CZECH’S LAST CONFLICT

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 May 1945, Page 2

CZECH’S LAST CONFLICT

STRUGGLE FOR PRAGUE GERMANS TO SURRENDER LONDON, May 8. The patriot-controlled Prague radio says: “The Germans in Prague ana the whole of Bohemia have accepted terms of unconditional surrender. The Germans accepted surrender at 1.30 a.m. (local time) to-day, when their commander ordered all units to cease fire. The German military representative is at present negotiating with, the Czech National Council on details of how to carry out the unconditional surrender. “The Germans had technical difficulties in immediately ordering the cease fire to all their troops and asked both Germans and Czechs to inform German units wherever necesThe Czech commandant of Greater Prague said later that the Germans’ unconditional surrender would take effect at midnight to-night. Hostilities had ceased in many parts of the city following the announcement of the surrender. Some German units had disregarded the orders to observe a truce and were burning, looting and murdering, and he called on Czechs to deal with them. American 3rd Army spearheads were last reported seven miles from Prague, and the Russian forces to the east were 100 miles away last night. The German radio in Prague on Sunday announced that the Germans in Bohemia and Moravia would fight on until the Germans in the east were “saved,” but later the Czech patriot radio said that advice had been received that all hostilities would cease at midnight on Wednesday. “We await further orders,” said the announcer. “You have been promised victory. Here it is. Truth will prevail.” „ The Czech Minister of Foreifn Trade (Mr. Ripka) said in London that by fighting on after a general surrender the Germans had outlawed themselves, and would be dealt with as saboteurs. . FIRES IN PRAGUE LONDON, May 8. All Prague radio stations were m Czech hands since early this morning, reports Reuter’s. The broaacasts indicate that some German military formations have not yel obeyed the cease-fire order, and are still fighting. Several parts ol Prague are burning fiercely. The fiiemen are helpless to approach the fires while pockets of Germans are still holding out. „ ' Reuter reports that all Prague, radio stations have been in Czech hands since early this morning. Broadcasts indicate that some German military formations have not yet obeyed the cease-fire order, and are still fighting. Several parts of Prague are burning fiercely and firemen are helpless to approach fires while pockets of German are still holding out. LATER.

The patriot-controlled Prague radio stated that a cessation of hostilities to-day was ordered by die commander of the German troops in Bohemia and Moravia. FIGHTING NOT ENDED. (Rec. noon) LONDON. May 8. General Patton’s army was rolling across Czechoslovakia when the cease fire was ordered at 8 a.m. to-day. Front line troops four hours later were still unaware of the cease fire, says Reuter’s correspondent with the 3rd Army. Tanks of the 4th Armoured Division, under a radio silence, may be the last to know the, war is over. Likewise the Germans are unaware of the cease fire and are fighting along the road from Pilsen towards Prague and the most southern end of Patton’s 150-mile front, running from Czechoslovakia south towards Austria. Two thousand S.S. troops are battling against the 80th United States Division south-west of Linz. Elsewhere the Germans are surrendering everywhere. They are driving themselves, into the American lines in their own lorries and marching in in columns under the white fla_g.

WITH THE RUSSIANS.

LONDON, May 8.

The correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain at Moscow says: The war is still on as far as the Russians are concerned. This morning Moscow radio led off with a regular army communique and reports of a new war loan.

“Red Star” revealed that in the last two days the Germans requested a two-hour armistice and capitulation terms. The Russians ceased fire, but no German emissaries appeared. A documentary film of the battle for Berlin, made by the Russians, will be released soon. The film, which is 30,000 feet, covers every phase of the battle.

“Izvestia” says: After 80 days of siege Breslau is one of Germany’s most devastated cities. The city began to blaze last February and is still afire. Members of the S.S. throughout the siege shot every German who tried to surrender or break out io the Russian lines. Ten thousand soldiers and civilians perished. The German commander, after the fall of Berlin, gave the men three days’ rations, gathered tanks, and attempted to break through • southwestward to Czechoslovakia. The enemy were worn down by the Russians. The earrison capitulated bj radio unconditionally at 7 a.m. yesierday (Monday) morning. Red Army doctors are - now tending 8090 Gorman wounded found lying m cellars.

LAST CAPTURES

LONDON, May 8

With only five hours to go to cease fire in Europe, Mr. Stalin issued an order of the day announcing the capture by Yeremenko’s troops of the Fourth Ukrainian' Command, of the important rail-junction of Olomouo midway between Ostrava and Brno. Mr. Stalin in a second order of the day to Koniev, stated that Dresden was occupied.

HITLER’S BERLIN HIDE-OUT.

(Rec. 10.40 a.m.) LONDON, Mav 8

While combing the ruins of'Berlin for traces of Hitler and other Nazi leaders, the Russians to-day discovered Hitler’s vast underground headquarters, but it failed to yield up their bodies, reports the Associated Press correspondent at Moscow. The entrance to the hideaway was through a concrete tower "in the courtyard of the Chancellery. The hide-out consisted of several floors, comfortably furnished, and equipped with electric lifts and tunnels connected headquarters with all the Government buildings and exits miles from the Chancellery.