Axel Springer und der CIA

Axel Springer and the CIA (ANO) Published: August 2023 How the CIA built up the Axel Springer publishing house with the equivalent of 80 million dollars. Introduction In June 1982, the American weekly magazine The Nation published a report by journalist Murray Waas, which described for the first time how the German media conglomerate Axel Springer was built up by the CIA in the 1950s with around seven million dollars (equivalent to 80 million today) to „serve America’s geopolitical interests“. Waas cited four sources for this information, including two former intelligence agency employees, as well as documentary evidence. According to this information, Springer’s connection to the CIA continued until at least the early 1970s, and there is „no reason to believe that the relationship was ever terminated.“ Springer responded with an overly specific denial (see below) – the funds hardly came directly from the CIA or the US government – but did not take any legal action. The mandatory corporate principles of Axel Springer Verlag still stipulate „support for the transatlantic alliance“ (old) or „solidarity in the liberal community of values with the United States of America“ (since 2017). In general, most German media conglomerates can be traced back to Allied licenses from the post-World War II period. Various journalists also worked for the CIA, including Otto Schulmeister, the former editor-in-chief of the Austrian press. In Switzerland, Axel Springer is present through a cooperation with the media company Ringier. A German translation of the report from The Nation follows. The archived English original can be found as a PDF here and embedded after the translation. Secret Mission Murray Waas, The Nation, June 19, 1982, page 738 „President Reagan’s visit to Europe last week has drawn new attention to our European allies and the way in which they are asked to serve the goals of America and the Atlantic alliance. This is a topic that deserves serious consideration today more than ever, but it would be appropriate if it were confronted with all the facts. One of these facts, which reveals a lot about America’s traditional – but hidden – relationships with Europe, has now come to light. According to reliable information from the US intelligence community, the CIA funneled about seven million dollars to West German press baron Axel Springer in the early 1950s to help him build his vast media empire and serve America’s geopolitical interests. According to the information, Springer’s connection with the CIA lasted at least until the early 1970s, and there is no reason to believe that the relationship was ever terminated. (*) (* In response to a request from The Nation, a Springer employee denied that there had ever been a connection between Springer and the CIA. A CIA spokesman said it was not customary for the

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[German] Axel Springer und die CIA

Axel Springer und die CIA (ANO) Publiziert: August 2023 Wie die CIA den Axel-Springer-Verlag mit umgerechnet 80 Millionen Dollar aufbaute. Einleitung Im Juni 1982 veröffentlichte das amerikanische Wochenmagazin The Nation einen Bericht des Journalisten Murray Waas, in dem erstmals beschrieben wurde, wie der deutsche Medienkonzern Axel Springer in den 1950er-Jahren von der CIA mit damals rund sieben Millionen Dollar (entspricht heute 80 Millionen) aufgebaut wurde, um “den geopolitischen Interessen Amerikas zu dienen”. Waas berief sich dabei auf vier Quellen, darunter zwei ehemalige Geheimdienst-Mitarbeiter, sowie auf dokumentarische Belege. Laut diesen Informationen bestand Springers Verbindung zur CIA bis mindestens in die frühen 1970er-Jahre hinein, und es gebe “keinen Grund anzunehmen, dass die Beziehung irgendwann beendet worden ist.” Springer antwortete mit einem über-spezifischen

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