The Townsville Daily Bulletin (May 3, 1945)
HITLER REPORTED DEAD: DOENITZ RULES
German Radio Claims Adolf Fell Fighting
Doenitz Orders to Fight On
LONDON, May 2 – The German radio said a grave, important announcement would be made by the German Government to the German people some time this evening. At 10:31 p.m. it announced Hitler was dead.
The radio said Hitler died this afternoon, and his successor would be Admiral Doenitz. It added that Hitler fell for Germany.
The “Daily Express” says that radio station reports said immediately Lord “Haw Haw” finished the warning about an imminent grave and important announcement, shots rang out within the studio.
The “Daily Express,” in a front page panel, headed “Obituary,” says: “The ‘Daily Express’ rejoices and announces Hitler’s death. It wastes no space on his career. His evil deeds are too well known. It gives no picture of the world’s most hated face, but merely records the end of his days upon the earth he sought to conquer, too long.”
The announcement over the German Radio which preceded the proclamation by Admiral 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 for Germany. On April 30 the Fuehrer appointed Grand Admiral Doenitz as his successor. Our new Fuehrer will speak to the German people at the end of the announcement.
Doenitz, in a radio talk, in a sorrowful voice, 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 the terrible danger of Bolshevism at an early date and dedicated his existence to this struggle. His life was one single service for Germany. His action in fighting against the Bolshevist Springtime was waged beyond that, for Europe and the entire civilised world.
“The Fuehrer has appointed me his successor. Conscious of this responsibility I am taking over the leadership of the German people in this grave hour of our destiny. My first task is to save the German people from annihilation by the advancing Bolshevist enemy. The military struggle continues only with this aim.
“Inasmuch and as long as the attainment of this aim is being hindered by the British and Americans we shall have to continue to defend ourselves against them as well and shall have to continue the fight against them. The British and Americans will then continue the war no longer for their own people, but to further the spread of Bolshevism in Europe.
“The fighting achievements of the German people in this war and the suffering of the homeland are unique in history. During this time of the plight of our people I shall endeavour as far as it is in my power to create bearable conditions for our brave women, men and children. For all this I need your help. Grant me your confidence, for your path is also my path. Maintain order and discipline on town and country and may everyone fulfil his duty at his post. Only thus shall we be able to mitigate the sufferings which the coming period will bring to each one of us and prevent the collapse. If we do what is in our power God will not forsake us after so much of suffering and sacrifices.”
Doenitz concluded: “The oath of allegiance you swore to the Fuehrer now applies without further formality to me, the successor appointed by the Fuehrer. German soldiers, do your duty, the life of your people is at stake.”
Some members of the House of Commons are inclined to regard Hitler’s death announcements as a ruse to facilitate his escape.
The British United Press diplomatic writer says Hitler’s death is almost too perfect. At no moment of his career could he have died with better effect in order to be created a Nazi or German saint, and the first announcement of his death shows this to be the Nazi aim. Coincidence could not go much further.
The Russians possess nine-tenths of Berlin and organised resistance cannot be maintained for more than another 48 hours, possibly less. If Hitler was to die defending the capital, the Germans could not risk having him live much longer.
The Press Association says Hitler’s death may have occurred a week ago when Himmler announced he was suffering cerebral haemorrhage, and it is unlikely he would survive for eight days.
The “Daily Telegraph” says the announcement that Hitler died in action, fighting against Bolshevism, no doubt, is a polite figure of speech.
To 7 o’clock last night, the German radio was still repeating the German communique in reference to Hitler being surrounded in Berlin by his faithful troops.
The wording of the German announcement breathes Nazi intent on the deity of Hitler – turn him into “Saint Adolf” – and it is probable that, to this end, he was sacrificed by the inner group of Nazis still controlling what is left of the Reich, and of which Himmler is probably the leader. The timing is perfect.
Reuters suggest two possible reasons for Doenitz being named as Hitler’s successor. Firstly, his loyalty to national socialist idealogy, and to Hitler personally; secondly, with the German Army and Air Force in ruins, he represents one arm, namely the Navy, with which Germany could still continue some form of effective guerrilla warfare.
