Karl von Spreti | |
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Born | Karl Borromäus Maria Heinrich Graf von Spreti (1907-05-21)May 21, 1907 Kapfing Castle,Landshut,German Empire |
Died | April 5, 1970(1970-04-05) (aged 62) |
Cause of death | Homicide |
Occupation | Diplomat |
Known for | Assassination victim |
Karl Borromäus Maria Heinrich Graf von Spreti (21 May 1907 – 5 April 1970) was a Germandiplomat. He is best known as theWest German Ambassador toGuatemala from 1968 until hisassassination in 1970. The story of his assassination by Guatemalan guerillas was depicted in a 1970 book,Why Karl von Spreti Died, byRyszard Kapuściński.
Spreti was born in theKapfing Castle nearLandshut to anaristocratic family (his direct ancestor wasLeo von Klenze). Like his forefather, Karl von Spreti studied architecture. He also joined theBavarian People's Party. After his service in theSecond World WarGerman Army and a short period inAllied captivity, he settled inLindau, where he continued his career as an architect and as a local politician for theChristian Social Union of Bavaria.
In 1956, Spreti became West Germany's first ambassador toLuxembourg since the Second World War, and held that post until 1960, when he became the ambassador to Cuba (until 1963), then toJordan (1963–1965) and to theDominican Republic (between 1966 and 1968).[1] Finally he was dispatched toGuatemala during the turbulent times of theGuatemalan Civil War. On 31 March 1970 he was kidnapped byMarxist–LeninistFAR guerillas inGuatemala City and was murdered six days later.[2][3][4]West Germany immediately severed diplomatic ties with Guatemala.[2][5] Three days after Spreti's murder, an anti-communistdeath squad namedMano Blanca retaliated by assassinating the Communist politicianCésar Montenegro Paniagua.[6]
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