Description:

REINHARD HEYDRICH
(1904 - 1942) 'The Hangman', Nazi head of the dreaded SS and architect of the 'Final Solution', his assassination in Prague caused severe reprisal actions, including the destruction of Lidice and murder of many of its inhabitants. Important content T.L.S. on his official letterhead, 1p 4to., Berlin, May 14, 1942, to WILHELM KEITEL (1882-1946), German field marshal and army chief of staff under Adolf Hitler, convicted of war crimes and executed at Nuremburg. In part: '...The Reichsfuhrer gave me instructions not to change course in the negotiations with Admiral Canaris. The way things are now, there is probably no longer any need for clarification. The anomalies, which by no means represent isolated cases, are so obviously brought about by his office that there can be no question of coincidences either. So it is only logical that I ask that the Fuhrer Headquarters draw the necessary conclusions from this...I always endeavored to keep the negotiations on a factual and loyal track, in accordance with the instructions of the Reichsfuhrer. I also give my word of honor that in this matter I have done everything in my power to the best of my will and conscience. Heil Hitler!...' Initialed 'K' by Keitel at top. Rough margins, file holes at left, else very good. Heydrich was likely referring to Canaris' ongoing negotiations with Spain's Francisco Franco. In December 1940, Hitler sent Canaris to Spain to conclude an agreement, through strong coercion if necessary, with Franco for Spanish support in the war against the Allies, but instead of prompting him to acquiesce to Hitler's desire, Canaris reported that Franco would not commit Spanish forces until Britain had been defeated. Conversations from the period between Franco and Canaris remain unknown, since none were recorded, but the Spanish government expressed gratitude to Canaris' widow by paying her a pension. Franco remained 'forever grateful' to Canaris for his advice to keep Spain out of the war. Ultimately Canaris' trips to Spain led him to meet with British agents in Gibraltar to feel out peace terms with the Allies.

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June 14, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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