It adds that the unexpected choice of Doenitz also supports the theory that Hitler elected him to continue the fight against Bolshevism, while entrusting Himmler with the practical job of negotiating surrender.
The “Daily Telegraph,” in a leader, says the disappearance of a figure which, to millions, has been the incarnation of fear and horror for so long, makes the world a cleaner and sweeter place.
“The most probable reason for Doenitz’s appointment as Hitler’s successor is that part of the gang rejected Himmler’s lead to capitulation, and are attempting earlier plans for continued resistance.”
The “Daily Mail” says that never had any being in all the annals of recorded time been so steeped in murder and destruction as this man who has been so deservedly hated and universally reviled. He will keep company in history with the Neros and Torquemadas, but he will outdo them all.
He snatched power at a moment when moral conviction and mutual trust were at a low ebb among the democratic Governments. It is for Democracy to ensure that no such moment shall recur. If it does, the moment will find its man, and he may be cleverer than Hitler.
The German radio tonight announced that Ribbenthrop has been displaced by Dönitz as foreign minister, and Count Schwerin von Krosigh was appointed instead.
The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic writer says the announcement of Hitler’s death and Doenitz’s proclamation as the new Fuehrer is regarded in authoritative London circles as ending, at least for a time, the surrender negotiations initiated by Himmler.
The “Times” diplomatic writer says there are a formidable number of U-boats based in Norway where the enemy also has some 200,000 land forces and some hundreds of aeroplanes.
Therefore it is likely Doenitz contemplates making a stand there rather than in the overrun Reich or the southern redoubt now threatened from both north and south. He may delay somewhat, but cannot alter the decision.
Admiral Doenitz was taken prisoner in the last war after his U-boat was sunk by the British off Malta in 1918. He owes his life to a British sailor who fished him out from the water with a boat hook.
He was afterwards certified insane and transferred to Manchester lunatic asylum and repatriated as insane in 1919.
The “Daily Mail” says he has always hated Britain, and planned to starve us to surrender by U-boat warfare.
The Indian Express (May 3, 1945)
HITLER DIES: DOENITZ TAKES OVER COMMAND
“I WILL PURSUE FIGHT AGAINST BRITAIN AND AMERICA,” SAYS FUEHRER’S SUCCESSOR
“Struggle Will Continue If Only To Save Nazis From Bolsheviks”
Threat of Prolonged Naval Nuisance Warfare
LONDON, May 1: The German Radio reports that Adolf Hitler, the Nazi Dictator, died this afternoon.
The Radio added that the former Commander-in-Chief of the German Navy, Admiral Doenitz is his successor.
Admiral Doenitz, speaking over the Rado later, said: “The Fuehrer has fallen at his command post. My first task is to save the German people from destruction by Bolshevism. If only for this task, the struggle will continue.”
“Against the British and the Americans, I shall have to pursue the fight so far and so long as they hamper my struggle against the Bolsheviks.”
“I demand discipline and obedience. Only by executing my orders without reserve, can chaos and annihilation be avoided.”
“The Fuehrer has appointed me as his successor, as head of the State and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht. I am assuming supreme command of all branches of all services of the German armed forces, with a will to pursue the struggle against the Bolsheviks so long as the fighting army and hundreds of thousands of German families are safe from slavery and destruction.
“Against the British and the Americans, I shall have to pursue the fight so far and so long as they hamper my struggle against the Bolsheviks. The situation demands from you, who have already accomplished such momentous and historical deeds and who are now wishing for the end of the war, further unconditional exertions.
“I demand discipline and obedience. Only by executing my orders without reserve, can chaos and annihilation be avoided. Coward and traitor is he who just now shirks his duty and who thus brings death or slavery upon German women and children. The oath of allegiance which you have given to the Fuehrer is now for everyone of you immediately to give to me as the successor whom the Fuehrer has appointed. German soldiers: do your duty, the very lives of our people are at stake.”
NAVAL NUISANCE WARFARE?
