Hans Schmidt-Horix, the former West German ambassador to Portugal who committed suicide with his wife last Friday in Lisbon, was suspended several months ago when It was learned he had served with the Nazi Foreign Ministry’s “Jewish Section” and had participated in the persecution of Jews. He was said to have been an untersturmbahnfuehrer (major) in the SS. His suspension was to have remained in effect pending completion of an investigation. It is generally believed here that the 61-year-old diplomat feared facing trial. His predecessor as envoy to Portugal, Herbert Mueller-Roschach, was suspended in 1967 on similar charges and is now in West Germany for an investigation.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
