OFFICIAL DENIALS

Evening Star, Issue 25471, 30 April 1945, Page 6

OFFICIAL DENIALS

REPORT OF GERMAN SURRENDER PEACE OFFER BY HIIKMLER TO BRITAIN AND AMERICA LONDON, April 28.' A statement from No. 10 Downing Street says: " It has been recorded by Renter's that unconditional surrender was ottered by Himmler to Britain and the United States only, and, further, that Britain and America have replied saying they will not' accept unconditional surrender except on behalf of all the Allies, including Russia. No doubt at a time like this all kinds of reports of proposals for German surrender from various parts of-the Reich are rife, as these are in harmony with the enemy's desperate situation. His Majesty's Government has no information to give about any of them at this moment, but it must be emphasised that only unconditional surrender to the three major Powers will be entertained, and that the closest accord prevails between these three Powers. The ' New York Times ' Washington correspondent learns from authoritative sources that a move was made by a group of highly placed Nazis, acting without Hitler's authority, but with the backing of the German High Command. The step was taken because of the realisation by a party of the Nazi hierarchy that the Reich is beaten beyond all hope. They see Germany being ground into the dust. The peace move means a wholesale split in the Nazi hierarchy, because some partv fanatics follow'the Hitlerian line that utter chaos is preferable to surrender. Marshal Stalin has been fullv apprised of all developments. A NAZI TRICK. According to the Press Association's diplomatic correspondent Himmler's surrender offer is clearly a Nazi trick, and a crude attempt, long after the clock has struck 12, to sow dissension among the Allies. Even if the ruse were not so obvious, Britain is solemnly pledged to Russia under the terms of the Anglo-Soviet agreement not to conclude a separate peace. Himmler has been given a number of additional duties and powers recently, but unconditional surrender is acceptable only from the German High Command, and only if made to the three Allies. It may be, however, that i the rumours regarding Hitler's health 'and state of mind are, for once, true, and with Goering dismissed or dead, Goebbels bottled up in Berlin, Himmler, who was last reported somewhere in' the south, is the only remaining German leader in a position to play the final card in the Nazi hand. That card failed before it was played. PRESIDENT TRUMAN'S DENIAL

President Truman announced that the peace rumour was unfounded. He told a Press conference that Admiral Leahy telephoned General Eisenhower, who said the rumour was unfounded. Karly this evening the San Francisco correspondent of the Associated Press said the peace reports came, from officials—the highest among the delegates—who said the Allies delivered an ultimatum calling on the German Government controlled by Himmler to surrender by Tuesday. The terms comprised, first, all the German military forces . remaining in designated areas must not attempt .to leave those areas; secondly. German troops must not leave the areas controlled by Russian forces; thirdly, the German forces must yield up Denmark and Norway; fourthly. Hitler, Goering, and other specified Nazi leaders must be handed immediately to the Allied authorities. Later tfie correspondent explained that Senator T. Connally. chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, was the source of the report. He said his information came from an authoritative quarter. After President Truman's denial Senator Connally told the Associated Press that he expects at any moment the announcement that Germany has surrendered. Mr "Stettinins issued a disclaimer, stating that he was not a party to issuing the false report.