Lot 431

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Description:

WALTER WARLIMONT (2)
(1894-1976) German staff officer of World War II, Deputy Chief of Operations Staff of the Armed Forces High Command 1939-44. Warlimont was wounded in the 20 July plot to assassinate Hitler and was later convicted in the High Command Trial at Nuremberg and sentenced to life imprisonment as a war criminal. Excellent pair of letters written just after the close of the war while Warlimont was being held a prisoner of the Allies. The first is an A.L.S., 1p. 4to., Nuremberg, 20 December 1945, to the General Secretary of the International Military Tribunal. While awaiting trial at Nuremberg, Warlimont writes in full: 'On the advise of the Prison-officer I beg you to arrange that I can see to-night the German counsel of the 'General Staff', Dr. Exner. Another conference was agreed upon between us during our first meeting on Dec. 17. I should appreciate especially the conference being arranged before Dr. Exner leaves Nuremberg because of the adjourning of the Court...'. Neatly mounted with two file holes to the upper edge, else very good. Franz Exner (1881-1947) was an Austrian-German criminal lawyer who served as defense counsel to the German High Command at the Nuremberg Trials. WITH: A.L. (unsigned), 2pp. 4to., [Nuremberg], 12 August 1945, to his wife, Anita Warlimont, in German. An affectionate letter, in part: '...I do not need to begin by telling you what it means to me, how it stirs my deepest feelings, to be united with you at least in this way...There have been several important changes in my situation in the last few days that much I think I am allowed to say. We travelled for some hours through German territory, and so saw German people, but also came across many pitiable sights. But I was filled by the move with happy feelings...The nerves can make use of a boost of this kind but have to take a grip on themselves, in order not to tempt fate, or just as little to challenge the surrounding circumstances - which are always there...My connection with the realities of ordinary life is becoming steadily weaker. My mind is filled, pretty equally, with the huge, painful past and the unknown, but certainly as painful, future. To the clarification of the earlier period I still hope to be able to contribute some important points, even if everything is proceeding very slowly....Are you starting to accustom our children to the idea that they will certainly have to work more than we thought earlier perhaps also in other ways? Whether they should not both be trained, additionally, in shorthand and typing, and also learn more about household matters than you can pass on to them (use of a sewing machine, for example, and dress-making?)...May I soon be able to help you again! More than before, better than before, more loving - and more tender- than before!...What I said in days gone by in irritable arguments with you was not worth saying, and in the highest degree unworthily said to you...hold on to your health in all circumstances, that is more valuable than anything else...Your laughter is happiness to me, with you only I can be happy forever...'. With the original envelope hand-addressed by Warlimont with his last name signed thereon. Fine.

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November 29, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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