Wouter Lutkie

Wouterus Leonardus Lutkie ('s-Hertogenbosch, February 23 1887 - Nuland, January 23 1968) was a Dutch Catholic priest and fascist.

Lutkie came from a wealthy business family and initially was influenced by the idealism of Ernest Hello and Léon Bloy. However he soon became more interested in nationalism and combining it with his fervent Catholicism. He was ordained in 1919 but never completed his studies and, following a clash with his bishop over articles he published in the rightist journal "Vreugde", he was set up in Nuland where he spent the rest of his life.

Initially a supporter of Charles Maurras, Lutkie became drawn to Benito Mussolini and travelled to Italy in 1924, which increased his zeal. Writing for a number of fascist journals, he also set up his own "Aristo" in 1930. This lasted until 1943 before reappearing after the war and continuing until 1965. He also translated Mussolini's works into the Dutch language and conducted and published a series of interviews with the Italian leader. He would also co-operate with Arnold Meijer and the Black Front.

Lutkie had little time for Anton Mussert and did not support Nazism and as such his collaboration during World War II was minimal. As such he faced no charges after the war, despite an examination, and spent the post-war years in semi-retirement (albeit still publishing "Aristo").

References

* Philip Rees, "Biographical Dictionary of the Extreme Right Since 1890"