(WWI) EISENHOWER, DWIGHT D. Typed document, marked "Confidential," May 7, 1945. Re: end of war
Typed document, marked "Confidential --- Urgent", on ETOUSA [European Theatre of Operations USA] / Staff Message Control / Incoming Classified Message letterhead; May 7, 1945. Pink copy paper, 20 x 27 cm.; two horizontal folds, three vertical creases; light edgewear; else very good. A truly historic message, announcing the end of World War II in Europe. Coming from General Eisenhower himself at SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force), it reads in part: "A representative of the German High Command signed the unconditional surrender of all German land, sea and air forces in Europe to the Allied Expeditionary Force and simultaneously to the Soviet High Command at 0141 hours Central Eurpean Time, 7 May under which all forces will cease active operations at 0001B hours, 9 May. Effective immediately all offensive operations by Allied Expeditionary Force will cease and troops will remain in present position.... No release will be made to the Press pending an announcement by the heads of the three Governments." The order was sent down to all American, British, British Commonwealth, and French forces down to the divisional level; this is copy number ETO IN 36414.
