New York World-Telegram (May 1, 1945)
LONDON (UP) – The German radio at Hamburg tonight broadcast an announcement that Adolf Hitler was dead.
There was no immediate confirmation from any Allied source.
The broadcast said Adm. Karl Doenitz, commander of the German Fleet, was Hitler’s successor, the Associated Press said. The Hamburg radio said Hitler died this afternoon.
The German radio said that Hitler “fell fighting for Germany till his last breath.”
The Nazi announcement was broadcast as from “the Fuehrer’s headquarters.”
Adm. Doenitz himself announced the death of Hitler, the enemy broadcast said. The German radio said Adm. Doenitz, in announcing Hitler’s death, said he was taking over the leadership of the German people to “try to save them from annihilation.”
The Indian Express (May 2, 1945)
“HITLER DIED DEFENDING BERLIN”
According to reports reaching Zurich the definite text of Hitler’s death announcement had already been prepared by Brigade leader Baumann of the staff of the Nazi Party’s propaganda Department. According to the announcement Hitler died defending Berlin. It is not yet indicated when the announcement will be published.
FUEHRER FELL AT CP, GERMAN RADIO SAYS DOENITZ AT HELM, VOWS WAR WILL CONTINUE
The Stars and Stripes, Paris (May 2, 1945)
German radio reports:
HITLER DEAD
Adolf Hitler at his height
The German radio announced last night that Adolf Hitler had died yesterday afternoon, and that Adm. Doenitz, former commander-in-chief of the German Navy, had succeeded him as ruler of the Reich.
Doenitz, speaking later over the German radio, Reuter said, declared that “Hitler has fallen at his command post.”
“My first task,” Doenitz said, “is to save the German people from destruction by Bolshevism. If only for this task, the struggle will continue.”
The announcement preceding the proclamation by Doenitz said: “It is reported from the Fuehrer’s headquarters that our Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler, has fallen this afternoon at his command post in the Reich Chancellery, fighting to the last breath against Bolshevism and for his country. On April 30, the Fuehrer appointed Grand Adm. Doenitz as his successor. The new Fuehrer will speak to the German people.”
The talk by Doenitz then followed, Reuter said. Doenitz said: “German men and women, soldiers of the German Wehrmacht, our Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler, has fallen. German people are in deepest mourning and veneration.”
“Adolf Hitler recognized beforehand the terrible danger of Bolshevism,” Doenitz said, “and devoted his life to fighting it. At the end of this, his battle, and of his unswerving straight path of life, stands his death as a hero in the capital of the Reich.
“All his life meant service for the German people. His battle against the Bolshevik flood benefited not only Europe but the whole world. The Fuehrer has appointed me as his successor. Fully conscious of the responsibility, I take over the leadership of the German people at this fateful hour.”
“It is my first task to save the German people from destruction by the Bolshevists,” Doenitz continued, harping on Hitler’s old theme of the Red “menace.” He declared that “it is only to achieve this that the fight continues.”
“As long as the British and Americans hamper us from reaching this end, we shall fight and defend ourselves against them as well,” Doenitz said. “The British and Americans do not fight for the interests of their own people but for the spreading of Bolshevism.
“What the German people have achieved and suffered is unique in history. In the coming times of distress of our people, I shall do my utmost to make life bearable for our brave women, men and children.
“To achieve all this I need your help.
“Trust me. Keep order and discipline in towns and countryside. Let everybody do his duty and only thus shall we be able to alleviate the sufferings which the future will bring to each of us and to avoid collapse.
“If we do all that is in our power to do the Lord will not abandon us.”
The Stars and Stripes, Mediterranean (May 2, 1945)
Hitler dead, Nazis report;
Doenitz becomes ‘Fuehrer,’
Declares war will go on
Nazi radio reports Der Fuehrer’s death
IT’S ABOUT TIME
Adolf Hitler, architect of more evil than the world has ever known, is dead. The announcement of the death of the most hated man on earth was made by Grand Adm. Karl Doenitz, described as Hitler’s successor.
