RUSSIANS HEAR THE NEWS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 109, 10 May 1945, Page 5

RUSSIANS HEAR THE NEWS

VICTORY BRINGS JOY TO NATION

Stalin Broadcasts "GLORY TO RED ARMY AND OUR WAR HEROES" N.Z.P.A. and 8.0.W. —Copyright—Rec. 2 p.m. LONDON, May 9. The news of victory came to Moscow sis a complete surprise at 1.10 a.m. to-day, but a few minutes after Marshal Stalin's message announcing victory was read over Moscow radio half the people of the capital seemed to be thronging into the streets, report agency correspondents. People cried openly, while some fell on their knees in thanksgiving and embraced one another. For Russia, alone among the Great Powers, the war was over. Russia is not committed to fight the Japanese. Marshal Stalin in his broadcast over Moscow radio declared: "Comrades and fellow countrymen, Fascist Germany has accepted unconditional surrender, having been put into that condition by the Red Army and our Allies. The final act of capitulation ha? been signed by us and our Allies in Berlin. This is no piece of paper. It is the real thing. Now we can say with full foundation, ' This is the day of complete victory. All the sufferings and trials of our people in defence of our Motherland were not in vain.' "Hitler three years ago stated, 'We shall destroy Russia. 7 But that was three years ago. It is Germany that has been completely destroyed. The great patriotic war has ended in complete victory. "Glory to our Red Army which is the defender of the independence of our great Motherland! Glory to our great people! Eternal glory to the heroes who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of our Motherland!" , As the news of victory spread, children dashed from house to house shouting, "Victory! Victory! Wake up!" Thousands of people were in the streets until 2.30 a.m., singing and walking arm in arm wherever fancy took them. Excited women hugged soldiers and smothered them with kisses. The Soviet President, M. Kalinin, proclaimed a public holiday, and flags began to appear on buildings heralding the day of rejoicing. The Patriarch of Moscow, Patriarch Alexei, has ordered special services to be held throughout Russia. BRITISH AND U.S. OFFICERS HAILED BY DEMONSTRATORS Hie Russians have really let themselves go, reports the Moscow correspondent of the British United Press. Moscow has never seen a- celebration like that which is at present going on. The crowds last night abandoned all reserve, went mad and mobbed cars carrying British and American officers, hoisted the occupants out and tossed them high into the air. The officers at last were lowered to the ground, where they joined hands and formed huge rings. The Russians danced around singing national songs. British officers broke out with "Tipperary" and the crowd enthusiastically roared approval. Great cheering crowds gathered in front of the British and Allied Embassies and rockets lit up the sky as the celebrations became intensified to fever pitch—and the real show has yet to come. Newspapers, appearing hours after the usual times for publication, splashed the news of the capitulation of Germany across their front pages in a massive kind of type never previously used. The newspaper Pravda headline was: "Hitlerite Germany Is Smashed." Moscow to-night is firing a colossal salute of 30 salvoes from 1000 guns for victory. Throughout to-day Moscow radio has broadcast a programme entirely devoted to Victory Day, which is now being celebrated throughout the Soviet Union. Several reports give a vivid impression of the celebrations in all of the big cities, where the people are dancing in the streets. In a great number of industrial establishments victory meetings have been held. Mrs. Churchill, who has been visiting Russian hospitals in connection with the British Aid to Russia Fund, last night broadcast in Moscow a message from Mr. Churchill to the Russian people. "It is my firm belief," the Prime Minister's message stated, "that on the friendship of Britain and Russia the future of the world depends."