HITLER’S COUNCIL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 145, 2 April 1945, Page 3

HITLER’S COUNCIL.

“CONTROL OF ARMIES LOST.” REPORTS BY NEUTRALS. LONDON, March 3.1. "Hitler, at his headquarters yesterday, held a, council of war, which lasted until early .this morning (Saturday), but the final result was not reported, according to reports reaching Stockholm from Zurich,” said the Exchange Telegragh correspondent at Stockholm. “The newspaper ‘Tidningen.’ however, says that the German High Command, at a council ol war yesterday, hold at Hitler’s headquarters, declared that continuation ol 1 lie war was impossible lor Germany.

“The German High Command, according to Ibis report, said lliat the German troops in the west were not

under control. Officers and members of the Volksslurm were capitulating without attempting to light. Stocks of petrol were exhausted and (here was not sufficient, food for the troops. The same signs of disintegnd ion could be expected when ilh- Russian ofieusive opened. “German Army commanders said

they were prepared to negotiate for an armistice if the Nazi Governmenl withdrew.” L

The Exchange Telegragh correspondent in Zurich, giving a further account of (he German council of war.

said: “Berlin reports say that neither Kesselring nor Goering was present. Even Hitler realised that he had played his last card, and Ilmt the war was lost. Nazi Parly leaders were informed by Ihe High Command that control of the armies on the Western Front had been lost, and that further organised strategical or tactical wariare could not be conducted. “Hitler faced up to Ihe fact. 1 hat ihe High Command possessed no means to deal with the overwhelming Allied assault. The party realised Ihat even the most drastic measures could not cope with mass desertions and defeatism, extending to the highest military ranks. “All gauleiters, with their families, are now moving to the Nazi fortress in Bavaria. “The general, opinion al the council was that the war would end in less than three weeks. Hitler is said to have told the council that lie was prepared to give up the sole leadership and to'form a, Fuhrer’s Ctmncil headed by Kesselring, Hitler, and Schoener, with Himmler, Goering, and Admiral Doenitz as members. “Hitler is reported to have told the generals that they could negotiate with the Allies while he and Himmler answered for internal order. The generals did not accept the proposal.” The correspondent said: “It is generally believed in Berlin that Kesselring has been deprived of bis rank. There have been rumours that lie has com mi t ted s uie ide. ’ ’ The British United Press correspondent at Borne says that the German Minister to Berne (Koch or) lias FIT for ail undisclosed destination.

“Germany is tense Ibis week-end ami Berliners expect Easter to bring

' surprises,’ ” said Reuter’s Stockholm correspondent, quoting Swedish press dispatches from “The German press takes the line that the war will end soon, but implies Unit Ihe end will li ■ a German victory. "German newspapers warn Ihe population Unit increasing numbers of Allied secret agents are operating in Berlin, spreading repoiTs of disaster.” REPORT NOT CONFIRMED. (Roe. 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, March 31. Reuter’s correspondent at Stockholm states that no diced confirmation has reached Stockholm oi reports by the German language radio Atlantic. purporting to he an underground transmitter. Unit Ihe German High Command has decided lo cense 'resistalien unless Hiller and oilier Nazi leaders resign wilhin the noxt •IS hours.

The High Command (according _h> thisreporl) will formally renounce ils leadership over ihe armed lorees and send a message lo all held commanders giving them a free hand t*> surrender if they think lit.

The decision was taken al a council of war reported lo have been held at Hitler’s headquarters al Berchtosgaden on Friday and Saturday, to which all members of the Government, lead-

ing party officials and gauleiters who could lie collected wore summoned. During the session yesterday Hitler maintained his refusal to abdioale and open Ihe way for surrender, although the generals again stressed the impossibility of further resistance. This caused a cleavage between the generals and the parly, after which the High Command decided to force Hitler’s hand by ceasing to oppose the Allied armies if necessary. (Reuter’s, circulating the report, draws attention to the source quoted and the fact that the report is unconfirmed.)