Hitler died, according to the German radio, “at his command post in the Reich Chancellery” in Berlin yesterday afternoon. He died, according to this broadcast, fighting to the last breath against Bolshevism and for Germany.”
Doenitz immediately issued a proclamation in which he declared that “my first task is to save the German people from destruction by Bolshevism,” he promised that the “struggle will continue.”
The news of Hitler’s death, since it came only from German sources, was taken with reserve in United Nations capitals. It was believed likely that Der Schoene Adolf was, at long last, dead. But it was believed entirely possible that even now the Nazis might be up to skullduggery.
May be dodge
The announcement of Hitler’s death could be a dodge to give world criminal No. 1 a chance to assume some sort of disguise and escape. It could be an effort to remove Hitler’s name from the world scene so that peace negotiations could be pursued with better chance of success. It could be any one of a number of dodges. It could even be true. The German radio did not give details of how he died. One report indicated that death came after a stroke.
There have been reports of his death for the past few days. It might be that he died some days ago that the announcement was saved until last night. In any case, his death came when his Third Reich had reached its lowest ebb, with Berlin all but conquered by the Red Army, with most of Germany overrun and with virtually all of Hitler’s conquests wrested from him and his Nazi state by the avenging might of the United Nations.
His death came – if, in fact, he is dead – just three days after the execution of his former director buddy, Benito Mussolini, by the Partisans of northern Italy. It came on the eve of Nazi Germany’s total defeat.
These two deaths were like the ending of a Gargantuan Shakespearean tragedy with two of the most villainous actors perishing in the ashes of their own monstrous pretentions.
The assumption of power by Adm. Doenitz – if, in fact, he has assumed power, as he and the German radio claimed – came as a surprise Doenitz said that Hitler named him to the succession on April 30, the day before his death.
No mention was made of Heinrich Himmler, who had been acting as Hitler’s right hand man. Nor did German sources say anything of Paul Joseph Goebbels, who is supposedly in the ruins of Berlin.
Doenitz sounded, according to the German radio and according to a broadcast of what was purported to be his voice, as if he were taking full command. He issued an Order of the Day to the German Army – or what is left of it – which said:
“My comrades: The Fuehrer has fallen, true to his great idea to save the peoples of Europe from Bolshevism, he has risked his life and met with a hero’s death. The greatest hero of German history has left the stage. We dip our colors before him.”
Same script writer
Even the oration sounded as if Doenitz had the same script writer as Hitler – it could have been Goebbels.
“To achieve all this, I need your help. Trust me. Keep order and discipline in towns and countryside. Everybody do his duty, only then shall we be able to alleviate the suffering which the future will bring to each of us and to avoid collapse. If we do all that is in our power to do, the Lord will not abandon us.”
The first indication of Hitler’s death was provided by the Hamburg radio. At 10:43, Italian time, last night it broadcast a warning to stand by for “a grave and important announcement to the German people.” The warning was repeated three times.
The announcement was preceded by the playing of solemn Wagnerian music, including an excerpt from “The Twilight of the Gods.”
While the broadcast of this funeral music and of the news of Hitler’s death was on the air from the Hamburg station, the southern German radio network, still in Nazi control, went on broadcasting light music.
U.S. State Department (May 2, 1945)
740.0011 EW/5–245: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden to the Secretary of State
Stockholm, May 2, 1945 — 2 a.m.
[Received May 2 — 1:19 a.m.]
1626.
Legs 1610, April 30, 7 p.m. Sweden’s efforts to get German troops to evacuate into Sweden to be disarmed here and eventually to be turned over to the Allies are presently believed by high officials of the Swedish Foreign Office to have failed. One reason for this anticipated failure is said to be the leakage of information at San Francisco relative to Himmler’s offer of capitulation to the Western Allies. The leakage resulted in widespread radio publicity which discredited Himmler. Another given reason is the alleged death of Hitler with the succession of Dönitz and his stated determination to continue the war. Count Folke Bernadotte returned to Sweden today and advised me that he had delivered the President’s message (Legation’s 1575, April 27, 6 p.m.) and there had been no reply.
