America at war! (1941–) – Part 5

1725

Nazis call Roosevelt death a stroke of luck

Goebbels and his propagandists exploit passing of President to the fullest
By Paul Ghali
Saturday, April 14, 1945

BERNE, Switzerland – Like a drowning man clutching at straws, the German propaganda machine today seized on the death of President Roosevelt as a stroke of luck and exhorted the tottering Reich to fight on at all costs because “other welcome surprises may be in store for us.”

As had been expected, the President’s death, which had shocked and saddened the entire democratic world, was being exploited to the fullest by Dr. Joseph Goebbels.

The German press developed the theme that it was Roosevelt’s fault that the war had not “remained localized,” actually an admission that the Germans had not expected to find in him such a staunch opponent of their aggression.

The death of the American President was described as one of those events by which a benevolent God sometimes extricates the Reich from disaster. It was compared with the death of Empress Catherine of Russia, which saved Frederick II of Prussia from complete defeat.

The press mouthpieces of the new Fascist regime in Northern Italy openly gloated over repercussions that the President’s death might have. They asserted that the event had caused a feeling of uncertainty among Allied troops, which might slow the impetus of their offensive.

The northern Italian papers asserted that Mr. Roosevelt’s death was not due to natural causes and implied that there was a strong anti-war opposition in the United States.

The Milan radio, which yesterday abused the President’s memory, has taken a more moderate tone. Reports reaching here say that public reaction to the radio outbursts was far from favorable.

In Switzerland, Roosevelt’s death remains the one item of news and the avalanche of victories in the east and west impress the Swiss less than the passing of “America’s greatest statesman of modern times.”

A special memorial service will be held Monday in Bern’s 14th-century Gothic Cathedral in memory of the President.

1726

Day of reckoning –
German civilians forced to bury torture victims

Protesting civilians put 2,700 in graves in part payment for their country’s sins
By C. R. Cunningham, United Press staff writer

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1727

London expects victory news

Death casts shadow over triumph
Saturday, April 14, 1945

LONDON, England – Victory in Europe was near tonight but the Allies approached their triumph saddened and troubled by the death of President Roosevelt.

The British press believed the news of an Allied entry into Berlin and a junction with the Russian armies would come at any hour. It reported an air of “high expectancy” in all government offices.

Sunday morning newspaper headlines were in the same vein.

Called victory weekend

“This Is Victory Weekend,” said the Sunday Dispatch. The Times, in a three-column tophead, said, “Germans Unable to Save Berlin.” The Observer said, “News of first-class importance reached ministers in Downing Street yesterday and high officials who rarely are to be found in their offices on Saturday were on duty all day.”

The London News of the World, quoting an American broadcast, said that “entry into Berlin is imminent.”

Before next week is out, the United Nations may have their victory in Europe, but they also will have to adjust themselves to an American government lacking the leadership of President Roosevelt.

Churchill to speak

Prime Minister Winston Churchill will speak at least twice in Commons and possibly three times during the week.

Tuesday, as orator and a grieving friend, he will pay tribute to Mr. Roosevelt. Thursday he will review the climax of the war and tackle the ticklish Polish situation. Should final victory come, he may proclaim it to the House in still another address.

These appearances emphasize the increased burden which Mr. Roosevelt’s death has cast upon Mr. Churchill. Some observers believe that on the Polish issue he will be speaking as much to the United States as to Britain.

Mr. Churchill’s statement on Poland will be made after Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden, now in the United States, has conferred with President Truman and reported privately to him.

Against this background, millions in Britain awaited the news that American and Russian armies had linked in Germany. Central London for 24 hours has buzzed with rumors that the Americans had already entered the German capital.

The London Evening Standard said that:

We are on the eve of tidings of really sensational events. News of the greatest importance is expected hourly in London. Some of these events may even already have happened. for published war news is behind the private dispatches which reach Whitehall from the generals in Germany.

The expectation in London today was that there will be news of:

One, entry of Allied troops into Berlin, or,
Two, the capitulation of the German Army.

The Evening Standard added that there was “no confirmation” that big events already had been reported to the government and were being withheld pending still more important information.

Cabinet ministers were in daily meetings, press dispatches said.

Generals and privates crowded into Grosvenor Chapel today for a memorial service to President Roosevelt. Hundreds of servicemen were turned away for lack of room conducted by three Army chaplains. Navy and Marine memorial services were held at St. Mark’s Church on Audley Street.

