Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume II
438 — The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to the acting Prime Minister of New Zealand1
438
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to the acting Prime Minister of New Zealand1
1 This telegram was repeated to the United Kingdom Delegation at San Francisco.
2 Colonel-General Heinrich von Vietinghoff; commanded 10th Army in Italy, 1943; German Commander-in-Chief South-West.
Hostilities are to cease at 12 noon, GMT, 2 May. President Truman1 has suggested that the announcement of surrender be made first by Field-Marshal Alexander, and instructions have been sent to the latter accordingly. It is important that no publicity whatsoever is permitted until the terms become effective.
1 On the death of President Roosevelt on 12 Apr 1945 Mr. H. S. Truman (Vice-President since 7 Nov 1944) became President of the United States.