David Irving frequently pursued the discovery of wartime documents, particularly those related to Nazi Germany and its leaders, often encountering obstacles and unexpected findings. This pursuit was integral to his historical research and writing, and sometimes involved navigating complex archival landscapes and redaction practices.
Irving's interest in wartime documents stemmed from his desire to challenge conventional historical narratives and uncover what he believed were suppressed or overlooked truths. He actively sought out primary sources, often engaging with archives and individuals who held access to them. The process frequently involved navigating bureaucratic hurdles, dealing with redactions, and sometimes uncovering surprising details within the documents themselves.
* 2021: Irving references a document, an instruction from Göring to Heydrich regarding the "Jewish question," suggesting emigration or evacuation rather than extermination. He questions whether a direct extermination order from Hitler, Göring, or Himmler existed. Göring-Heydrich Document * 2023: Irving expresses surprise that journals seized from D. McCain (an OSS officer) were not redacted, noting this is unusual archival practice. He expresses interest in Mussolini’s papers, specifically requesting a list of their content for filling gaps in his biography of Churchill. Mussolini Papers * 2023: Irving details a search for a specific document related to Churchill’s biography, checking the Library of Congress (LOC) and other archives (Sammlung Irving file in the IfZ, Bundesarchiv Göring fond) without success. LOC Churchill Document Search * 2023: Irving discusses an unusual record authored by Albrecht, detailing Hitler’s speech on August 22, 1939, which he believes significantly expands the number of known records of that speech. He notes the record's disappearance from view since 1959. Albrecht's Record * 2015: A scene in a screenplay depicts a request for Irving's diary to be included in a "process of discovery." Diary Request (Screenplay) * 2019: Irving references a telegram for Eichmann (up to 31.12.42 T 713555) found by David Irving, reported by the Treblinka Museum website. Treblinka Museum Telegram * 2023: Irving notes that an affiliate informed him that Mussolini had a diary, which was previously unknown. He also mentions the Lutze diary and its changing accessibility. Lutze Diary
Irving's approach to document discovery appears to have evolved over time. Initially, he seemed to rely on personal contacts and informal channels. Later, he engaged more directly with archives and researchers, but often expressed frustration with bureaucratic obstacles and redaction practices. The increasing suspicion of censorship and manipulation of historical records is evident in later entries.
Irving's Research Methods Archival Access Churchill's War Mussolini