Robert Lloyd, cables: The designation of Grand Admiral Karl Doenitz as successor to Adolf Hitler who the Germans say is dead, is probably a mere interlude in the surrender negotiations designed to wring some last concession from the Western Powers by a threat of prolonged Naval nuisance warfare from the string of harbours remaining in German hands.
Three points stand out about the person of Doenitz: Firstly, he is a submarine specialist capable of using the last military asset still in German hands.
Secondly, he is in the public eye a party man but is in fact the man whose entire career has been linked with the Nazi system.
Thirdly, he is the only remaining well-known chief of any Wehrmacht arm, as Hitler himself was Commander-in-Chief of the army, and Goering was replaced as Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe only a few days ago.
Doenitz may therefore have been considered as standing a better chance of maintaining organised resistance of the remaining German forces for a few days longer than any mere party exponent.
The obvious conclusion from the recent reports that there is now in Germany a “war party” headed by Doenitz and a “peace party” headed by Henrich Himmler should be discounted.
The propagandist neatness with which Hitler’s “death at his command post” has been arranged and the way in which it fits in with the recent “forecast” by captured German propagandists rather suggest a planned division of labour than a split.
It is as well to remember that reports which were regarded as reliable by authoritative circles here claimed that Hitler was either dead or at least out of action three weeks ago.
Propaganda that Germany should save her future by fighting Bolshevism and turning her back to the Western Allies was started immediately afterwards and was equally reflected in orders signed with Hitler’s name, communiques of the Wehrmacht and speeches by Goebbels.
In this context, the decisive character of the battle for Berlin was deliberately played up by Nazi propaganda in a manner incompatible with preparations for prolonged “redoubt” fighting. Goebbels, of whom there is no recent news, was said to be staying in Berlin at Hitler’s side.
Doenitz’s appeal continued this propaganda but while he talks of fighting Bolshevism his only remaining weapon is bound to be mainly directed against the West.
Sylvain Mangeot, Reuter’s diplomatic correspondent in London says: Admiral Doenitz as Hitler’s “five minutes past 12” successor has two possible explanations.
First, his unquestionable loyalty to Hitler personally and to the National Socialist ideology. (He has always been known as an unswerving supporter of the Fuehrer through thick and thin).
Secondly, the fact that, with the Wehrmacht and the Luftwaffe in ruins, he represents the one arm with which Germany could still continue some form of effective guerilla warfare.
He has always been the brains behind Germany’s submarine warfare and both before and after he succeeded Admiral Raeder as Commander-in-Chief of the German fleet, he was responsible for the great U-boat campaign against Allied shipping.
Significantly, in a recent broadcast appeal to U-boat personnel, he called to them to be ready to fight on to the end an “isolated war”, if necessary alone.
From the remaining bases in Norway, Germany could presumably continue a nuisance warfare for some time.
If Himmler’s recent reported statements on the subject of Hitler are accepted, the unexpected choice of Doenitz at first sight supports the theory that Hitler elected to continue the fight against Bolshevism to the finish while Himmler was entrusted with the practical job of negotiating surrender. Doenitz would fill the decorative and temporary role of heroic successor carrying on to the end.
PLAN TO DIVIDE ALLIES CONTINUED
From the sudden change in the Fuehrer’s succession the Nazis may hope for three advantages. It continues the plan to divide the Allies by all means, it preserves intact for future use the myth that Germany’s true leader never capitulated and it presents the Allies with the dilemma of having to choose between two claimants to Hitler’s succession.
For the purposes of unconditional surrender, they have now to decide whether the signature of Himmler, or Doenitz, who is now publicly proclaimed as Hitler’s heir, is valid.
If last night’s German Radio announcement and Admiral Doenitz’s call to continue to fight are taken at their face-value, the question of the German forces and above all the German Navy – in Norway and Denmark assume new importance. Today, the remaining German U-boats represent a far more real possibility of guerilla resistance than either the Werewolves or the Bavarian Redoubt.
