GERMANY: German historian seeks to republish Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf"

Leading historian Horst Moeller wants to republish Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf" as a pre-emptive strike against neo-Nazis who might be seeking to republish the book. Copyright issues have impeded publication since WW2 but in 2015 it will enter public domain. In an interview with Reuters leading German Historian Horst Moeller, director of Munich's renowned Institute of Contemporary History said on Tuesday (July 24) he wanted to republish Adolf Hitler's infamous book "Mein Kampf"as a commented version. "For us it is not about republishing the text in its original form but in a commented version and in an edition that us historians and scholars of literary studies would call a critical edition," Moeller said. Currently, purchasers who can prove academic purpose may secure an existing copy of "Mein Kampf" but otherwise sales are banned in Germany. Bavaria, which was assigned the rights to Hitler's assets in 1946 by the Allied Control Commission, has refused to authorize new copies. However, the copyright issues that have impeded publication since WW2 will enter public domain in 2015. "Then, any publisher or any private person can print this book without any comment" said Moeller, adding "And you can be sure it will be sold as a sensation. People will buy the book just because it is a sensation. We can prevent this by saying that the book is easily accessible in a scientific edition already - that will burst the bubble." Moeller views republishing the book with footnotes and a commentary as a pre-emptive strike against neo-Nazis who might try reprinting "Mein Kampf" for their purpose. "Commented means it is apparent that this is not a great literary work but a piece of political propaganda. The myth that does exist, if only in a limited way, will be destroyed. In my opinion, it is not only scientifically purposeful but also serves a political education", says Moeller. Solomon Korn, vice president of Germany's Central Committee of Jews is opposed to the republication. "The danger I see is that there might be the misunderstanding that this book, with its highly symbolic value, is being brought to the public with governmental help and what is more, with German help." Korn also said that WW2 survivors might be offended by a decision to reprint the very book that promotes Hitler's hatred of Jews. "I believe it is the wrong decision to reprint this book in 2015 or shortly before because the feelings of the survivors have to be considered", Korn said. "This to me seems the most important aspect. One cannot just ignore the feelings of those people with the state's acceptance ." In Germany, it is illegal to distribute "Mein Kampf" except in limited circumstances. Nazi symbols like the swastika and the stiff-armed Hitler salute are also banned. "Mein Kampf" is available online in most countries, including Israel. Hitler dictated the book to his secretary Rudolf Hess while in prison in Bavaria following the failed Munich "Beer Hall" putsch of 1923. It outlines a doctrine of German racial supremacy and ambitions to annex vast areas of the Soviet Union. Published in 1925, it became a school textbook after Hitler won power in 1933 and at the time, all German newlyweds received a copy.

ITN Source | August 2, 2007

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