There have been countless rumors today to the effect that Dr. Best has turned the administration of Denmark over to the Danish authorities and that the German troops are evacuating the island of Zealand but neither Von Post who is in Denmark nor representatives of the Danish underground here have been able to confirm this information.
There were also rumors this morning that the German authorities in Norway had ordered the release of the prisoners at Grini. Late tonight word was received that this alleged order had been countermanded by reason of the developments in Germany.
In my opinion it is important that the contemplated staff talks (Legs 1606, April 30, 3 p.m.) take place at the earliest practicable date.
JOHNSON
The Daily Telegraph (May 2, 1945) (4 a.m. Country Edition)
HITLER’S DEATH ANNOUNCED
Adml. Doenitz appointed as new Fuehrer
HIMMLER PLAN DISCARDED: “FIGHT ON” PLEA
Attempt to divide allies: “Bolshevism the enemy”
THE DEATH OF HITLER WAS ANNOUNCED OVER THE GERMAN RADIO SHORTLY BEFORE 10:30 LAST NIGHT. THE STATEMENT SAID THAT IT TOOK PLACE AT HIS COMMAND POST IN BERLIN, NOW ALMOST COMPLETELY OCCUPIED BY RUSSIAN TROOPS. THE TEXT OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS:
“It is reported from our Fuehrer’s H.Q. that our Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler, has fallen this afternoon at his command post in the Reich Chancellery fighting to the last breath against Bolshevism and for Germany. On Monday the Fuehrer appointed Grand Adml. Doenitz [C.-in-C. of the German Navy] as his successor. Our new Fuehrer will speak to the German people.”
Adml. Doenitz, in his radio statement, said: “German men and women, soldiers of the German Wehrmacht! Our Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler, has fallen. The German people bow in deepest mourning and veneration. He recognised beforehand the terrible danger of Bolshevism and devoted his life fighting it.
“At the end of this, his battle, and of his unswerving, straight path of life, stands his death, as a hero in the capital of the Reich.
“All his life meant service to the German people. His battle against the Bolshevik flood benefited not only Europe but the whole world.
“THIS FATEFUL HOUR”
“The Fuehrer has appointed me as his successor. Fully conscious of the responsibility, I take over the leadership of the German people at this fateful hour.
“It is my first task to save the German people from destruction by the Bolsheviks, and it is only to achieve this that the fight continues.
“As long as the British and Americans hamper us from reaching this end we shall fight and defend ourselves against them as well. The British and Americans do not fight for the interests of their own people, but for the spreading of Bolshevism.
“What the German people have achieved and suffered is unique in history. In the coming times of distress of our people I shall do my utmost to make life bearable for our brave women, men and children.
“To achieve all this I need your help. Trust me. Keep order and discipline in towns and the countryside. Let everybody do his duty.
“Only thus shall we be able to alleviate the suffering which the future will bring to each of us and avoid collapse. If we do all that is in our power to do the Lord will not abandon us.”
DOENITZ’S ORDER OF THE DAY
As Supreme Commander, Doenitz issued following Order of the Day:
“German Wehrmacht, my comrades. The Fuehrer has fallen. He fell faithful to his great idea to save the peoples of Europe from Bolshevism. He staked his life and died the death of a hero. With his passing one of the greatest heroes in German history has passed away.
“In proud reverence and sorrow we lower our flags before him. The Fuehrer has appointed me his successor as Head of the State and Supreme Commander of the German Wehrmacht.
“I assume supreme command of all units of the German Wehrmacht with the determination to continue the struggle against Bolshevism until the fighting troops and the hundreds of thousands of families of the German Eastern territories are rescued from enslavement or extermination.