1728

At Truman’s request –
Red Molotov is going to San Francisco

Stalin emphasizes ‘earnest cooperation’

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1729

Fires burn long after Tokyo raid

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1730

Truman brings capital new political era

Cabinet shakeup called inevitable
By Lyle C. Wilson, United Press staff writer
Saturday, April 14, 1945

WASHINGTON – The dawning of a new political era was marked here today as this capital said a sorrowful farewell to Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Despite President Truman’s invitation to Roosevelt Cabinet members to “stay on,” the time is near after more than 12 years for new faces in high places.

Mr. Roosevelt’s last appearance in the capital he so long dominated marked an end and a beginning, like the midnight minute of a century’s turn. In the final hours of this day, the late President went away.

To return tonight

Mr. Truman was aboard the Roosevelt funeral train. He will be back tomorrow night moving briskly beyond the shadow of mourning. Great business of stale and war will not wait for tears. When Mr. Truman turns back from Hyde Park, New York, tomorrow en route to Washington it will be the President’s special train which he rides. The Roosevelt train will have made its last run.

Political Washington expects plenty of action. Roosevelt intimates predict a clean – or almost clean – sweep of top White House personnel. Maurice Latta, the venerable chief clerk, and perhaps Secretary William D. Hassett will remain.

Mr. Hassett’s forte is handling presidential correspondence, writing letters for the presidential signature. He performs it with the humor and grace bubbling from a full mind.

Shakeup inevitable

A Cabinet shakeup within a few months is almost inevitable. The so-called Roosevelt Palace Guard – the unofficial advisers variously on and off the government payroll – is expected to be packing shortly. Or if they have significant and permanent positions here, they will spend more time on their official cuties and considerably less, if any, giving the President advice. There is, for instance, Associate Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter.

For the time being, however, Mr. Truman will carry on about as is. His first formal declaration of policy comes Monday when he addresses a joint session of the Congress in the House chamber.

All major networks will broadcast Mr. Truman’s address at 1 p.m. Monday ET.

The world will listen to that address with more than usual interest.

To address troops

Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Marshal Joseph V. Stalin will want to know with what kind of a man they now have to deal. In the broadcast will be their first opportunity to begin forming a judgment.

On Tuesday the President will address the armed forces. He is already committed to the Roosevelt policies and in his Missouri lingo says, simply, “We have to lick ‘em and lick ‘em good.”

His associates say that he has decided not to attend the United Nations Conference m San Francisco. It meets April 25 to formulate a world security pact. His opening address will be broadcast from here.

There is speculation, however, that a new Big Three meeting may be coming soon. The war has gone well but Big Three diplomacy has had its troubles since the Yalta Conference.

If an adjustment is necessary, perhaps Mr. Truman, Mr. Churchill, and Marshal Stalin will find that they must make it themselves.

Senators and representatives may expect to be consulted and already high on the list of advisers is James F. Byrnes, former director of the Office of War Mobilization.

Invited by Truman

Mr. Byrnes has been invited to accompany Mr. Truman to the Hyde Park funeral. For the moment, at least, he seems to be the Harry L. Hopkins of the Truman administration. Whether he will continue in that role cannot be determined now.

Mr. Hopkins is being counted out hereabouts. He was the closest of Mr. Roosevelt’s advisers. He is ill and will return to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota after the Roosevelt funeral. Today, Mr. Truman conferred with Mr. Hopkins. Chances are he asked Mr. Hopkins to “stay on,” too. If so, it scarcely can be for long.

If Mr. Byrnes takes over the Hopkins duties, he may well succeed in time to the Secretaryship of State. That speculation could be unfair to Secretary Edward R. Stettinius except for one explosive fact.

The 44-year-old, personable Stettinius is next in line for the White House should anything happen to Mr. Truman. He might make a good President but regular Democrats would shudder at the thought of Mr. Stettinius as party leader.

Mr. Stettinius is not an organization man. The regulars had enough of non-organization irregularity under Mr. Roosevelt.

1731

Simms: No foreign policy change, Allied nations are assured

Diplomats busy explaining that plans of Roosevelt will be pushed by Truman
By William Philip Simms, Scripps-Howard foreign editor

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1732

Congress due to iron out G.I. Bill flaws

Cutting of loan red tape tops changes
By Ned Brooks, Scripps-Howard staff writer

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Murray, Green pledge support

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1733

Potsdam, Berlin pounded by RAF

Transport center west of capital hit

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1734

Russian flags black-bordered

Moscow pays tribute to Roosevelt
Saturday, April 14, 1945

MOSCOW, USSR (UP) – Black-bordered Russian flags fluttered from all official buildings today in accordance with an official Soviet decree ordering two days of mourning for President Roosevelt.

