- Files discovered by chance in State Archives form basis of new appeal 
- Scientific chemical ink analysis of 'destruction orders' dates documents 
within period eligible for restitution 
- Potential for further similar claims if ruled in favour

As celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the July 20th, 1944 foiled 
assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler approach, the grandson of a conspirator 
in the 'Valkyrie' plot has escalated his claim for land restitution. 

Prince Friedrich zu Solms Baruth escaped Nazi execution but was arrested July 
21st, 1944, imprisoned and tortured for 9 months for his part in the 
assassination attempt. He signed a 'Power of Disposal' document in March 1945 
whilst in prison, passing his 17,300 hectares of land directly to Himmler.   

German courts upheld the validity of the 'power of disposal' document used by 
Himmler in a failed 2014 appeal to return the land.    

Lawyers for Solms Baruth believe newly discovered documents, mis-filed and 
found by chance in the German state Archives, hold the key to resolving the 
case. Independently conducted scientific chemical ink analysis of 'destruction 
orders' date the documents within the eligible period for restitution.   

If the case is again denied, the claimant will, with Lord Peter Goldsmith, QC, 
take it to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Lord Goldsmith 
says: "In rejecting the restitution case in 2014 the courts refused to hear the 
testimony of historian Sir Antony Beevor, among other experts, rejected the 
British Intelligence report confirming the arrest and confiscation was a result 
of the 1944 plot, and failed to ask the government to provide expert testimony."

Solms Baruth's Lawyers have estimated that 10-20% of outstanding claims within 
the Brandenburg State archive could be ascribed as potential new 'restitution' 
cases – that is they relate to actions taken pre-May 1945 by the Nazi 
government (restitution laws do not apply to post-May 1945 cases). 

Claimant Frederick Solms Baruth says: "Righting this grievous wrong was my 
grandfather and my father's dying wish. In the face of indifference and 
obfuscation, it is my mission and I will not rest until I see justice served. 
It is my dream to see this land returned and bring prosperity back to the 
Baruth region through investment, thought and care, to honour grandfather's 
memory."

Frederick Solms Baruth is available for interview.

Further information available

Scientific briefing 
Statement from Lord Goldsmith 
More detailed overarching brief 
Archival photographic images

SOURCE: The Office of Solms Baruth