Konstantin von Neurath
1946, Front side - Note card with Konstantin von Neurath signature from the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg, Germany.
Tan note card with cursive signature and printed handwriting in German using black ink.
Name/Title
Konstantin von NeurathEntry/Object ID
2026.7.11Scope and Content
1946, note card with Konstantin von Neurath signature from the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg, Germany.Context
Konstantin Hermann Karl Freiherr von Neurath was a politician who served as the Reich Minister of Foreign Affairs during World War II. Neurath was notable for playing pivotal role in Adolf Hitler’s opposition to the Treaty of Versailles following World War I. As the war progressed, Neurath had a particular aversion to Hitler and his replacement by Joachim von Ribbentrop did not help. In 1939, Neurath was positioned as Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia, but his authority decreased with time. During World War I, Neurath served as an officer with an infantry regiment of the Imperial Germany Army and was awarded the Iron Cross after becoming poorly wounded. After taking his leave in 1916, Neurath wrote a memorandum from his official position regarding the Armenian genocide in which he writes the actions of the Ottoman Empire are just but protesting against the excessive decisions of the genocide. Neurath had a varied career in politics. Working as Minister to Denmark after joining the embassy in 1919. Additionally, from 1921-1930, Neurath was the ambassador to Rome and was not impressed with Italian fascism. Only two years later would this irony show as he was called to become the Reichsminister of Foreign Affairs. Neurath was politically charged. His sphere of influence was facilitating decisions like retreating from the League of Nations and remilitarization of the Rhineland. Neurath did not have much influence with the Holocaust, nor did he necessarily want to. In addition to his view on the Armenian genocide, he did not partake in the “excesses” of it and attempted to control police chief, Karl Hermann Frank and his actions against Jews. Following his appointment as Reichsprotektor of Bohemia and Moravia, Neurath was stripped of his powers by Hitler considering his rule was too lenient. Neurath was held on trial in Nuremberg, Germany in 1946 where he was accused on all four counts. The International Military Tribunal decided Neurath’s crimes were carried out in such a short period during his position at Reichsprotektor. Neurath was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment. He was released in 1954 after suffering a heart attack and retired to his family estates before his death two years later.Collection
Nazi Party SignaturesCategory
Note
Philatelic Material