Konstantin von Neurath

Von Neurath was found guilty on all four counts — conspiracy, crimes against peace, war crimes and crimes against humanity — and sentenced to fifteen years' imprisonment. He was released in 1954 on health grounds after approximately eight years in detention and died in 1956.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Under his administration of the Protectorate, Nazi antisemitic policies and laws were introduced in Bohemia and Moravia; Jews were excluded from leadership positions in administration and the economy. The period was also marked by arrests and increasing repression of Czech society.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Following student demonstrations, all Czech universities were closed, approximately 1,200 students imprisoned and nine leaders executed by the security police and SD. The proclamation announcing the measure was issued under von Neurath's signature.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Command responsibility

A career diplomat appointed Foreign Minister in 1932, von Neurath retained the position under Hitler until February 1938. He thus provided the new regime with diplomatic continuity and participated in several major decisions on rearmament and dismantling the European order.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Von Neurath played an important role in the decision to remilitarise the Rhineland on 7 March 1936 and considered that the operation could take place without a French military response.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Directly implicated

As minister, von Neurath advised Hitler during Germany's withdrawal from the Disarmament Conference and the League of Nations in 1933, and subsequently on rearmament, reinstatement of compulsory military service in March 1935 and the secret Reich Defence Law of May 1935.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Political responsibility