Hitler has died in Berlin. This was announced on the German radio last night by Admiral Doenitz, who has been appointed his successor. The news was given to the German people in the following terms:
From the Fuehrer╒s headquarters it is announced that our Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler, this afternoon at his command post in the Reich Chancellery, fighting till his last breath against Bolshevism, fell for Germany. On April 30 the Fuehrer appointed Admiral of the Fleet Doenitz his successor. The Admiral and successor of the Fuehrer will now speak to the German people.
In his speech Admiral Doenitz said:
German men and women, soldiers of the German Wehrmacht, our Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler, has fallen. In deepest sorrow and reverence the German people bows. He recognised the terrible danger of Bolshevism at an early date and dedicated his existence to this struggle. The end of this, his struggle, and of his unswerving straight path of life, is marked by his heroic death in the capital of the Reich.
His life was one single service for Germany. His action in fighting against the Bolshevist springtide was waged beyond that, for Europe and the entire civilised world.
The Fuehrer has appointed me his successor. Conscious of this responsibility I am taking over the leadership of the German people in this grave hour of destiny.
My first task is to save the German people from annihilation by the advancing Bolshevist enemy. The military struggle continues only with this aim. Inasmuch, and as long as, the attainment of this aim is being hindered by the British and the Americans, we shall have to continue to defend ourselves against them as well, and shall have to continue to fight against them. The Anglo-Americans will then continue the war no longer for their own peoples but only to further the spread of Bolshevism in Europe.
