Heinrich Himmler: Eleven Telex Reports on Himmler Surrender Negotiation April 28–29, 1945
Various: Associated Press, 1945. Original documents. Loose leaf. Historic lot of eleven telex dispatches on seven pages, conveying the tumultuous international atmosphere of the last days before the unconditional German surrender on May 8, 1945. The telexes were sent from various AP offices: London, Moscow, Stockholm, New York, and others, and contain reports on events during the last few days of the European campaign of World War II., specifically April 28–29, 1945.
Of primary interest are the accounts of Himmler's attempts to negotiate a separate surrenders with the USA and Britain under the aegis of the Swedish Count Bernadotte highlighting a number of pertinent issues elucidating the situation:
a) the initial refusal of the American government to comment on the offer, and its subsequent insistence on an unconditional surrender, including Russia.
b) Himmler's offer of Jewish lives in trade and his claim that surrender would cause Hitler's nervous collapse and death.
c) a report claiming Hitler having a cerebral hemorrhage
d) detailed report describing Russian advances in and around Berlin, including the Chancellery.
e) a lengthy narrative on massive German surrenders, the approach upon the Reichstag, etc.
f) a report claiming that the "Nazi overlords" were being led in battle personally by Hitler himself.
Page 1,Telex 1. Montreal, no date. Brief report depicting the atmosphere in Canada relating to the end of the war.
Page 1,Telex 2. Lead Bernadotte, Stockholm, April 28-(AP)- "Heinrich Himmler, German Gestapo Chief [Himmler was the Reichsführer of the SS], sent a Surrender Offer to Britain and the United States through Count Folke Bernadotte, Vice-Chairman of the Swedish Red Cross, the Stockholm Newspaper per Dagens Nyheter..." with Bernadotte leaving Stockholm on the same day officially "in connection with Red Cross work," but speculations were, he might carry and Allied Answer to Capitulation offer. The Telex contains further speculations on the circumstances relating to the surrender offer.
Page 2, Telex 3: New York, April 28-(AP)- Soviet TASS News Agency confirms Himmler's surrender offer to the USA and Britain, including text of Broadcast: "On April 28 Reuters issued a statement published by the offices of the British Foreign Minister stating that Himmler has declared that Germany is ready to surrender unconditionally to Britain and the United States of America... The United States declared that they will accept the offer of unconditional surrender only when it has been made to all the allies, including the Soviet Union."
Page 2, Telex 4: San Francisco, April 28-(AP)- During the United Nations Conference in San Francisco a member of the American delegation said "...Germany's surrender-- "Without any strings"-- is expected "Momentarily." - A statement for use by the press is prepared. This was confirmed by another American official while other American officials and members of other delegations declined comment.
Page 3, Telex 5: San Francisco, no date (April 28), Senator Tom Connally, Texas, adds that his information is that the surrender offer originated with Himmler on behalf of Hitler. When the news reached the San Francisco Opera House during the Fourth Plenary Session of the United Nations Conference, the delegates broke out into cheering. The Telex includes information on V. M. Molotov (USSR), Jose Serrato (Uruguay), President Truman, including the demand that an unconditional surrender, including to Russia, was demanded.
Page 4, Telex 6: "Add London Eisenhower XX Surrender." Describing circumstances to the Churchill declaration in Telex 7.
Page 4, Telex 7. London, April 28-(AP)- Churchill declaration on Himmler's offer and various other confirming posts from San Francisco, Washington, Munich, Stockholm Svenska Dagblatt, including speculations on the situation between Himmler and Hitler.
Page 5, Telex 8: Nite Lead Cussian by Richard Kasischke. London, Sunday, April 29-(AP)- Detailed report on Red Army capturing center of Berlin with facts and speculations regarding the Soviet army advance, and the German resistance in and around Berlin. Soviet armies taking a final stranglehold of Berlin while German army retreats into a 25-square mile shell-raked pocket in the city center. Paris radio report of the occupation of the Reichstag, adding that the end of German resistance in the capitol is imminent. Soviet forces advance in Mecklenburg establishing an 81-mile front, and First White Russian and Ukrainian armies join in Berlin. 13,000 German troops surrender in Berlin while an additional 14,000 German troops were taken prisoner in a giant trap Southeast of Berlin. German radio reports that the final battle for Berlin has begun. Zhukov's troops capture Moabit and Charlottenburg, three mile away of the Brandenburg Gate. Ukrainian Marshal Ivan S. Konev's troops push through Grunewald and join with Zhukov's forces on the south bank of the Spree while the German High Command still claims that reinforcements and supplies are being dropped by air. Contains instructions for AP office procedures at end.
Page 6, Telex 9: By Eddy Gilmore. Moscow, Sunday, April 29-(AP)- Describing the final stage of the battle for Berlin with "white glare" from hundreds of Russian searchlights in the center of the capital. Mass surrenders are sweeping the thinning ranks of German troops and reports are reaching Moscow telling of the desire of most of "the once-fanatical garrison" to end the suicidal fight. Russians pour tons of projectiles from mortars and artillery into the mass of humanity jammed in a Red Army trap. Marshal Gregory K. Zhukov's troops one mile away of the famous boulevard Unter den Linden and the Tiergarten.
Page 7, Telex 10: "POL Oakland at Portland, Postponed, Wet Grounds."
Page 7, Telex 11: By James M. Long. Paris, Sunday, April 29-(AP)- American Armies within 22 miles of Munich, cradle of Nazidom. Exchange between President Truman and General Eisenhower, announcing that reports of "unconditional surrender" of Germany was unfounded. Senator Tom Connally (D-Tex) asserted at the San Francisco Conference that the German surrender was expected "Hourly."
Few pencil markings and smudges, page three with light creasing, chip and small closed tear, not affecting text. Very good condition. Item #47080
Price: $950.00