“Laconia Order” and the responsibility of Admiral Dönitz before the Nuremberg Military Tribunal

Abstract

The article concerns the theme related to the order of 17 September 1942 issued by Ad-miral Karl Dönitz, Commander-in Chief of the German submarine fleet during the World War II. In the German literature this order is known as the Laconia Befehl. It was issued in connection with the rescue operation after the sinking of the British ship ‘Laconia’, which was commenced by the crew of a German submarine. Not only weighty military and ethi-cal, but also legal nature issues appear against the background, since in connection with the order issued Admiral Dönitz was charged before the Nuremberg Military Tribunal for war crimes.