ABWEHR

a German military intelligence and counter-intelligence organization originally established in 1920. Abwehr means defense in German, and the organization's original purpose was to serve as Germany's defense against foreign espionage. In 1935, the Abwehr was put under the charge of German Captain (later Admiral) Wilhelm Canaris (1887-1945), and during World War II (1939-1945) its functions included espionage operations in foreign countries, such as the United States, Portugal and Spain. The organization was dissolved in June of 1944 and Canaris, due to his anti- Hitler views, was arrested, imprisoned and eventually hung by the Nazis in April of 1945.