“Against the British and Americans I shall continue the struggle so far and so long as they hinder me in carrying out the fight against Bolshevism.
“STRUGGLE WITHOUT QUESTION”
“The situation demands of you who have already accomplished such great historical feats and who are now longing for the end of the war further struggle without question.
“I demand discipline and obedience. Chaos and downfall can only be prevented by obedience without reserve to my orders. He who at this moment shirks his duty is a coward and traitor, for he brings death or slavery to the German women and children.
“The oath of allegiance you swore to the Fuehrer now applies to each one of you without further formality to myself, the successor appointed by the Fuehrer.
“German soldiers, do your duty. The life of our people is at stake.”
Hitler was 56. He became Reich Chancellor in January, 1933.
This is the New Fuehrer
Once certified insane
Grand Adml. KARL DOENITZ has been C.-in-C. of the German Navy since the beginning of 1943, and was the creator and commander of Germany’s U-Boat Fleet. He is 54.
This thin-lipped man who has made the study of submarines his life-work has always hated Britain. He fought against us in the last war. As a junior lieutenant he was in the Breslau when she escaped to Constantinople with the Goeben. He afterwards volunteered for U-boat work.
In October, 1918, he attacked a convoy off Malta. But his U-boat was attacked by a British ship, depth-charged, and when she surfaced damaged by gunfire. Doenitz then scuttled his craft and he and his crew were taken prisoner.
Doenitz was afterwards certified insane and transferred to Manchester Lunatic Asylum from his prisoner-of-war camp. In 1919 he was repatriated as insane.
U-boat obsession
It was because he was obsessed with the idea of breaking the Versailles Treaty that he joined the Nazis. His studies of submarines and their strategic use were continued, with the sole object of ultimate attack on Britain, in furtherance of his conviction that Germany might have won the last war by 1920 had there been continued unrestricted U-boat warfare.
He is said to have journeyed over to the British coast in a U-boat two years before the outbreak of the present war to make a personal test of the currents round Portland.
DOENITZ’S STEP MAY DELAY SURRENDER TALKS
SPLIT IN NAZI LEADERSHIP
BY OUR DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
The announcement of Hitler’s death and the proclamation of Doenitz as the new Fuehrer were regarded in authoritative circles in London last night as putting an end, at least for a time, to the surrender negotiations initiated by Himmler.
It is 11 days since Count Bernadotte saw Himmler. About that time, according to Himmler, who started the landslide towards a German unconditional surrender, Hitler was dying of cerebral haemorrhage.
Now it is claimed that Hitler only two days ago nominated Doenitz as his successor. Though the bare fact of Hitler’s death was regarded in official circles last night as genuine, the manner and timing of its announcement were regarded as highly suspicious.
Ever since Himmler made his first contact with Count Bernadotte the death of Hitler has been used as a pawn in the game.
Because Hitler was dying, Himmler claimed, and because Goering and the other Nazi political bosses were all eliminated in one way or another, Himmler himself was the only man who could bring about the surrender of Germany.
CHANCE SEIZED
Meanwhile, in Berlin, nine-tenths of which has already fallen to the Russians, Doenitz, in the absence of Himmler, and seizing the opportunity of Hitler’s death, suddenly proclaimed himself as the Fuehrer’s successor and ordered the troops to fight on to the end.
Whether Himmler’s offer to the Allies is genuine or not, it looks as though Doenitz adroitly jumped into his place while he was away from Berlin.
In the race for survival he can now represent himself as the only Nazi leader who still has effective control.
This accounts for the statement that Hitler personally chose Doenitz as his successor, thereby clothing him with the authority which the S.S. and other last-ditch Nazis may still be counted on to respect.
An announcement earlier yesterday that the German Navy would fight on appeared to be an attempt to wipe out the disgrace of the surrender in the last war.
