In:
Militaergeschichtliche Zeitschrift, Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Vol. 68, No. 2 ( 2009-12-1), p. 379-421
Abstract:
This article examines how War Crimes trials after 1945 are deeply intertwined with Cold War politics. Karl Wolff, SS-Obergruppenführer and General of the Waffen-SS who had commanded troops engaged in reprisals against Italian civilians, escaped justice at Nuremberg with the help of Western Intelligence. Key to his escape from justice at Nuremberg was his role in »Operation Sunrise« – negotiations conducted by high-ranking American, Swiss, and British officials in violation of their agreements with the Soviet Union – for the surrender of German forces in Italy on May 2 nd , 1945. Intelligence Officials, including most notably Allen W. Dulles from OSS, shielded Wolff from prosecution in order to prevent information about the negotiations. Wolff had promised the deployment of German troops in order to prevent Tito’s partisans from occupying Northern Italy. Indeed, this article proves that German troops were involved in resisting the Yugoslav forces at Trieste also after May 2 nd , when Partisans had taken over control of the port. Wolff’s case shows how the Allied guideline of »unconditional surrender« was replaced during the last month of war by »unconditional agreements«, in order to reach political aims against the advancing communism and secure strategic advantages. However, Wolffs earlier commitment, as Himmler’s adjutant, to organize the transport of Jewish people to Treblinka, brought him to Court in 1962, when the experience of the Eichmann trial had made such deals morally impossible.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2196-6850
,
2193-2336
DOI:
10.1524/mgzs.2009.0013
Language:
English
Publisher:
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Publication Date:
2009
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2534862-0
SSG:
8
SSG:
3,6
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