It was the first time in Soviet history that black-bordered flags have flown for a foreign statesman. Hitherto such an act was reserved for only the highest national leaders, such as Lenin.

The official government newspaper Izvestia said:

The Soviet people will always cherish the memory of the great American statesman, President Roosevelt, who has done so much to strengthen Soviet-American friendship.

All freedom-loving nations will remember him as the great organizer of the struggle of free nations against the common enemy, as the most outstanding battler in the cause of democracy and progress.

A memorial service was held at U.S. Ambassador Averell Harriman’s residence attended by Soviet Foreign Commissar Vyacheslav Molotov and other high Soviet officials.

Izvestia reviewed the President’s career, stressing his foresight and wisdom in foreign affairs. It highlighted his pre-war speeches and acts intended to check aggression, prepare America for war, his Lend-Lease policy and his aid and encouragement to the Soviet Union.

1735

Hopkins attends Roosevelt funeral

Flies from hospital ‘to say goodbye’
Saturday, April 14, 1945

WASHINGTON (UP) – Harry L. Hopkins, for years one of President Roosevelt’s closest personal advisers, flew here from the Mayo Clinic at Rochester, Minnesota, today “to say goodbye to a great friend of mine.”

In addition to attending his old boss’ funeral, he spent 90 minutes with President Truman. When he left the President, he was surrounded by reporters.

He looked thin and shaken. He said he would go back, immediately to Rochester, where he has been under treatment for several weeks. He said he talked to Mr. Truman “about a number of things, but chiefly about Mr. Roosevelt.” Asked if they discussed any part he might play in the new administration, he replied:

Oh, no. I’ve just come back to say goodbye to a great friend of mine. Those of you who know me know what’s in my mind and heart today. Nothing else but that matters.

Mr. Hopkins said he would confer again with the new President as soon as he is able to leave the hospital.

He said:

At that time, I will acquaint him with any information that I might have about the government and that I might have acquired in my relations with Mr. Roosevelt.

1736

Perkins: Truman rated friendly but firm on labor

Rail brotherhoods chief supporters
By Fred W. Perkins, Pittsburgh Press staff writer

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1737

Roosevelt tribute paid by House

Saturday, April 14, 1945

WASHINGTON (UP) – The House held a brief session today, adjourning after five minutes in respect to the late President Roosevelt, whom it called an “illustrious statesman and leader in the nation and in the world.”

After receiving a Senate resolution expressing regret over Mr. Roosevelt’s death, the House adopted one paying its tribute to the late President and expressing sorrow over his death. The Senate had expressed itself yesterday.

The resolution also extended sympathy to the Roosevelt family and instructed Speaker Sam Rayburn to appoint 15 members to attend the funeral services.

Open with prayer

The House originally had planned today’s session as an observance of Pan-American Day but cancelled that program because of Mr. Roosevelt’s death.

The session opened with a prayer by Msgr. Patrick J. McCormick, rector of Catholic University. House members and the half-filled galleries bowed solemnly as Msgr. McCormick began his eulogy of Mr. Roosevelt with the traditional Roman Catholic prayer of the dead – the “De Profundis,” or “Out of the Depth.”

Plea for forgiveness

Out of the depths, I have cried into Thee. O Lord, Lord, hear my voice, Almighty and merciful Father, who in Thy inscrutable Judgment and unsearchable way has called unto Thyself the soul of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Thy faithful servant… we bow in humble submission to Thy holy will.

In this hour of national sadness and grief we turn to Thee, the God of all consolidation and hope and we plead for him, for with Thee there is merciful forgiveness and plenteous redemption.

Jap leader sends ‘sympathy’ to U.S.

‘Can understand great loss,’ premier says
Saturday, April 14, 1945

WASHINGTON (UP) – Japanese Premier Kantaro Suzuki expressed his “profound sympathy” today to the American people upon the death of President Roosevelt.

In a broadcast recorded by the FCC, a Domei representative said he was “almost taken aback by the unexpected reaction, but quickly realized that it was not strange coming from a man of large caliber as the new premier is.”

Leadership effective

The enemy broadcast quoted the new premier as saying:

I must admit that Roosevelt’s leadership has been very effective and has been responsible for America’s advantageous position today. For that reason, I can easily understand the great loss his passing means to the American people. My profound sympathy goes to them.

Suzuki added that he did not believe America’s war effort would change because of the President’s death.

The premier said:

On Japan’s part there will not be any letup in her determination to continue fighting for the coprosperity and coexistence of all nations as against Anglo-American power politics.

