LONDON, July 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --
- Files discovered by chance in State Archives form basis of new
appeal
- Scientific chemical ink analysis of 'destruction orders' dates
documents within period eligible for restitution
- Potential for further similar claims if ruled in favour
As celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the July 20th, 1944 foiled assassination
attempt on Adolf Hitler approach,
the grandson of a conspirator in the 'Valkyrie' plot has escalated
his claim for land restitution.
Prince Friedrich zu Solms Baruth escaped Nazi execution but
was arrested July 21st, 1944,
imprisoned and tortured for 9 months for his part in the
assassination attempt. He signed a 'Power of Disposal'
document in March 1945 whilst in
prison, passing his 17,300 hectares of land directly to
Himmler.
German courts upheld the validity of the 'power of disposal'
document used by Himmler in a failed 2014 appeal to return the
land.
Lawyers for Solms Baruth believe newly discovered documents,
mis-filed and found by chance in the German state Archives, hold
the key to resolving the case. Independently conducted scientific
chemical ink analysis of 'destruction orders' date the documents
within the eligible period for restitution.
If the case is again denied, the claimant will, with Lord
Peter Goldsmith, QC, take it to the
European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Lord Goldsmith says: "In
rejecting the restitution case in 2014 the courts refused to hear
the testimony of historian Sir Antony
Beevor, among other experts, rejected the British
Intelligence report confirming the arrest and confiscation was a
result of the 1944 plot, and failed to ask the government to
provide expert testimony."
Solms Baruth's Lawyers have estimated that 10-20% of outstanding
claims within the Brandenburg State archive could be ascribed as
potential new 'restitution' cases – that is they relate to actions
taken pre-May 1945 by the Nazi
government (restitution laws do not apply to post-May 1945 cases).
Claimant Frederick Solms Baruth
says: "Righting this grievous wrong was my grandfather and
my father's dying wish. In the face of indifference and
obfuscation, it is my mission and I will not rest until I see
justice served. It is my dream to see this land returned and bring
prosperity back to the Baruth region through investment, thought
and care, to honour grandfather's memory."
Frederick Solms Baruth is
available for interview.
Further information available
- Scientific briefing
- Statement from Lord Goldsmith
- More detailed overarching brief
- Archival photographic images
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content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-office-of-solms-baruth-grandson-of-anti-hitler-plotter-escalates-land-restitution-case-300887920.html
SOURCE The Office of Solms Baruth