WET BLANKET ON PEACE SPECULATION
Admiral Doenitz’s first words to the German people had a dual theme, cables Reuter’s foreign editor: (1) “Hitler died fighting to the last breath against Bolshevism and for Germany.” (2) As a Hitler-chosen successor, to be Fuehrer of Germany, Doenitz possesses this creed – “It is my first task to save the German people at this fateful hour from destruction by Bolsheviks and it is only to achieve this that the fight continues.
Admiral Doenitz threw a wet blanket on the torrid “peace any moment” speculation from Stockholm and elsewhere by bluntly asserting that so long as the British and Americans hamper Germany from resisting destruction by the Russians, the German people will fight and defend themselves against Britain and America.
Here was the frankest admission to date from a German source indicating that Germany would be ready to negotiate a peace with Britain and America but not with Russia.
Doenitz also roundly claimed that “the Anglo-Americans did not fight in their own interest but for the spreading of Bolshevism”.
The emphatic belief that the German announcement of Hitler’s death in words suggesting that he fell in battle was the beginning of an attempt to create a Hitler legend was expressed to Reuter tonight by Lord Vansittart, former Chief Diplomatic Adviser to the British Government and leader of the “Hard Peace for Germany” school.
“A little while ago”, he pointed out, “Himmler was telling us that Hitler was dangerously ill and might not live more than 48 hours. Did Hitler arise from his bed of sickness – reputedly suffering from cerebral haemorrhage – and die heroically today?”
GERMAN PEOPLE IN MOURNING
The announcement on the death of Hitler which preceded a proclamation by Admiral 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 Germany. On April 30, the Fuehrer appointed Grand Admiral Doenitz as his successor. Our new Fuehrer will speak to the German people.”
Then followed a radio talk to the German people by Doenitz. He said: “German men and women, soldiers of the German Wehrmacht: Our Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler, has fallen.
“German people, bow in deepest mourning and veneration.
“Adolf Hitler recognised beforehand the terrible danger of Bolshevism 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 to the German people. His battle against the Bolshevik flood benefitted 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 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. Britons and the 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.
The announcement of Hitler’s death was preceded by the playing of solemn Wagnerian music, including “the twilight of the gods”. Then came: “Achtung, achtung, in a few moments you will hear a serious and important message to the German people. We are now going to play the slow movement of Bruckner’s Seventh Symphony”. Finally came the report of Hitler’s death.
All this time the southern German Radio network went on broadcasting light music.
The last German reference to Hitler was in today’s German communique which said: “In the heart of Berlin, the gallant garrison gathered round the Fuehrer and herded together in a very narrow space, is defending itself heroically.”
Himmler, who is reputed to have been in complete control of Germany since the attempt on Hitler’s life last July, was said to have told Count Bernadotte that Hitler was dying of cerebral haemorrhage.
Lieutenant-General Kurt Dittmar, German High Command spokesman, who surrendered on Wednesday in Magdeburg told his captors that Hitler had refused to leave Berlin declaring that he would die there.
HITLER’S NOMINEES OF SEPT. 1, 1939
In the event of his death, Hitler, on the historic date of September 1, 1939, before leaving Berlin “for an undisclosed destination” – the Polish front – appointed Reichs Marshal Hermann Goering as his successor. If Goering was not available, Rudolf Hess, the Fuehrer’s Deputy, was to have succeeded.
Hess is now in a mental asylum in England. Goering’s fate is unknown but the recent announcement of his resignation from the Luftwaffe command makes it clear that he is no longer “available”.
Admiral Doenitz, German Naval Commander-in-Chief, is the man who launched U-boat warfare against the Allies’ Atlantic life-line.
Edtorial: Death of Hitler
With the death of Hitler, announced by Berlin Radio, there passes from the world’s stage its most destructive genius responsible for a far larger measure of human suffering and distress than can be attributed to any other man. Appalled by the spectacle of the misery that he caused, critics have drawn liberally on the vocabulary of denunciation and held him up for detestation as a gangster, incendiary, criminal and murderer. That he deserved all that he got is indisputable. Yet, to allow the mind to be diverted in wrath to the volume of misdeeds attributable to Hitler as a personality would be to miss the significance of his life and career as a phenomenon. A phenomenon should be contemplated with scientific detachment and impersonal calm if it is to be turned into account to provide serviceable lessons for future guidance. This is the right way to study Hitler.