Truman ‘too good-natured’

The Tokyo radio told the Japanese people that President Harry S. Truman “especially exerted his efforts in bettering the conditions of the lower classes. but is a little too good-natured and not good in politics.”

The broadcast quoted a Miss Shio Sakanishi, who was called the former head of the American Library of Congress research department. Miss Sakanishi knew President Truman, the broadcast said.

Miss Sakanishi was quoted as saying:

Differing from Roosevelt, Truman does not know diplomacy and he is not good in politics. It must be the worry and concern of the American people who wonder how he will hurdle the many international problems he is bound to meet, but there is a group of people who will be able to give him guidance.

Adm. Kichisaburo Nomura, Japanese Ambassador to the United States when Pearl Harbor was bombed, said in a Tokyo broadcast that the late President should be given credit “with respect to his internal policy.”

1738

Americans seize 2 isles off Luzon

Jap soldiers ordered to kill cruelly

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1739

Women’s slacks added to essential list

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1740

Nazi leader put to work mining coal for U.S. Army

Fuel vitally needed, so Germans operate under guard despite past connections
By Henry J. Taylor

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1741

200 freed French women totter down Paris streets

De Gaulle greets heroes who went to Nazi prison for resisting during occupation
By Dudley Ann Harmon, United Press staff writer

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1742

B-29s can raze Jap industry, general says

More planes needed, LeMay asserts
By James C. Leary

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1743

Americans hold half of Okinawa

Marines push north – attack beaten off

GUAM (UP) – U.S. infantrymen on Southern Okinawa beat off another small Jap counterattack Saturday Marines in the north pushed ahead against negligible resistance to bring almost half of the important island under American control.

Army and Marine field artillery, naval gunfire and carrier and land-based aircraft plastered Jap positions along the southern Naha defense line as the 96th Infantry Division easily repulsed the small enemy attack.

Carrier planes in attacks

Adm. Chester W. Nimitz reported the carrier aircraft of the U.S. and British Pacific Fleet units struck again at the Sakishima Islands, southernmost of the Ryukyus, and at Formosa Saturday without opposition.

Almost all of the large Motobu Peninsula jutting out from Okinawa’s western coast is now controlled by Marines of the III Amphibious Corps.

Other Marines driving northward on Okinawa pushed to the vicinity of Momobaru Town on the west coast and Arakawa town on the east coast.

Momobaru is within 10 miles of the northern end of the island.

The American-controlled area now extends some 50 miles from north to south. The northern line is being extended northward daily against the slightest resistance, but 60,000 Jap troops massed in the southern sector of Okinawa have held the U.S. Army forces to a standstill for 10 days.

Pillboxes bar way

The three U.S. infantry divisions in Southern Okinawa were using demolition charges and flamethrowers as they battered against steel-armored Jap pillboxes barring the wav to Naha, capital city of the island.

Nine enemy planes were shot down off Okinawa during the day by combat air patrols, Adm. Nimitz said.

The U.S. carrier aircraft raiding the Sakishima area hit airfields on Ishigaki and Miyako Islands, destroying seven planes on the ground and damaging 25 others.

British carrier planes attacked Matsuyama and Shinchiku on Formosa without opposition. Many planes were damaged on the ground and hangars, barracks, buildings, a railway bridge, a tram and other targets were hit.

1744

Jap ships sunk off Burma coast

British destroyers shell shore points

CALCUTTA, India (UP) – British destroyers, harassing the south shores of Burma, have sunk a number of coastal vessels and bombarded shore installations on Great Coco Island, it was announced today.

The British ships suffered no damage or casualties, a Southeast Asia Command communiqué said.

At the northern end of the 14th Army front in Burma, Lt. Gen. W. J. Slim’s troops stormed into Hlaingdet, which is tactically important because it commands the main Jap escape route leading eastward from Central Burma to the Shan States. It is eight miles east of the Rangoon-Mandalay rail town of Thazi.

It was reported that one 14th Army force killed 2,900 enemy troops, destroyed six medium tanks and captured 44 guns, 70 motor transports and 28 prisoners during the week ending Wednesday.

To the south and southwest, armored and infantry forces expanded their positions south of Meiktila and consolidated newly-won positions in the oilfield town of Kyaukpadaung, captured Thursday.

In the northern combat area, where Chinese and British troops have been engaged the last six weeks in flushing out isolated enemy groups and clearing roads, there was patrol activity south of Kyaukme, Hsipaw and Mongyai.

Long-range fighter planes attacked road, rail, river and coastal supply lines in Thailand and South Burma yesterday.