Sharon Leontine Wallenberg - The Search for Raoul Wallenberg the Truth

THE SEARCH FOR RAOUL WALLENBERG THE TRUTH

BY SHARON LEONTINE WALLENBERG.

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2017 Sharon Leontine Wallenberg. All rights reserved.

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Published by AuthorHouse 11/22/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5462-0927-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-0925-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-0926-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017914512

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CONTENTS

This book is dedicated to Ricky, Bobby, Becky, Marisa, and Kyle, Ann-Sophie and Mikko, and to Mary, John and Edith Wallenberg, with special acknowledgement and gratitude to Creator God, Higher Power, Infinite Wisdom, Loving Kindness for all the help, inspiration, guidance, and strength to make this endeavor and book possibleand, of course, to Raoul Wallenberg.

This book tells a true story which reaches back over 100 years, touches on the lives of over 100,000 people, involves the governments of four countries, includes hundreds of documents, and both exposes scandals, and showcases heroism.

There are many books about Raoul Wallenberg, but this is unique. It is about all the behind the scenes activity involved in the release of his prison records from the Soviet Union, where the idea originated, why it was important, how it was done, and the background of the impartial investigation which followed. In addition, it exposes the people who tried to prevent the truth, the reasons why, who confronted them, and those who worked tirelessly on behalf of this great hero. I know, because this is my story.

This story had its humble beginnings in Glen Cove and Sea Cliff, Long Island. The book will demonstrate what an individual can accomplish if he or she is determined, imaginative, courageous, and compassionate. Further, the book extends into the future by advocating implementation of lessons learned, avarice avoided, and compassionate lifestyles adopted.

I hope you enjoy it!

PART ONE
THE HERO

CHAPTER ONE
The Family

Raoul Gustav Wallenberg, a Swedish Diplomat, is credited with saving 100,000 innocent lives during World War II. This is his story, and his legacy.

Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish citizen born on August 4, 1912 into the wealthy, influential, diplomatic Wallenberg family. The Wallenbergs played a prominent role in Swedish industry and political history for generations. The family controls the biggest pool of investment capital in Scandinavia. The main instrument for accumulating capital and putting it to work is the Enskilda bank. It is controlled, but not wholly owned, by the Wallenbergs.

The Wallenberg family dynasty was founded by Andre Oscar Wallenberg, a naval seaman who visited New York. He returned to Sweden determined to create a modern commercial bank. In 1865, he founded the Enskilda bank, which became the center of the familys vast interests. Andre Oscar Wallenberg traveled throughout Europe gaining investors in Swedens then untapped resources. These included ball bearings, compressed air machines, Swedish Match (not a dating service), L.M. Ericson (telecommunications), De Laval (dairy machines), SKF, Asea (Swedish General Electric). Stora Kopparberg, Providentia, Atlas Copco, and other diverse enterprises including steel, pulp paper, shipping, chemicals, minerals, hydroelectric power, department stores, and restaurants. They were probably the wealthiest family in Sweden.

Andre Oscar Wallenberg had five sons: Knut, Axel, Oscar, Marcus (Senior), and Gustav. Knut was the Swedish Foreign Minister during World War I. Axel was an envoy to Washington. Marcus Senior had two sons, Jacob and Marcus, who became the leaders of the Wallenberg dynasty. Gustav was the Ambassador to Japan and Turkey, the father of Raoul Senior, and the grandfather of Raoul Gustav Wallenberg, the hero.

During World War II, Swedish neutrality consisted of Marcus Wallenberg keeping the lines of communication open with Britain, and Jacob Wallenberg doing the same with Germany. This also involved sales of Swedish ball bearings, iron ore, and other materials used in war. It should be noted, and understood, that Sweden is a very vast, and sparsely populated country, reaching all the way to the Arctic Circle. It was then (and maybe now), impossible to defend. Some people may find it offensive that Swedish neutrality is not the neutrality commonly thought of in the United States. In reality, it was the only way for those people to survive. Many people seeking asylum escaped into neutral Sweden, which would otherwise not have been possible. Before being critical, please put yourself in their shoes.

At one point, Marcus Wallenberg received threats from the U.S. that Swedish ships carrying iron ore would be bombed. Marcus had no idea if it were true or not. Jacob Wallenberg had a close friendship with Karl Goerdeler, the Mayor of Leipzig. Goerdeler was involved in a conspiracy to overthrow Hitler. The conspirators hoped for the support of Nazi Generals. Goerdeler gave the details of the plot to Jacob. The hope was that through the Wallenbergs connection with the British, the conspirators could be assured that if Hitler were overthrown, the Allies would make peace with Germany. After the failed attempt on Hitlers life, Jacob was warned never to go to Germany. Goerdeler escaped initially, but was eventually arrested and executed. Jacobs and Marcuss nephew, Raoul, had other wartime activities.

CHAPTER TWO
Raoul

Raoul Wallenberg Senior, the Grandson of Andre Oscar Wallenberg, founder of Swedens Wallenberg dynasty, married Maria Sofia Wising, or Maj (pronounced My). The happy couple conceived a son. Unfortunately, Raoul Senior died of cancer at age 23. He died eight months after the marriage to Maj, one week after her 21 st birthday, and three months before Maj gave birth to Raoul Gustav Wallenberg.

Raoul started life with a young widow mother, and a maternal grandmother who was also a recent widow. Mother and grandmother shared a house on a beautiful island in the archipelago surrounding Stockholm. They cherished infant Raoul. Although he lost his father, Raoul remained connected to the influential Wallenberg family through his paternal grandfather, Gustav. Grandfather Gustav oversaw Raouls education and career.

Maj, married Fredrik Von Dardle when Raoul was six years old. Von Dardle later became the Director of Karolinska, Stockholms largest and most prestigious hospital. Maj and Frederik had two children: Raouls half-sister, Nina Von Dardle Lagergren, and half-brother, Guy (pronounced Gee) Von Dardle. Maj and Fredrik died within two days of each other in February 1979. Ninas daughter, Nane, Raouls niece, married Kofi Annan, the former Secretary General of the United Nations.

Raoul Wallenberg studied Architecture at the College of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Although a foreign student not studying in his native language, Raoul finished the program one year early. Raoul graduated in 1935 and was awarded the outstanding Student of the Year award which was given to one student out of 1,100.