50Min. “BUILD-UP” FOR RADIO ANNOUNCEMENT
German radio spent 50 minutes preparing for the announcement of Hitler’s death.
Funereal music, warning announcements, and rolls of drums combined in the “build-up.” Much of the music was drawn from the works of Wagner, Hitler’s favourite composer.
Here is a time-table of the radio announcements:
Just Before 9 p.m.: The so-called Bremen and Hamburg transmitters, with nine subsidiary stations of the former Deutschlandsender system, almost certainly relaying Hamburg, interrupted their transmissions. The announcer asked listeners to stand by for “a Government announcement” to be broadcast at 9 p.m.
9 p.m.: There was no announcement. The only change in the programme was that Hamburg linked up with other transmitters for a concert of Wagner and Weber works.
9:30: Hamburg interrupted its broadcast with the announcement: “Achtung, Achtung! In a short time the German Rundfunk will broadcast a grave and important announcement to the German people.”
Immediately afterwards an announcer, speaking in English, declared: “This is Germany calling over stations Bremen and Hamburg. We ask our listeners to tune in to these stations. We shall shortly broadcast a very important statement.”
9:42: Stand-by warning repeated. Music from Wagner’s “Gotterdaemmerung” (“Twilight of the Gods”) broadcast.
9:52: The warning was again repeated with the additional statement that the announcement would be made “in a few moments.” It was followed by the playing of the slow movement of Bruckner’s Seventh Symphony, which was written to commemorate the death of Wagner.
10 p.m.: Hamburg made its stand-by call. This was followed by solemn music.
10:25 p.m.: The solemn music was interrupted by the rolling drums of a massed military band. An official spokesman came to the microphone.
In a voice choked with emotion he read the announcement of Hitler’s death.
“GHOST VOICE” INTERRUPTS
Adml. Doenitz’s speech followed.
Then, after another rolling of drums, Adml. Doenitz’s statement was read again by the announcer. This time it was interrupted by a “ghost voice.”
“All lies,” said the “voice” when the announcer reached the passage saying that Hitler had fallen as a hero.
Not all German-controlled stations had news of Hitler’s death. At least seven, all belonging to the Reichssender cycle, and including the Southern German, Prague and the Oslo transmitters, failed to link up with Hamburg. They continued to broadcast light and cheerful music.
G-2 Section, Seventh Army (May 2, 1945)
Daily Radio Monitoring Report
By PWB, G-2, SEVENTH ARMY
Bulletin No. 192
May 2, 1945
THE GERMANS SAY ADOLF HITLER IS DEAD
The Fuehrer is dead; at least, the Nazis say so. This Monitoring Station, in its permanent watch on the German radio, heard at 2130 hours the announcer say, first in English and then in German, that “an important and grave announcement for the German people” would be made soon. There followed long passages from Wagner’s “Goetterdaemmerung” and the slow movement from Hans von Bruckner’s Seventh Symphony, punctuated by the above-mentioned statement. Finally, at 2226, the chief announcer of the Greater German network came to the microphone and made the following announcement, preceded by a triple roll of muffled drums:
“It is reported from the Fuehrer’s Headquarters that the Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler, fell at his post of command in the Chancellery this afternoon after fighting against Bolshevism to the very end. On April 30th the Fuehrer appointed Grand Admiral Doenitz as his successor. The Grand Admiral, successor to the Fuehrer, has issued the following proclamation to the German people:
“‘German men and women! Soldiers of the German Armed Forces:
‘Our Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler, has fallen. The German people bow their heads in deepest sorrow and reverence; the Fuehrer realized the dreadful danger of Bolshevism at an early stage and devoted his life to combating this menace. At the end of this his struggle and the unerring prosecution of his life’s mission, he died a hero’s death in the Reich’s capital. His life was one of devoted service to Germany. His struggle against the tidal wave of Bolshevism was waged on behalf of Europe and the entire civilized world. The Fuehrer has appointed me as his successor.
