Johannes Popitz was the famous financial expert of
the Weimer Republic in the 1920s and went on to become Prussian Minister
of Finance after 1933.
Like many conspirators against Hitler,
he initially welcomed the new order. But after the persecution of the
Jews began, he offered his resignation. Hitler denied his request. Popitz subsequently remained in the government while
quietly drafting decrees to be implemented by the anticipated post-coup
government.
Popitz's moment of fame in the context of the conspiracy
revolves around his scheme to lure none other than SS Chief Heinrich Himmler into plotting a coup d'etat. Popitz's argument was that if the Nazi regime could not be overthrown but perhaps could be weakened to the
breaking point if Himmler could be persuaded to seize power against
Nazi rivals to "protect the fuehrer." Popitz then believed
the conspirators could take advantage of an SS coup by launching a counter-coup under army auspices.
Few if any other conspirators took Popitz's scenario
seriously. Many considered it far too risky to undertake since they
believed Himmler was more likely to exploit the idea to uncover the
real conspiracy and emerge with even more power. Nevertheless, Popitz
saw his plan through. As many feared, Himmler never acted on his advice
but instead had Popitz imprisoned and executed after the July
20 uprising.
