Jonathan Freedland on The Secret Rebels who Defied Hitler (Part One) - intelligence-squared-u-s-debates Recap
Podcast: intelligence-squared-u-s-debates
Published: 2026-01-07
Duration: 36 minutes
Guests: Jonathan Freedland
Summary
Jonathan Freedland discusses his book 'The Traitor's Circle,' which reveals the untold story of German dissidents who risked their lives to resist the Nazi regime. The conversation highlights the moral courage required to stand against tyranny and the personal sacrifices made by these rebels.
What Happened
Jonathan Freedland, a Guardian columnist and author, explores the clandestine world of German resistance during the Nazi era in his new book 'The Traitor's Circle.' The book sheds light on a group of elite non-Jewish Germans who risked everything to oppose Hitler's regime, a narrative largely untold even within Germany.
Freedland shares the gripping story of a tea party held on September 10, 1943, which ended in betrayal when one attendee reported the others to the Gestapo. This tale was unearthed through Freedland's research for his previous book, 'The Escape Artist,' after discovering a speech by Heinrich Himmler.
Key figures in the book include Otto Keat, a diplomat who initially supported the Nazis but later resisted, and Elizabeth Van Thaden, a headmistress who assisted Jewish girls in escaping. Freedland's narrative is rich with accounts from diaries, letters, and trial transcripts, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
Countess Maria von Maltzen, known for her rebellious spirit, is another central character who hid Jews, including her lover Hans Herschel, in her home. The Jews in hiding were referred to as 'submarines' due to their need for silence and invisibility.
Maria's ingenuity is highlighted during a Gestapo search of her apartment. She brazenly suggested they shoot through her couch to prove she was not harboring Jews, knowing they would avoid the bureaucratic hassle of explaining the damage.
Freedland's book is compared to an Agatha Christie thriller, with every scene meticulously reconstructed from historical documentation. The narrative captures the tension and moral dilemmas faced by those who dared to defy one of history's most oppressive regimes.
Key Insights
- A tea party on September 10, 1943, ended in betrayal when an attendee reported the others to the Gestapo, a story discovered through research into a Heinrich Himmler speech.
- Otto Keat, initially a supporter of the Nazis, became a key figure in the resistance, while Elizabeth Van Thaden helped Jewish girls escape, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of those who opposed Hitler.
- Countess Maria von Maltzen hid Jews in her home, referring to them as 'submarines' due to their need for silence and invisibility, showcasing the clandestine efforts to protect lives.
- During a Gestapo search, Maria von Maltzen suggested shooting through her couch to prove she wasn't hiding Jews, knowing the bureaucratic hassle would deter them, demonstrating her boldness and quick thinking.