Description:

OTTO KRANZBUHLER
(1907-2004) German naval judge who represented defendant Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz before the International Military Tribunal at the Nuremberg Trials. T.L.S. ‘Kranzbuhler' in German, 1p. 4to., Tegernsee, Aug. 20, 1974, to William Greene, responding to Greene's request for information for inclusion in a biography of Kranzbuhler's former client, Kriegsmarine chief Karl Donitz. Kranzbuhler transmits to Greene a carbon copy of a letter of thanks sent to him by Donitz following his conviction at Nuremberg. Kranzbuhler signs at the conclusion in blue ink. The copy letter from Donitz, 2pp. 4to., Nuremberg, Oct. 5, 1946, included with this lot, reads in part, ‘On Sept. 17, 1945 I had written my opinion and my intentions for my coming defense as follows: I.) It is imperative that the spotlessness of the Kriegsmarine and the honorable nature of the U-boat war be demonstrated. II.) As far as I am personally concerned, the following is valid: under no circumstances have I done anything unworthy. I have nothing to apologize for... Kranzbuhler at the time clearly and assuredly conducted my defense in a magnificent manner according to the forgoing principles. His conduct of defense was thorough, had clarity and was conducted with shrewdness and tact with precisely the exact proportions of input required and was in entirety a masterpiece... The success is extraordinary. In no way did the verdict place a black mark against the navy. No criminal acts were laid to the conduct of the U-boat war... Every naval man can hold his head high... All navy men, especially U-boat people are indebted to Kranzbuhler for this...' Also present are Kranzbuhler's original transmittal envelope, Greene's manuscript translations for both Kranzbuhler's and Dönitz's letters, and a retained copy of Greene's introductory letter to Kranzbuhler of July 26, 1974. Rounding out the group is a selection of additional correspondence related to Greene's biography of Donitz. The letters show folds, else very good.

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December 4, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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