German Official Confirms That Nazi Who Fled Italy is in Germany

Herbert Kappler, the 70-year-old former Rome Gestapo chief who was serving a life sentence for ordering the shooting of 335 Italians and Jews is now in West Germany fol- lowing his escape from a Rome Military Hospital. This was confirmed today by the State Prosecutor for the North German district of Lueneburg where Kappler is now hiding.

The prosecutor said that although Kappler had served 30 years–the maximum sentence in Germany for any crime–it would still be necessary for the German state to charge him for the murder of 335 Italians. But the central agency for dealing with Nazi war crimes said that since Kappler had been jailed for 30 years he could not be retailed. Most observers see this as a technicality, since Kappler, who is reportedly suffering from intestinal cancer and weighs less than 100 pounds, would be able to delay a new trial indefinitely on grounds of ill health.

Bonn government sources confirmed that special security measures have been taken to protect both Kappler and his wife, Anneliese. Though no reasons were given, Bonn obviously fears the political repercussions of any attempt to kill or abduct the escapee or his wife. An attempt was made to kill Mrs. Kappler a year ago. Though the State Prosecutor did not disclose Kappler’s exact whereabouts, he is believed to be staying at his wife’s home in nearby Soltau.

ROME-BONN STORM BREWING

Meanwhile, a major political row is brewing between West Germany and Italy over Kappler. A meeting planned this Friday between Chancellor Helmut Schmidt and Italian Premier Giuilio Andreotti in Verona to discuss economic issues has been postponed at Rome’s request to a “more suitable time,” Bonn government sources said today.

Bonn government sources said a request for Kappler’s extradition issued Monday night by Andreotti has not been received here. And they point out that with extradition of Germans from their home country expressly prohibited by the German constitution–no matter what crime they have committed–Bonn’s hands are tied.

Meanwhile in Rome, about 250 Jews and non-Jews, many of whom were relatives of the 335 victims who were shot in 1941 on Kappler’s order in reprisal for a partisan attack or who had themselves fought in the underground at the time, held a solemn demonstration and ceremony at the Ardeatine Caves where the victims are buried. A special section of the caves is reserved for the 70 Jews who were among the 335 killed.

Many of the demonstrators were skeptical of the official version of Kappler’s escape. He reportedly escaped from the hospital carried in a suitcase by his wife. Mrs. Kappler, 52, described as a “rather robust woman,” reportedly carried the trunk down three flights of stairs, placed it in a car, and drove to West Germany. Also present at the demonstration was Rabbi Piattelli of the Synagogue of Rome who recited a funeral homily. Fernando Piperno, president of Rome’s Jewish community, demanded that Kappler be extradited. The organizers of the demonstration said they are planning other protests for later in the week.