William Kepler (Keppler)

Kepler, William (Keppler), (1882-1960), German industrialist, provided significant financial support to Hitler on his way to power. Member of the NSDAP. Holder (1931) and an active participant in pro-Nazi financial and industrial group (t. n. Group Kepler), provides funding for the National Socialist movement in order to obtain in the future large privileges and profits. Having become Chancellor, Hitler was appointed Reich Commissar Kepler Economic Affairs. Being a deputy of the Reichstag, in 1936 Kepler became an adviser to Goring on the Four Year Plan. Participated in the preparation and implementation of the Anschluss of Austria, in March 1938 was sent to Vienna Reichskommissar. During the 2-nd World War he served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was the manager of various companies and foundations, is subordinate to the SS. After the defeat of the Third Reich Kepler, as a war criminal, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but released in 1951.