Description:

REINHARD HEYDRICH
(1904 - 1942) 'The Hangman', Nazi head of the dreaded SS and architect of the 'Final Solution', his assassination in Prague caused in retribution the destruction of Lidice and murder of many of its inhabitants. Superb content and association T.L.S. 'Heydrich' on 'Geheime Staatspolizei' letterhead, 3pp. large 4to., Berlin, Jan. 9, 1937 to Oberst KARL BODENSCHATZ (1890–1979), a German general who was the adjutant to Manfred von Richthofen in World War I and the liaison officer between Hermann Goring and Adolf Hitler during World War II. The letter, stamped 'Reich State Secret' at top, exhibits Heidrich's incredible power to potentially harm Nazi officials at the highest levels. It reads, in small part: '...Subject: Arms dealer [Willi] Daugs [(1893–?), a significant figure in the Finnish defense industry during the 1930s and World War II] - [Josef] Veltjens [91894–1943), a German World War I fighter ace credited with 35 victories. In later years, he served as an international arms dealer, as well as a personal emissary from Hermann Goring to Benito Mussolini] On December 13, 1936, a report was filed concerning the arrest of individuals associated with the arms dealer Daugs, currently in Warsaw. It was suspected that records found during the arrests pointed to Josef Veltjens. Veltjens is a Pour le Mérite recipient and, since the outbreak of the Spanish unrest, has provided valuable information to the Abwehr...due to his activities and knowledge in the arms trade. It is to his credit that a number of arms shipments destined for the Bolsheviks in Spain fell into the hands of the Franco regime. He has been personally known to the head of the Abwehr department, Rear Admiral Canaris, since 1920 and is highly regarded by him. Veltjens knew that Willi Daugs, in whose company he was a partner until 1934, was suspected of supplying weapons to Red Spain. Out of a misguided sense of camaraderie, he had a general warning sent to Daugs in early December by his brother Werner Daugs, who lived in Berlin. Werner Daugs was then tasked by his brother...with providing what evidence existed against him, so that he could obtain the documents in advance and prove that he had not knowingly conducted any business with the Reds. Werner Dauge was to deliver this material to Warsaw accompanied by a German lawyer. Furthermore, Daugs asked his friend Holtsermann to contact Veltjens. Two meetings took place, the results of which were recorded in the notes later found. These records contained information about members of the Abwehr...and the activities there. In our opinion, these were state secrets. Upon consultation with Lieutenant Colonel Eamler Busser, he expressed a contrary view...requested the disclosure of the Daugs-Holtzermann proceedings before the People's Court. Werner Daugs and Hans Holtzermann were brought before the People's Court on December 23, 1936, on suspicion of negligent treason, for the purpose of issuing an arrest warrant. After the investigating judge had questioned Lieutenant Colonel Bamler, who simultaneously provided an expert opinion, Veltjens, Daugs and Holtzermann were released on December 28, 1936...' Folds, slight damp staining to top of first page and some marginal wear but overall very good. Veltjens had had a face-to-face confrontation with Hitler in 1931, but his longtime friend Hermann Goring had bailed him out of any retribution on Hitler's part. Thus Heydrich was in an ideal position to usurp good deal of Goring's influence over Hitler, wisely deciding to simply take a marker in exchange. A few years later, Veltjens would negotiate a pact in which German troops would have unhindered transit through Finnish territory in exchange for arms that the Finns could use against a threatened Russian encroachment. Veltjens would die when his transport plane crashed into a mountain while attempting to evade enemy fighters.

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March 26, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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$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
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$2,000,000 + $100,000