Emanuel Treu

Emanuel Treu (August 8, 1915 – August 13, 1976) was a leader of the Austrian Resistance during World War Two and an ambassador of the Republic of Austria in the post-war period.

Youth Born in Vienna to a wealthy stamp manufacturer and his wife, Emanuel ("Mundi") Treu studied law at the University of Vienna after graduating from high school in 1933 and doing his military service. He came from a family of strict opponents of national socialism, and was arrested after the annexation of Austria to the German Reich due to his refusal to participate in the establishment of the Hitler Youth as a scout leader. He was severely tortured at the Hotel Metropole, Vienna, the Gestapo's headquarters.

Escape and internment Source: In 1944, he became head of the "Austria Student Association" in Geneva. Thereafter, Treu repeatedly crossed the border to what was then the Ostmark (Austria) to establish contact with Austrian resistance fighters. Sworn to non-violence, he always refused to shoot at people. His work focused on political goals; he was involved in early negotiations with the Allies over the post-war status of Austria, tasks which Fritz Molden and his circle were able to carry on.

Treu is considered one of the fathers of Austria's accession to the European Community and was a teacher to many successful diplomats (Manfred Scheich, Gregor Woschnagg, etc.). He initiated the modernization of this institution, but died unexpectedly in 1976 at the age of 61. He was buried at the Vienna Central Cemetery.

Family and children He had two sons with his second wide, Christina Popovic. They are Thomas Treu and Martin "Timmy" Treu.