Historically important original "Book Message" purple ink telex document on red "Confidential" SHAEF Forward stationery, three pages on two sheets, 8 x 10.5, comprising Supreme Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower's total ceasefire order transmitted at 0410 on May 7, 1945, with its "Confidential" and "Urgent" distribution list, marked as "Copy No. 2." The message was prepared by SHAEF's Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. John Whiteley, and was presented by Whiteley to Maj. Gen. Kenneth Strong, Eisenhower's Chief of Staff for Intelligence, as a souvenir of the historic occasion.
Headed "Ref No: FWD-20801," the historic cable reads, in part: "1. 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 European Time, 7th May under which all forces will cease active operations at 0001B hours 9 May.
2. Effective immediately all offensive operations by Allied Expeditionary Force will cease and troops will remain in present positions. Moves involved in occupational duties will continue. Due to difficulties of communication there may be some delay in similar orders reaching enemy troops so full defensive precautions will be taken.
3. All informed down to and including Divisions, Tactical Air Commands and Groups, Base Sections, and equivalent. No release will be made to the press pending an announcement by the heads of the three governments." The second sheet contains the double-sided distribution list, listing the recipients of the important notice. In fine condition, with scattered small stains. Accompanied by a photocopy of the message, signed twice in ballpoint by its recipient, "Kenneth Strong, Major General."
The present message was the fourth and final one sent by Eisenhower after the German surrender, which had been signed in Reims at 0241 hours. It was, however, arguably the most significant—the first three were addressed to American and British chiefs of staff, briefly confirming the fulfillment of their mission and encouraging the coordination of a tri-government announcement. This dispatch, Eisenhower's fourth message, represents the first announcement of the end of the war made to the three million soldiers still serving as part of the Allied Expeditionary Force. As the notice of the war's end directed to the troops under his command, it is of the utmost historical significance.
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