Friedrich-Werner von der Schulenburg German diplomat, German Ambassador to the USSR Date of Birth: 20.11.1875 Country: Germany

1. Biography of Friedrich-Werner von der Schulenburg
2. Early Career
3. Non-Aggression Pact
4. Warning of German Attack
5. Involvement in the July Plot
6. Execution and Legacy
7. Controversy and Stalin's Reaction

Biography of Friedrich-Werner von der Schulenburg

Friedrich-Werner von der Schulenburg (1875-1944) was a German diplomat and ambassador to the Soviet Union. He served as the German ambassador from 1934 to 1941 and played a significant role in the signing of the Non-Aggression Pact between Germany and the USSR.

Early Career

Schulenburg began his diplomatic career in the early 1900s and held various positions within the German Foreign Office. His experience and expertise led to his appointment as the German ambassador to the Soviet Union in 1934.

Non-Aggression Pact

One of Schulenburg's notable achievements was his involvement in the signing of the Non-Aggression Pact between Germany and the USSR in 1939. This historic agreement aimed to ensure peace between the two nations and paved the way for further cooperation and collaboration.

Warning of German Attack

In 1941, Schulenburg attempted to warn the Soviet leadership about Germany's impending attack on the Soviet Union. He believed that by informing the Soviet government, he could prevent the devastating conflict. Unfortunately, his warning was not heeded, and Germany launched its invasion of the USSR, resulting in the beginning of the Eastern Front of World War II.

Involvement in the July Plot

Motivated by his anti-Hitler sentiments, Schulenburg became involved in the July Plot of 1944. This conspiracy involved a group of high-ranking German generals who aimed to overthrow Hitler and negotiate a peace settlement. Schulenburg planned to cross the front lines to meet with the conspirators and discuss the cessation of hostilities.

Execution and Legacy

However, Schulenburg's plans were foiled when he was arrested and sentenced to death by the People's Tribunal. On November 10, 1944, he was hanged in the Berlin-Plötzensee prison. Schulenburg's courageous efforts to prevent the war and his participation in the resistance against Hitler's regime have been recognized as acts of bravery and defiance.

Controversy and Stalin's Reaction

In recent times, it has become known that in 1941, Schulenburg reached out to the Soviet ambassador in Germany, Dekanozov, to confidentially inform him about Hitler's upcoming attack on the USSR. However, Stalin, like with previous warnings from Richard Sorge and Winston Churchill, did not believe Schulenburg's information. Stalin perceived it as a ploy by Hitler to manipulate him into making concessions. This lack of belief in Schulenburg's warning highlights the complexities and challenges of intelligence during wartime.