‘Conscious of the responsibility involved I assume the leadership of the German nation at this fateful hour. My first task is to save the German people from the advancing Bolshevist enemy. The battle continues for this aim alone. In so far and for as long as the British and Americans hinder the achievement of this aim we shall continue to resist them also and to fight on. The Anglo-Americans would then no longer continue the war in the interests of their own peoples but solely for the extension of Bolshevism throughout Europe.
‘The German achievements in battle and the burdens borne by the homeland in the course of this war are unique in history. In the coming period of stress I will endeavor, so far as lies in my power, to make life as bearable as possible for our courageous women, children and men. In order to accomplish this I need your help. Give me your confidence, since your path is also my path. Preserve order and discipline in town and countryside. Each one of you must do his duty at his post. Only in this way can we alleviate the suffering which the future holds in store for each one of us and prevent a collapse. If we do all this that is in our power the Lord will not forsake us after so much suffering and so many sacrifices’.”
Signed: Doenitz, Grand Admiral.
In his capacity as Supreme Command of the German armed forces Grand Admiral Doenitz has issued the following order of the day to the armed forces:
“German Wehrmacht! My Comrades!
“The Fuehrer has fallen. Faithful to the great idea of preserving the peoples of Europe from Bolshevism he has consecrated his life and died a hero’s death. One of the greatest heroes in German history has passed away. we lower our flags in proud reverence and sorrow.
“The Fuehrer has appointed me to succeed him as Chief of State and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht. I take over command of all branches of the German Wehrmacht in the determination to continue the struggle against Bolshevism until the fighting troops and the hundreds of thousands of families in eastern Germany have been preserved from enslavement or destruction. I must continue to wage war on the British and Americans insofar and for as long as they hinder me in the prosecution of the fight against Bolshevism.
“The situation demands of you who have already accomplished such great historical feats and now long for the end of the war further unconditional service. I demand discipline and obedience. Only by the unquestioning execution of my orders can chaos and the downfall of Germany be avoided. He who now shirks his duty, thus bringing death and enslavement upon German women and children, is a coward and a traitor. The oath pledged by you to the Fuehrer now applies for each one of you to me as the successor appointed by the Fuehrer.
“German Soldiers! Do your duty! The life of our nation is at stake.”
Signed: Doenitz, Grand Admiral
and Supreme Commander of the
German Wehrmacht.
The Daily Telegraph (May 2, 1945) (London Late Edition)
GERMANS ANNOUNCE HITLER’S DEATH
Doenitz appointed new Fuehrer
HIMMLER THROWN OVER: APPEAL TO FIGHT ON
Attempt to divide allies: “Bolshevism the enemy”
Adolf Hitler, whose death was announced by German radio last night. House painter, corporal, demagogue, dictator. A typical pose.
THE DEATH OF HITLER WAS ANNOUNCED OVER THE GERMAN RADIO SHORTLY BEFORE 10:30 LAST NIGHT. IT SAID THAT IT TOOK PLACE AT HIS COMMAND POST IN BERLIN, NOW ALMOST COMPLETELY OCCUPIED BY RUSSIAN TROOPS.
The announcement said: “It is reported from the Fuehrer’s H.Q. that our Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler, has fallen this afternoon at his command post in the Reich Chancellery fighting to the last breath against Bolshevism and for Germany. On Monday the Fuehrer appointed Grand Adml. Doenitz [C.-in-C. of the German Navy] as his successor. Our new Fuehrer will speak to the German people.”
Adml. Doenitz, in his radio statement, said: “German men and women, soldiers of the German Wehrmacht! Our Fuehrer, Adolph Hitler, has fallen. The German people bow in deepest mourning and veneration. He recognised beforehand the terrible danger of Bolshevism and devoted his life fighting it.
“At the end of this, his battle, and of his unswerving, straight path of life, stands his death, as a hero in the capital of the Reich.
“All his life meant service to the German people. His battle against the Bolshevik flood benefited not only Europe but the whole world.
