WARLIMONT WALTER: (1894-1976) German staff officer of World War II, Deputy Chief of Operations Staff of the Armed Forces High Command 1939-44. Warlimont was wounded in the 20 July plot to assassinate Hitler and was later convicted in the High Command Trial at Nuremberg and sentenced to life imprisonment as a war criminal. A.L., unsigned (concluding 'entirely yours'), two pages, 4to, n.p. (Nuremberg), 12^th August 1945, to his wife, Anita Warlimont ('Dearest, and inmost of my heart'), in German. Warlimont writes an affectionate letter, in part, 'Today too, being once again Sunday, there is the happy opportunity to write to you. I do not need to begin by telling you what it means to me, how it stirs my deepest feelings, to be united with you at least in this way…..There have been several important changes in my situation in the last few days - that much I think I am allowed to say. We travelled for some hours through German territory, and so saw German people, but also came across many pitiable sights. But I was filled by the move with happy feelings, which were confirmed by the new place where we have been put, and I hope only that no reaction follows, and that I am not deceiving myself. The nerves can make use of a boost of this kind but have to take a grip on themselves, in order not to tempt fate, or just as little to challenge the surrounding circumstances - which are always there……But to sit in a garden, as I am doing now, writing to you, oh you, is yet so wonderful - to be alone with you in the cool hours of the afternoon. My connection with the realities of ordinary life is becoming steadily weaker. My mind is filled, pretty equally, with the huge, painful past and the unknown, but certainly as painful, future. To the clarification of the earlier period I still hope to be able to contribute some important points, even if everything is proceeding very slowly……Are you starting to accustom our children to the idea that they will certainly have to work more than we thought earlier - perhaps also in other ways? Whether they should not both be trained, additionally, in shorthand and typing, and also learn more about household matters than you can pass on to them (use of a sewing machine, for example, and dress-making?) But very likely you are so busy just getting your daily bread that no time remains for anything else. May I soon be able to help you again! More than before, better than before, more loving - and more tender - than before!.....What I said in days gone by in irritable arguments with you was not worth saying, and in the highest degree unworthily said to you. But, my own, one thing - hold on to your health in all circumstances, that is more valuable than anything else……May the rest of the summer - even though we are still parted - still bring much sunshine and some joys to you and our children. Your laughter is happiness to me, with you only I can be happy forever'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Warlimont. VG