Chapter 1: The Ratline
Summary:
Introduces the concept of the "Ratline," a network of escape routes used by Nazi war criminals after the fall of the Third Reich. It details the desperate flight of Adolf Eichmann, one of the architects of the Holocaust, from Germany to Austria and Italy.
Real Example:
Eichmann disguises himself as an Austrian refugee named "Otto Hennig" and travels to Rome with the help of fascist priest Edoardo Dellepiane, who provides him with fake documents.
Chapter 2: The Austrian Connection
Summary:
Focuses on the role of Austria in facilitating the escape of Nazi war criminals. Former SS officers and members of the Austrian resistance cooperate to establish escape routes through Austria and Switzerland.
Real Example:
Otto Skorzeny, a notorious Nazi commando, escapes captivity in Italy with the assistance of Austrian resistance fighters. He organizes a network of former SS officers to assist other Nazis in fleeing Europe.
Chapter 3: The Vatican Connection
Summary:
Explores the involvement of the Vatican in the Ratline. High-ranking Catholic officials, including Pope Pius XII, are accused of providing sanctuary and assistance to Nazi fugitives.
Real Example:
Bishop Alois Hudal, a close associate of Pius XII, helps Gerhard Bohne, a former commander of the Einsatzgruppen death squads, to escape to Argentina.
Chapter 4: The Swiss Connection
Summary:
Details the role of Switzerland as a haven for Nazi war criminals. Swiss banks provide financial assistance, while the Swiss government grants asylum to many fugitives.
Real Example:
Martin Bormann, Hitler's private secretary, escapes to Switzerland after the fall of Berlin. He lives under a false name in Zurich for years before his body is discovered in 1972.
Chapter 5: The Argentine Connection
Summary:
Examines the role of Argentina as a sanctuary for Nazi war criminals. Juan Perón, the president of Argentina, welcomes former Nazis to the country.
Real Example:
Josef Mengele, the infamous "Angel of Death" from Auschwitz, flees to Argentina in 1949. He continues his horrific medical experiments on children in South America until his death in 1979.
Chapter 6: The Israeli Connection
Summary:
Describes the efforts of the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, to track down and apprehend escaped Nazi war criminals. Mossad agents operate in Europe and South America, using covert operations to capture fugitives and bring them to justice.
Real Example:
In 1960, Mossad agents abduct Eichmann from Argentina and bring him to Israel, where he is tried and executed for his role in the Holocaust.
Chapter 7: The Legacy of the Ratline
Summary:
Considers the ongoing impact of the Ratline on international justice. The escape of Nazi war criminals created a culture of impunity and allowed them to continue their lives in hiding.
Real Example:
In 2015, Austria revoked the citizenship of Aribert Heim, a former SS doctor known as "Doctor Death." Heim had escaped to South America in 1962 and lived in Egypt and Chile until his death in 1992.
