The letter shows original folds, else very good.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

September 13, 2017 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000