740.00119 EW/4–2645: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State
7. Reference my 26, April 25. The following message from Marshal Stalin for the President was handed to me at noon today by the Soviet Chargé d’Affaires35 and taken by me immediately to the President:
“I have received your message of April 26.36 Thank you for your information of the intention of Himmler to capitulate on the Western front. I consider your proposed reply to Himmler along the lines of unconditional surrender on all fronts, including the Soviet front, absolutely correct. I ask you to act in the spirit of your proposal, and we, Russians, pledge to continue our attacks against the Germans.
For your information I wish you to know that I have given a similar reply to Premier Churchill who communicated with me on the same question.”
The President immediately sent the following telegram to our Minister in Stockholm:37 [Page 769]
“Replying to your [1528] April 25, 3 A.M., inform Himmler’s agent that the only acceptable terms of surrender by Germany are unconditional surrender on all fronts to the Soviet Government, Great Britain and the United States.
If the above stated terms of surrender are accepted the German Forces should surrender on all fronts at once to the local commanders in the field.
In all theaters where resistance continues the attack of the Allies upon them will be vigorously prosecuted until complete victory is attained.”