November 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, November 20th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/20/2014
Interesting archive relating to Austrian President Kurt Waldheim's activities during WWII, and if he was guilty of war crimes. Although Waldheim served as Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1972-1981, it was during his tenure as Austrian President in the late 1980's that questions regarding his involvement in Naziism began to surface. Spurred by gaps in his official biography during that time which he couldn't account for, Waldhein was shunned by all major countries while President. Archive has been compiled by collector Gerard Granat who wrote letters to Waldheim and his son about the matter. Archive contains: (1) Typed letter signed ''Kurt'' to Granat on Republik Osterreich stationery, dated 9 May 1975: ''...concerning my activities in February 1938...I did not participate at Dr. Schuschnigg's historical meeting with Hitler, but was politically active for the Socialist movement in the underground...''; (2) Typed letter signed ''Kurt Waldheim'' to Granat on his personal stationery dated 7 May 1986. In part, ''...I have taken note of your concern and wish to assure you that I take your suggestions very seriously. I have asked my son, Gerhard...to contact you and to give you all information requested...this matter which is of deep concern to me...''; (3) Matte photograph of Waldheim signed ''Kurt'', measuring 4'' x 5.75''; (4) Autograph letter signed by Gerhard Waldheim, Kurt's son, to Granat, dated 15 May 1986 on his personal stationery. Gerhard outlines evidence refuting the accusations against his father. In part, ''...it is implicated that he carries at least co-responsibility as a desk lieutenant writing enemy reports...is either a conscious effort to prove guilt by misconstruing facts or the sad result of someone who has never served in the military...''; (5) dozens of pages of testimony by Kurt and Gerhard Waldheim regarding the former's activities during WWII, Gerhard's business card, letters by Granat, a list of personal references for Kurt Waldheim and more. Archive is in very good condition, offering a personal glimpse into Waldheim's Nazi involvement, which remains questionable to this day.
Kurt Waldheim Archive Regarding His Activities During WWII -- ''...I did not participate at Dr. Schuschnigg's historical meeting with Hitler...''
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