[Leonhard Riedmüller: Swiss public enemy or pawn sacrifice?]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• History of Science
• Political Science

Background:

• Leonhard Riedmüller, a German citizen and head of Veterinary Bacteriology at the University of Zurich, was a member of the NSDAP 'Landesgruppe Schweiz'.
• In 1945, Swiss authorities issued a lifetime deportation order against Riedmüller and his spouse.
• Riedmüller's academic career included positions in Munich and Zurich, and he later moved to Brazil and Germany.

Observation:

• Riedmüller's deportation was based on his membership in the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), 'Landesgruppe Schweiz'.
• Despite multiple appeals, the deportation order remained in effect.
• Available archival documents are used to examine the justification for his deportation.

Findings:

• The study investigates whether Riedmüller's deportation as a 'public enemy' in 1945 was justified.
• It explores the possibility that Swiss authorities may have used Riedmüller as a political pawn.
• Consideration is given to Switzerland's international political standing in the immediate post-World War II era.

Implications:

• This case study sheds light on the complexities of political asylum and international relations during the post-WWII period.
• It raises questions about the balance between national security, individual rights, and geopolitical considerations.
• The findings contribute to understanding Switzerland's historical approach to managing foreign nationals with political affiliations.