NAZI PARTY’S END

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22605, 9 May 1945, Page 4

NAZI PARTY’S END

SEPARATION FROM STATE DOENITZ’ DECLARATION ‘FOUNDATIONS HAVE GONE’ (United Press Assn—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received May 9, 11 a.m.) LONDON, May 8 Admiral Doenitz, broadcasting to the German people from Flensburg, said:— “At 11 o’clock tonight (presumably Central European time) all weapons will be silent. The Nazi Party has left the scene of operations. There is no longer unity between the German State and the Nazi Party. The foundations on which the German Reich were built have gone.” Doenitz recalled that in his speech to the German people a week ago he promised to help them in their distress. He said this morning: “I do not know if I shall be in a position to do so.”

He added: “I shall not remain in office one hour longer than is compatible with the dignity of the Reich.”

“Impossible To Carry On”

Doenitz said that when he took over from Hitler it was impossible to carry on the struggle. He believed his first task was to save the life of the German people. Therefore during the night of May 6-7 he gave the order to arrange for unconditional surrender.

“I pledged myself to alleviate as far as possible the fate of the German people,” he said, '‘but the power lies with the occupying authorities. It depends on them whether I and the Reich Government formed by me continue in office or not. Duty keeps me at my difficult post. I am not remaining an hour more than is necessary.”

Doenitz, who concluded with an appeal for unity, spoke slowly and solemnly throughout the broadcast, which lasted five minutes. The German Reich ceases its legal existence at midnight tonight and its Government ceases

to function, says Reuter's military correspon ient. Germany and her Government will become subjugated and conquered and occupied without further independent existence.

All German leaders are now in the same category as war prisoners. All German property, possessions and credits in foreign countries are automatically transferred to the account of the Central Allied Control Commission, which begins to function immediately. There is no armistice as in 1918. Therefore from midnight the whole German manpower, military and private property are at the disposal 6f the Allies.