Sydney Warburg
Nazi Funding Controversy
CLASSIFICATION: Financial Crime
LOCATION
Netherlands
TIME PERIOD
1929-1933
VICTIMS
0 confirmed
In 1933, an anonymous author or group of authors under the pen name Sydney Warburg published a controversial book titled "De geldbronnen van het nationaal-socialisme," which alleged that American bankers financed the Nazi Party between 1929 and 1933. The book claimed to recount three conversations between Warburg and Adolf Hitler, detailing a financial arrangement that purportedly involved approximately $32 million transferred to the NSDAP. The publication, which originated in the Netherlands, was quickly retracted by the publisher upon discovering that "Sydney Warburg" was a fictitious identity and not a member of the prominent Warburg banking family. As of now, the book remains a point of historical debate, with its original Dutch text republished in 2008, but the authenticity of its claims continues to be scrutinized.
There is speculation that "Sydney Warburg" may be a pseudonym for a group of authors rather than a single individual, as the identity remains anonymous and unverified. Some believe that the book's claims about American bankers funding the Nazi Party could have been an attempt to expose hidden financial ties and influence during a critical period in history. Additionally, the swift recall and destruction of the book's copies by the Dutch publisher suggests that the content may have been deemed too controversial or damaging, leading to theories about its potential truth or the motivations behind its publication.
The Enigmatic Tale of Sydney Warburg: Unveiling the Secret Backers of the Nazi Party
In the shadowy corridors of pre-World War II intrigue, the name Sydney Warburg emerges not as a person, but a pen name cloaked in mystery. The tale begins with the publication of a controversial book, claiming to expose the clandestine financial backing of the Nazi Party by American bankers between 1929 and 1933. The Dutch title, De geldbronnen van het Nationaal-Socialisme: drie gesprekken met Hitler, translates to "Financial Origins of National Socialism: Three Conversations with Hitler." This narrative, allegedly based on firsthand accounts, was translated by J.G. Schoup and purportedly authored by the elusive Sydney Warburg.
Publication History
The book made its first appearance in 1933 in the Netherlands. Its explosive claims that no actual "Sydney Warburg" existed within the prominent New York Warburg family led to an immediate backlash. The Dutch publisher, upon learning this, recalled and destroyed all copies, effectively erasing it from public view. Yet, the story did not end there. A German version, titled So wurde Hitler finanziert, surfaced in 1983, edited by Ekkehard Franke-Gricksch.
The original text reclaimed some attention in 2008, republished alongside an introduction by Karl Hammer Kaatee. This relentless cycle of suppression and resurgence only fueled the intrigue surrounding the book's origins and the truth it purported to reveal.
The Alleged Meetings
The narrative detailed within the book revolves around three pivotal meetings between "Sydney Warburg" and Adolf Hitler. As told, these encounters occurred against a backdrop of global economic turmoil and political upheaval.
1929: The First Encounter
In July of 1929, at the height of the economic depression, Warburg allegedly found himself in a Munich brewery with Hitler. Here, with the help of a figure named Von Heydt, Hitler calculated the financial support needed to ascend to power, arriving at a figure close to $10 million—a staggering sum at the time. The narrative suggests that the Nazis used this windfall to provide food and shelter to their followers, securing loyalty and expanding influence.
1931: The Second Gathering
By October 1931, Warburg received a plea for more funds; Hitler had exhausted the initial $10 million. Once again in Germany, Warburg met with Hitler, who now demanded either 500 million marks to instigate a revolution or 200 million marks to secure power through legal means. The bankers, however, were not as forthcoming, and Warburg's request was initially denied. The situation escalated with a confrontation involving Hermann Göring and Julius Streicher, leading to a tense apology from Göring.
Ultimately, Warburg managed to secure $15 million, divided into three installments, funneled through banks in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Rome. During his Roman visit, Warburg was greeted by Italo Balbo and Cesare Rossi, further weaving the intricate web of international connections.
1933: The Final Meeting
The year 1933 marked a turning point. Warburg was in Berlin during the infamous Reichstag fire. That very evening, he encountered Göring and Joseph Goebbels before once more facing Hitler. Amid these tense interactions, Warburg promised an additional $7 million, directed through Rhenania Joint Stock Co., a German branch of Royal Dutch in Düsseldorf. The book concludes with a somber reflection on the implications of these transactions, highlighting the grim reality of a world manipulated by financial power.
The Epilogue
An unsigned epilogue, written in 1946, adds a layer of complexity. It references Joseph Goebbels' diary entry from February 20, 1933, where he jubilantly notes the raising of significant funds, though it remains unclear if this directly pertains to the Warburg dealings.
