NIGHT SUMMONS

Evening Star, Issue 25472, 1 May 1945, Page 5

NIGHT SUMMONS

BRITISH CABINET GALLED DECISIVE DEVELOPMENT EXPECTED EARLY HITLER'S BID FOR IMMUNITY (Rec. 12.40 p.m.) LONDON, April SO. Mr Churchill summoned the members of the War Cabinet at a late hour tonight to discuss the latest developments in the German situation. This followed a long talk between Mr Churchill and Mr Eden by transatlantic telephone: It is believed that Mr Churchill is also in communication with President Truman" and Marshal Stalin.

The .'Daily Express's' political correspondent says it is emphasised in the highest Government quarters that the situation is now so fluid that a decisive development is

possible at any hour. Count Bernadotte is expected back at Stockholm to-morrow after a full day's talks to-day at an ancient castle outside the Danish town of Rabenraa.

Meantime, the Continent has been seething with rumours, all without foundation.

The 'Daily Mail's ' Stockholm correspondent spoke to Bernadotte personally by telephone. Bernadotte was asked if he could throw any further light on the peace proposals. He re-, plied: "Not-at this stage." Asked if he was bringing back another offer from Himmler, Bernadotte replied: "I am afraid I cannot answer that question until I reach Stockholm. Tam returning to-morrow."

Late to-day the usually reliable Danish Press service issued a statement in Stockholm saying it. was learned that Himmler and Bernadotte met at Rabenraa yes* terday afternoon, and the negotiations lasted all day. It was understood that they were continuing today. Whatever the position is, it is known that Himmler and Bernadotte are still at Rabenraa.

The Associated Press Stockholm correspondent states that the American and British Ministers there both mado lengthy calls on the Swedish Foreign, Office to-day. The ' Daily Express's ' Malnio correspondent mentions a mystery. Three Swedish Government officers who arrived at Malmo overnight chartered a special plane and flew to Denmark. The plane was guarded by Swedish police. Reporters were not allowed to get near the officials.

Hamburg radio, which is the last of the Germans' main stations, repeated to-night that the war might end to-morrow, but to 8.30 p.m. to-day made no reference to peace negotiations. The station, however, told ships to tune into Hamburg to-morrow morning in case there was a special message.

German post offices have also, been told to hold incoming letters and forward them later if the possibility arose.

There is no question of Himmler and other Nazi high-ups being given any sort of immunity, says the ' Daily Express's ' political correspondent, who adds: " Contrary to expectations, Himmler does not appear to have made any firm demand of this kind, but I can reveal that some time ago he did, through a neutral intermediary, propose that he and about 300 top Nazis should be allowed to escape and be guaranteed against criminal action as the price, of better treatment for Allied war prisoners. This proposal was ignored, and nothing more was heard of it."