Franz von Papen (Papen)

Papen, Franz von (Papen), (1879-1969), politician in Germany, diplomat. Born December 29, 1879 at Werle (Westphalia) in the family of large landowners. Before 1-st World War was an officer of the General Staff. In 1913-15 military attache in the U.S., where he was expelled for espionage and subversive activities. In 1921-32 member of the Prussian Landtag from the Catholic party of the "Center", belonged to her extreme right wing.

In July-November 1932 led the government, which contributed to strengthening the position of the Nazis in Germany. He took an active part in establishing in January 1933 of the Nazi dictatorship and joined the first cabinet of Hitler as the Vice-Chancellor. In July, 1934 - March 1938, Ambassador to Austria, contributed to the implementation of the Anschluss. As in 1939 - 44 as ambassador to Turkey, von Papen tried to engage her in a number of allies in Germany. In April 1945, was arrested by military authorities in the Ruhr 9 th U.S. Army. In 1946 he appeared before the court

International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg, but was acquitted. However, in February 1947 again appeared before the Commission on denazification and sentenced to 8 months in prison as war criminals. Died May 2, 1969 in Oberzasbahe, Baden.