Analysis and Theories
The publication under Sydney Warburg's name disappeared almost as swiftly as it arrived. Despite this, its contents sparked various interpretations over the years. In 1953, Franz von Papen mentioned the book in his memoirs, while Henry Coston in 1975 attributed its authorship to Otto Strasser alone. In 1983, the English edition editor speculated it might have been a cautionary tale by a Warburg family member, warning of impending conflict in Europe.
Pierre de Villemarest, in 1984, suggested the pseudonym could be a reference to Georg Bell or the Strasser brothers, Otto and Gregor. E.R. Carmin, a decade later, insisted on the book's factual basis, echoed by Des Griffin. Karl Hammer Kaatee's 2008 introduction posited that J.G. Schoup's son confirmed his father published the text under a pseudonym, based on espionage insights into Hitler's financial backers.
Ben Peri reintroduced the theme in a 2011 pamphlet, while journalist Louis Kilzer suggested James Paul Warburg as the intermediary named in the book. Cees van Hoore and Jasper Wielaert in 2014 explored Schoup's complex character, highlighting his deceptive dealings and controversial assassination.
Denial and Controversy
Despite the intrigue, Sydney Warburg's existence is challenged by many, including Jacques Attali, who labeled the narrative as fictional. In 1949, James Warburg, son of Felix Warburg, issued a sworn affidavit denying the book's claims, underscoring the ongoing controversy surrounding its authenticity.
See Also
- Sydney Warburg approximates another later book with uncertain origins, Symphony in Red, which repeats similar themes regarding international finance and communism.
Sources
In this labyrinthine tale of financial intrigue, political machination, and historical mystery, the true identity of Sydney Warburg and the veracity of his—or their—claims remain as elusive today as they were when first penned.
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First Meeting with Hitler
Sydney Warburg meets Hitler to discuss financial support for the Nazi Party.
Funding Agreement
Hitler calculates his needs and receives nearly $10 million from American bankers.
Second Meeting with Hitler
Warburg meets Hitler again, who requests additional funding of 500 million marks.
Funding Negotiations
Warburg communicates with his bankers, ultimately securing $15 million for Hitler.
Reichstag Fire Meeting
Warburg meets with Göring and Goebbels on the night of the Reichstag fire.
Final Funding Promise
Warburg promises Hitler $7 million, marking a significant financial commitment.
Book Publication
The book 'De geldbronnen van het nationaal-socialisme' is published in the Netherlands.
Epilogue Written
An unsigned epilogue is added to the book, reflecting on the financial dealings.
Denial of Claims
James Warburg issues a sworn affidavit denying the existence of Sydney Warburg.
In 1933, an anonymous author or group of authors under the pen name Sydney Warburg published a controversial book titled "De geldbronnen van het nationaal-socialisme," which alleged that American bankers financed the Nazi Party between 1929 and 1933. The book claimed to recount three conversations between Warburg and Adolf Hitler, detailing a financial arrangement that purportedly involved approximately $32 million transferred to the NSDAP. The publication, which originated in the Netherlands, was quickly retracted by the publisher upon discovering that "Sydney Warburg" was a fictitious identity and not a member of the prominent Warburg banking family. As of now, the book remains a point of historical debate, with its original Dutch text republished in 2008, but the authenticity of its claims continues to be scrutinized.
There is speculation that "Sydney Warburg" may be a pseudonym for a group of authors rather than a single individual, as the identity remains anonymous and unverified. Some believe that the book's claims about American bankers funding the Nazi Party could have been an attempt to expose hidden financial ties and influence during a critical period in history. Additionally, the swift recall and destruction of the book's copies by the Dutch publisher suggests that the content may have been deemed too controversial or damaging, leading to theories about its potential truth or the motivations behind its publication.
The Enigmatic Tale of Sydney Warburg: Unveiling the Secret Backers of the Nazi Party
In the shadowy corridors of pre-World War II intrigue, the name Sydney Warburg emerges not as a person, but a pen name cloaked in mystery. The tale begins with the publication of a controversial book, claiming to expose the clandestine financial backing of the Nazi Party by American bankers between 1929 and 1933. The Dutch title, De geldbronnen van het Nationaal-Socialisme: drie gesprekken met Hitler, translates to "Financial Origins of National Socialism: Three Conversations with Hitler." This narrative, allegedly based on firsthand accounts, was translated by J.G. Schoup and purportedly authored by the elusive Sydney Warburg.
Publication History
The book made its first appearance in 1933 in the Netherlands. Its explosive claims that no actual "Sydney Warburg" existed within the prominent New York Warburg family led to an immediate backlash. The Dutch publisher, upon learning this, recalled and destroyed all copies, effectively erasing it from public view. Yet, the story did not end there. A German version, titled So wurde Hitler finanziert, surfaced in 1983, edited by Ekkehard Franke-Gricksch.
