German Diplomat Hans Hirschfeld

Hans Richard Hirschfeld was a German diplomat whose life and career mirrored the tumultuous events of the 20th century. Born on February 16, 1900, in Aasbüttel, Germany, Hirschfeld pursued a career in law and political science, which eventually led him to the world of diplomacy. His journey through the corridors of power saw him navigate the challenges of serving under the Nazi regime, surviving the post-war era, and contributing to the reconstruction of West Germany’s international relations. German Diplomat Hans Hirschfeld

Early Life and Education German Diplomat Hans Hirschfeld

Hans Richard Hirschfeld’s early years were marked by a rigorous education that laid the foundation for his future career. He studied law and political science, disciplines that would serve him well in the complex world of diplomacy. His choice to enter the Prussian civil service indicated a desire to be involved in shaping Germany’s future, a path that would soon become intertwined with the rise of the Nazi regime.

Hirschfeld was the son of landowner Feodor Hirschfeld and his wife Emma, née Schwerdtfeger. He attended the Realgymnasium in Rendsburg. During his military service from June 20 to December 7, 1918, he passed his high school exams on September 23, 1918. Hirschfeld studied law and political science at the University of Kiel, Jena, and Hamburg. In 1920, he joined the Corps Thuringia Jena. After passing his first legal exam on May 26, 1923, he worked at the Hamburg-America shipping line, served as a sailor, and later as a construction worker in New York. On November 14, 1925, he entered the Prussian justice and administrative service, followed by service in the Free City of Danzig. He passed his final legal exam on January 29, 1930, and held various roles in the Danzig Senate and Foreign Department, eventually becoming a government councilor on November 1, 1932.

Entry into Diplomacy and the Nazi Era German Diplomat Hans Hirschfeld

In 1936, Hirschfeld joined the German Foreign Office, a move that coincided with a critical period in Germany’s history. The country was under the rule of Adolf Hitler, and the diplomatic corps was expected to further the goals of the Nazi regime. Like many of his contemporaries, Hirschfeld became a member of the Nazi Party (NSDAP), a decision that would later complicate his post-war career.

During this period, Hirschfeld was posted to New York as a consul. His role was to represent Nazi Germany’s interests in the United States, a task that became increasingly difficult as relations between the two countries deteriorated. The outbreak of World War II in 1939 further strained these ties, and Hirschfeld’s time in the United States was marked by the challenges of navigating diplomatic relations in a hostile environment. His work during this time remains a reflection of the complexities faced by diplomats who served under the Nazi regime.

NS Diplomatic Career German Diplomat Hans Hirschfeld

On February 27, 1936, Hans Richard Hirschfeld was called into the German Foreign Service. He joined the Nazi Party (NSDAP) on May 1, 1936 (membership number 3,715,319). Initially, he served as an attaché in the legal department of the Foreign Office. On October 3, 1936, he was assigned to the German Consulate General in New York, where he became Vice Consul in May 1938 and Consul in December 1940. After the closure of German consulates in the U.S. in June 1941, he took on various roles in the Foreign Office, focusing on personnel, administration, organization, and propaganda. Promoted to Legation Counselor on September 12, 1941, he was sent to the German Embassy in Bern in October 1943. From June 27, 1944, he held the title of Embassy Counselor First Class, and between June 1 and November 1, 1945, he worked with the Swiss Federal Political Department, representing German interests in Basel.

Post-War Challenges and Denazification

The end of World War II brought significant changes to Germany and to Hirschfeld’s career. The Nazi regime was dismantled, and its officials were subject to denazification—a process aimed at removing Nazi influence from public life. Hirschfeld, like many others who had served the regime, underwent this process. Despite his association with the Nazi Party, he was able to continue his career in the newly established Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). German Diplomat Hans Hirschfeld

This period marked a turning point in Hirschfeld’s life. He had to rebuild his career in a country that was itself undergoing reconstruction. The denazification process was a difficult one, as it involved scrutiny of his actions during the Nazi era. However, his ability to rejoin the diplomatic service suggests that he was able to convince the authorities of his suitability for a role in the new Germany.

Diplomatic Career in West Germany

After returning to Germany, he worked as a freelancer. In November 1947, he was de-Nazified. From May 3, 1948, to June 29, 1950, he worked at the Schenefeld District Office (Steinburg County) as an administrative officer and head of the housing office.

Hirschfeld’s post-war career was focused on re-establishing Germany’s presence on the international stage. On June 14, 1950, he was reappointed to the Foreign Service, which was initially a department of the Federal Chancellery. The Foreign Office was re-established in March 1951. From late 1951, Hirschfeld led the Department for International Private Law and Civil Law, serving as a Legation Councilor from January 1952.

On September 21, 1953, he took over the leadership of the re-established Consulate General in Antwerp. Appointed Ambassador to Reykjavík on November 2, 1956, he remained in Iceland until October 17, 1964, after being retired on May 25, 1964.

This role came at a time when West Germany was still working to gain acceptance as a responsible member of the international community after the horrors of World War II. Iceland, although a small country, was strategically important during the Cold War, and Hirschfeld’s work as ambassador involved not only traditional diplomatic duties but also efforts to align West Germany with the Western bloc. German Diplomat Hans Hirschfeld

Hirschfeld’s time in Iceland was marked by his efforts to promote cultural and economic ties between the two nations. He worked to foster positive relations and to show that West Germany was committed to peace and cooperation. His success in this role was reflected in the fact that he remained in the position until his retirement in 1964.

Personal Life and Legacy German Diplomat Hans Hirschfeld

While much of Hirschfeld’s life was spent in the public eye, details about his private life remain scarce. It is known that he retired in 1964 after a long and varied career, and that he lived quietly until his death in 1988. His legacy, however, is one of complexity. He was a diplomat who served under both a totalitarian regime and a democratic government, navigating the challenges that came with both.

Hirschfeld’s career is a testament to the difficulties faced by those who were caught up in the political upheavals of the 20th century. He was a man who had to reconcile his past with his future, and his ability to do so allowed him to contribute to the rebuilding of Germany after the war. His work in Antwerp and Iceland helped to re-establish Germany as a respected member of the international community, and his efforts were recognized with honors such as the Federal Cross of Merit.

The Passports

Displayed are the two diplomatic passports from 1943 (denazified) of Hans, and wife Ruth, who was born in Danzig.

Conclusion

Hans Richard Hirschfeld’s life and career reflect the broader narrative of Germany’s 20th-century history. From serving the Nazi regime to rebuilding West Germany’s diplomatic relations, his journey was one of adaptation and perseverance. While his early career was marked by controversy, his later work helped to restore Germany’s reputation on the world stage. His legacy is a reminder of the complexities faced by diplomats who lived through some of the most challenging times in modern history.

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