The Northern Advocate “NORTHLAND FIRST” Registered for transmission through the Post as a Newspaper. MONDAY, MAY 7, 1945. WAR IN EUROPE HAS ENDED?

Northern Advocate, 7 May 1945, Page 2

The Northern Advocate “NORTHLAND FIRST” Registered for transmission through the Post as a Newspaper. MONDAY, MAY 7, 1945. WAR IN EUROPE HAS ENDED?

IT is almost a certainty that the present week will bring the news for which the whole world is waiting with keenest anticipation. It is well, therefore, to review recorded last week, which will go down in history as pr<)vidm„ the most dramatic series of announcements m the couise of th ar *Last week’s reports prepared the world for news which he who runs may read today: that war m Europe has appa ently •mded with the unconditional surrender of Germany to Lntam, the United States and Russia,the surrender including the German forces in Norway and in Atlantic ports where enemy gan isons had continued to hold out. ; ~ Though this momentous information is suggestive,, theie must yet be made the official declaration of victory. This will be done simultaneously by the leaders of Biitam, the Unite States and Russia. The news published today is sufficient to allow preparations for thanksgiving celebrations to be completed. Clearly the circumstances under which the wai against Germany has ended will rob V-E Day celebrations of the spontaneous manifestations of joy that followed the sudden stoppage of the first World War in 1918. That, however, may be a blessing Last week was indeed a tremendous week. It was full of comfort and satisfaction to writers who during more than five dreadful years, have been doing tneir best, consistently with appreciation of facts, to cheer their readers and inspire confidence that in spite of sombre clouds darkening the sky, theie would dawn a day revealing a prostrated Germany surrendering unconditionally to the armies of the United Nations. . Though the finishing touches are supplied today, m the suggestion that war in Europe has ended, so far, at any 1 ate, as the defeat of Germany is concerned, last weeks news reflected, to all intents and purposes, the unconditional surrender o± UGI indescribably chaotic'conditions in surrendered Germany create tremendous problems-for the United Nations, who, however, have long since prepared the ground work of plans to succour those in need. As in the case of first aid to the liijuied the most important and most pressing obligation is to stop the bleeding in order that further curative treatment may follow go it will be necessary for the United Nations to apply first aid •o the stricken people released from Nazi occupied countries and from slavery in Germany itself. Then, of course, there is the succouring of enemy nationals, however little some ot them may deserve it. . ~ There is required little imagination to sense the relief which the ending of the war will inspire in millions of breasts. What 'he future may have in store will not concern them at the moment. After more than five years of slavery and horror, millions will be breathing freely. Hope will be stirring m their hearts. The sun is rising. The mists are dispersing. There is for the emancipated a hope that the new day will bring new life to them. „ , „ What of those who brought the horrors of war to Europe . Last week’s news provided the answer. The end of Mussolini, executed by a representative of his own nation, makes an unforgettable picture. That ne deserved the fate which befell him none will gainsay. Yet the mutilation and desecration of his corpse constituted an abomination of which all decent Italians will be ashamed down through the years to. come. However, the ignominous execution of a scoundrel has saved the United Nations from the necessity of performing a dirty operation. The arch-criminal, Hitler, author of the hideous tragedy shared by the whole world, figured in the dramatic news of the past week. According to reports, he was killed by a shell when fighting in Berlin. Whether this a true version of the manner of his death, or whether he died as the result of a “stroke, as stated by the abhorrent Himmler, matters not. If he is really dead, the world is a cleaner and a healthier place. Of Goebbels, whose death was also announced, the same may be said. Though they may have passed beyond the power of . men to inflict punishment, their fate recalls the words: “ ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay’, saith the Lord.”