Neurath, Constantin Von

Born Feb. 2, 1873, in Klein-Glattbach, Württemberg; died Aug. 14, 1956, in Enzweihingen. A major war criminal of fascist Germany.

Neurath entered the diplomatic service in 1908. As foreign minister from 1932 to 1938, he directed the diplomatic preparation for the fascist German aggression. In 1938 and 1939 he was head of the Secret Council of the Cabinet, the highest consultative body on foreign policy. As “protector of Bohemia and Moravia” from 1939 to 1942, Neurath was in charge of the brutal occupation regime in Czechoslovakia. At the Nuremberg trial of the major war criminals in 1945–46, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He was released in 1954 before his term was finished.