He was not born to any mission. Napoleon was, in Laski’s phrase, the residuary legatee of a revolution. He was the missionary of an idea. But Hitler had no idea to propagate except hatred of a civilization in which he failed. He was a product of the Versailles debacle. If not he, someone else would have risen in his place to give shape and form to the forces let loose in Germany by the thoughtless peace treaty that brought the last war to a close. All that Hitler has cost humanity would be wasted if the significance of his emergence to power and the terror of the dictatorship he wielded should be lost now on the shapers of the peace to come at the close of the present war.
With the terrible weapon of blockade in their hands the victors of Versailles assisted in the birth of a Germany which had no chance of survival. They were not prepared to see a workers’ republic established in Germany. The Weimar republic was a pale replica of the 18th century State isolated from the spirit of the two great revolutions that convulsed Europe in the interregnum, though it had at its disposal the highest power of modern technology. It was confronted by a middle class reduced to penury by inflation and a vast proletarian mass subjected to continual unemployment, to neither of whom it could render any succour within the framework of capitalist economy. Big business, civil and military officials, the petite bourgeois, manual workers, all hated it, because to all of them alike it held forth no hopes of redemption from the depressing conditions of the intolerably impoverished post-war economy of the nation.
Hitler appeared on the scene of German politics as “the condottiere of big business”. In the evolution of his rise as an agent of big business to supreme control of the State is illustrated, in one of its aspects, the essence of Fascism. Fascism is the outcome of capitalism in decay. It is the retort of the propertied interests to a democracy that seeks to transcend the traditional systems of production in a capitalist society. The condottiere who starts with obliging big business by destroying the essential mechanism of working class defence, soon loses interest in a mere restoration of the classic outlines of capitalism and seizes for himself the central power over the State. A passionate desire to remain in authority thenceforward becomes the guiding motive of all his actions.
Simultaneously with the pursuit of power, Hitler was able to build up a huge mass movement. The secret of this ability lay in the fact that he promised success and unity to a people rendered miserable by defeat and disunity. He gave people something to do. They responded gratefully without being over-critical of what they were asked to do. He controlled profits in order to prevent anger and envy in the hearts of workers. That being merely negative, he roused hopes of vast imperial conquests which were to bring in grand national benefits to compensate for present sacrifices. With his doctrine of Nordic superiority he gave a turn of glory to his acts. Actually, the doctrine is a figment. Its only value lay in the fact that it could be made to work in Germany. In Italy where Nordic superiority could be turned into no political capital it was the doctrine of Latin genius that was sought to be capitalised for the purposes of the Fascist dictatorship.
While the desperation of defeat drove the German people to look to a hero to take them out of their miseries, Hitler emerged on the political horizon as though expressly fashioned by destiny to fulfil their need. He came to be idolised for the very intensity of his hysterical fanaticism as a nationalist, an apostle of Nordic superiority, and as a hater of the Jews. Of the contradictions of Fascism the most pronounced are that the State ruled by Hitler was industrially and technologically the most advanced in Europe, it was the most ready, and the best equipped for political progress towards a higher civilization, and yet it was its fate to become distinguished as the most reactionary government in the world. Having risen to the highest peak of concentrated power possible in a State, Hitler found himself eventually dependent on developments abroad for survival. The movements that wrought his ruin, that are of universal scope and validity, need to be studied and comprehended, with a view to assimilating the lessons they have to teach, before they tend to take their fatal turns, by all wise leaders in control of the affairs of other States whom the changing wheel of Fortune might have brought to top positions of power and influence at the moment. Hitlerism is more important than Hitler. And Hitlerism is not peculiar to Germany. It is a disease of the soul to which the power-intoxicated are most prone. The victors of Hitler have the greatest need of vigilance for safeguarding themselves against Hitlerism after having, with so much effort and at the cost of so many lives, brought Hitler to his doom.