Ib Melchior, Author of Quest: Adolf Hitler Betrayed Rudolf Hess

A new book makes the allegation that Adolf Hitler betrayed Rudolf Hess after he tried to negotiate peace with the Nazis' adversaries.

According to a new book titled Quest: Searching for the Truth of Germany's Nazi Past, German Chancellor Adolf Hitler betrayed his deputy of the Nazi Party Rudolf Hess. The book suggests that Hitler ordered Hess to fly to England on a mission of peace but Prime Minister Winston Churchill rejected the offer. If peace and a free hand in the east would have been accepted, the Nazis would have reversed all of their victories in Europe, according to Nazi officials. However, once Hess was rejected, Hitler portrayed Hess as crazy and told cabinet officials and others that he acted on his own behalf. In 1980, Ilse Hess, the wife of Rudolf Hess, spoke to Frank Brandenburg and said, “My husband would not have acted without the Fuhrer's consent. My husband was totally loyal to the Fuhrer.” Other Nazis who spoke to Mr. Brandenburg did also confirm that the flight to England by Rudolf Hess was authorized by the fuhrer. One SS General, Karl Wolff, said, “The Fuhrer threw a terrible temper tantrum...he put on quite a show...the Fuhrer was an accomplished actor when he wanted to be..." Further documentation and testimony within the book show that Hitler punished a large amount of Hess’ associates but not his family. Hess committed suicide in Spandau Prison, West Berlin in 1987. He was allowed four letters per month and one visit.