“THIS FATEFUL HOUR”
“The Fuehrer has appointed me as his successor. Fully conscious of the responsibility, I take over the leadership of the German people at this fateful hour.
“It is my first task to save the German people from destruction by the Bolsheviks, and it is only to achieve this that the fight continues.
“As long as the British and Americans hamper us from reaching this end we shall fight and defend ourselves against them as well. The British and Americans do not fight for the interests of their own people, but for the spreading of Bolshevism.
“What the German people have achieved and suffered is unique in history. In the coming times of distress of our people I shall do my utmost to make life bearable for our brave women, men and children.
“To achieve all this I need your help. Trust me. Keep order and discipline in towns and the countryside. Everybody do his duty.
“Only thus shall we be able to alleviate the suffering which the future will bring to each of us and avoid collapse. If we do all that is in our power to do the Lord will not abandon us.”
DOENITZ’S ORDER OF THE DAY
As Supreme Commander, Doenitz issued following Order of the Day:
“German Wehrmacht, my comrades. The Fuehrer has fallen. He fell faithful to his great idea to save the peoples of Europe from Bolshevism. He staked his life and died the death of a hero. With his passing one of the greatest heroes in German history has passed away.
“In proud reverence and sorrow we lower our flags before him. The Fuehrer has appointed me his successor as Head of the State and Supreme Commander of the German Wehrmacht.
“I assume supreme command of all units of the German Wehrmacht with the determination to continue the struggle against Bolshevism until the fighting troops and the hundreds of thousands of families of the German Eastern territories are rescued from enslavement or extermination.
“Against the British and Americans I shall continue the struggle so far and so long as they hinder me in carrying out the fight against Bolshevism.
“STRUGGLE WITHOUT QUESTION”
“The situation demands of you who have already accomplished such great historical feats and who are now longing for the end of the war further struggle without question.
“I demand discipline and obedience. Chaos and downfall can only be prevented by obedience without reserve to my orders. He who at this moment shirks his duty is a coward and traitor, for he brings death or slavery to the German women and children.
“The oath of allegiance you swore to the Fuehrer now applies to each one of you without further formality to myself, the successor appointed by the Fuehrer.
“German soldiers, do your duty. The life of our people is at stake.”
“TWILIGHT OF THE GODS”
The announcement of Hitler’s death was presaged by German radio from shortly before 9 p.m. onward.
First the so-called “Bremen and Hamburg” radio, which transmits from Hamburg, interrupted its transmission shortly before 9 p.m. The announcer asked listeners to stand by for “a government statement” to be broadcast at 9 p.m.
At 9 p.m. there was no announcement. The only change in the programme was that, at that hour, Hamburg linked up with other transmitters for a concert of Wagner and Weber works.
Then, at 9:30, Hamburg interrupted the broadcast with the announcement: “Achtung, Achtung! In a short time the German Rundfunk will broadcast a grave and important announcement to the German people.”
Pravda (May 2, 1945)
Германское радио о Гитлере
Вчера поздно вечером германское радио распространило сообщение так называемой «Главной ставки фюрера», в котором утверждается, что 1 мая после полудня умер Гитлер. В сообщении указывается, что еще 30 апреля Гитлер назначил своим преемником адмирала Деница.
Со своей стороны Дениц обратился с воззванием к армии и населению Германии. В воззвании повторяются обычные ухищрения и вымыслы гитлеровской пропаганды, рассчитанные на то, чтобы вызвать разногласия среди держав антигитлеровской коалиции, и содержатся требования к немцам «сохранять порядок и дисциплину в городах и селах» и безоговорочно «выполнять свой долг».
Указанные сообщения германского радио, по-видимому, представляют собой новый фашистский трюк: распространением утверждений о смерти Гитлера германские фашисты, очевидно, надеются предоставить Гитлеру возможность сойти со сцены и перейти на нелегальное положение.
(ТАСС).