The original text reclaimed some attention in 2008, republished alongside an introduction by Karl Hammer Kaatee. This relentless cycle of suppression and resurgence only fueled the intrigue surrounding the book's origins and the truth it purported to reveal.
The Alleged Meetings
The narrative detailed within the book revolves around three pivotal meetings between "Sydney Warburg" and Adolf Hitler. As told, these encounters occurred against a backdrop of global economic turmoil and political upheaval.
1929: The First Encounter
In July of 1929, at the height of the economic depression, Warburg allegedly found himself in a Munich brewery with Hitler. Here, with the help of a figure named Von Heydt, Hitler calculated the financial support needed to ascend to power, arriving at a figure close to $10 million—a staggering sum at the time. The narrative suggests that the Nazis used this windfall to provide food and shelter to their followers, securing loyalty and expanding influence.
1931: The Second Gathering
By October 1931, Warburg received a plea for more funds; Hitler had exhausted the initial $10 million. Once again in Germany, Warburg met with Hitler, who now demanded either 500 million marks to instigate a revolution or 200 million marks to secure power through legal means. The bankers, however, were not as forthcoming, and Warburg's request was initially denied. The situation escalated with a confrontation involving Hermann Göring and Julius Streicher, leading to a tense apology from Göring.
Ultimately, Warburg managed to secure $15 million, divided into three installments, funneled through banks in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Rome. During his Roman visit, Warburg was greeted by Italo Balbo and Cesare Rossi, further weaving the intricate web of international connections.
1933: The Final Meeting
The year 1933 marked a turning point. Warburg was in Berlin during the infamous Reichstag fire. That very evening, he encountered Göring and Joseph Goebbels before once more facing Hitler. Amid these tense interactions, Warburg promised an additional $7 million, directed through Rhenania Joint Stock Co., a German branch of Royal Dutch in Düsseldorf. The book concludes with a somber reflection on the implications of these transactions, highlighting the grim reality of a world manipulated by financial power.
The Epilogue
An unsigned epilogue, written in 1946, adds a layer of complexity. It references Joseph Goebbels' diary entry from February 20, 1933, where he jubilantly notes the raising of significant funds, though it remains unclear if this directly pertains to the Warburg dealings.
Analysis and Theories
The publication under Sydney Warburg's name disappeared almost as swiftly as it arrived. Despite this, its contents sparked various interpretations over the years. In 1953, Franz von Papen mentioned the book in his memoirs, while Henry Coston in 1975 attributed its authorship to Otto Strasser alone. In 1983, the English edition editor speculated it might have been a cautionary tale by a Warburg family member, warning of impending conflict in Europe.
Pierre de Villemarest, in 1984, suggested the pseudonym could be a reference to Georg Bell or the Strasser brothers, Otto and Gregor. E.R. Carmin, a decade later, insisted on the book's factual basis, echoed by Des Griffin. Karl Hammer Kaatee's 2008 introduction posited that J.G. Schoup's son confirmed his father published the text under a pseudonym, based on espionage insights into Hitler's financial backers.
Ben Peri reintroduced the theme in a 2011 pamphlet, while journalist Louis Kilzer suggested James Paul Warburg as the intermediary named in the book. Cees van Hoore and Jasper Wielaert in 2014 explored Schoup's complex character, highlighting his deceptive dealings and controversial assassination.
Denial and Controversy
Despite the intrigue, Sydney Warburg's existence is challenged by many, including Jacques Attali, who labeled the narrative as fictional. In 1949, James Warburg, son of Felix Warburg, issued a sworn affidavit denying the book's claims, underscoring the ongoing controversy surrounding its authenticity.
See Also
- Sydney Warburg approximates another later book with uncertain origins, Symphony in Red, which repeats similar themes regarding international finance and communism.
Sources
In this labyrinthine tale of financial intrigue, political machination, and historical mystery, the true identity of Sydney Warburg and the veracity of his—or their—claims remain as elusive today as they were when first penned.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Meeting with Hitler
Sydney Warburg meets Hitler to discuss financial support for the Nazi Party.
Funding Agreement
Hitler calculates his needs and receives nearly $10 million from American bankers.
Second Meeting with Hitler
Warburg meets Hitler again, who requests additional funding of 500 million marks.
Funding Negotiations
Warburg communicates with his bankers, ultimately securing $15 million for Hitler.
Reichstag Fire Meeting
Warburg meets with Göring and Goebbels on the night of the Reichstag fire.
Final Funding Promise
Warburg promises Hitler $7 million, marking a significant financial commitment.
Book Publication
The book 'De geldbronnen van het nationaal-socialisme' is published in the Netherlands.
Epilogue Written
An unsigned epilogue is added to the book, reflecting on the financial dealings.
Denial of Claims
James Warburg issues a sworn affidavit denying the existence of Sydney Warburg.