RUDOLF HESS

RUDOLF HESS
(1894 - 1987) Nazi German Deputy Fuehrer and second in command after Goering, Hess was one of Hitler's closest confidantes and friends. In an unauthorized peace mission, Hess flew a German fighter to England and surrendered, purportedly attempting to ally Germany with Great Britain against Russia. His mission, of course, failed and Hess was imprisoned at Spandau where he was found hanged in 1987. Fine association T.L.S. as secretary to Adolf Hitler on NSDAP letterhead, 1p. large 4to., Berlin, Nov. 2, 1939 to Gauleiter JULIUS STREICHER (1885-1946) in Nuremberg. In part: '...In the recent briefing, you gave me your opinion on a number of questions concerning your Gau and employees. In doing so, you have clarified both your general attitude and your opinion on individual points...To simplify this discussion I would like you to respond to the series of questions indicated on the attachment [not present]...' File holes and a staple hole at upper-left, folds, with two chips at lower-right not affecting text or signature. At this time, Streicher's fortunes were rapidly declining, despite his special relationship with Hitler. He was accused of keeping Jewish property seized after Kristallnacht in November 1938; he was charged with spreading untrue stories about Goring - such as alleging that Goring's daughter Edda was conceived by artificial insemination; and he was confronted with his excessive personal behavior, including unconcealed adultery, several furious verbal attacks on other Gauleiters and striding through the streets of Nuremberg cracking a bullwhip.