Archive of historic teletype documents chronicling the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the end of World War II, comprising approximately 85 pages, dating to the summer and fall of 1945. The teletypes are on brittle teleprinter paper and in overall good condition, with numerous chips, tears, and splits to folds. Additionally includes the original Teletype Model 15, with its stand, on which these were printed; the bracket below the keyboard and the paper spool's spindle are both broken. The consignor notes that the set—the teletypes and the machine itself—came from WWL Radio in New Orleans. Between the fascinating real-time accounts of some of the most historic moments of the 20th century, and the machinery that made the instant, worldwide dissemination of that news possible, this is an intriguing archive that connects history with technology.
The archive begins with news of the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 12, 1945, including:
News of FDR's death and Truman's inauguration: "Franklin D. Roosevelt died this afternoon at 4:35 P.M. Eastern War Time and at 7:08 P.M Harry S. Truman was sworn in as the new President of the United States. The Oath was administered to Mr. Truman, the nation's 32nd chief executive, by Chief Justice Harlan Stone in a brief ceremony in the Cabinet Room of the White House...President Roosevelt had pledged his life to the downfall of Adolf Hitler. And American tanks are carrying the pledge of their late commander-in-chief nearer to fulfillment tonight. Armored units of the American Ninth Army are rolling down a superhighway over the last 50 miles to Berlin. The last report from the fast-moving columns placed the Americans within 49 miles of the Nazi capital." Further news of action in Europe, reactions to Roosevelt's death, and reporting on Truman's swearing-in.
More coverage of Truman's first day as president: "It is hard to believe... it is almost impossible to believe... Franklin Delano Roosevelt is dead. America—and the Allied world—tonight mourns the man who helped devise the Allied offensive that has brought Germany to her knees, that has stamped the print of defeat on Japan...Harry Truman of Independence, Missouri, became the 32nd man to become president. And President Truman—visibly shaken by the death of one of the world's truly great leaders—pledged prosecution of the war to a successful conclusion. In his first official pronouncement, Mr. Truman declared— 'The world may be sure that we will prosecute the war on both fronts, east and west, with all the vigor we possess to a successful conclusion.'"
A programming announcement pertaining to the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt: "Since the fateful hour of 549EWT, yesterday, when CBS broadcast the first shocking news of the President's death all entertainment programs on the network's regular schedule have been cancelled...Most of our regular programs will likewise be cancelled this evening to pay homage to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Others will be modified from their regular format in recognition of the nation's great loss."
A programming outline for the broadcast of Roosevelt's funeral services on April 14, 1945: "Here is the procedure which we will follow at the time of the President's funeral services in Washington, DC, at four PM today. The CBS Augmented Symphony Orchestra will start playing the Dead March from Saul by Handel at approx. 355PM...This will be terminated by two minutes of organ music which will conclude with the CBS cue and station identification."
The archive continues with news of the end of World War II, with highlights including:
News of victory in Europe: "Present indications are that official confirmation of European victory will be made approximately nine AM EWT tomorrow and believe that due full news coverage today on circumstances of surrender few additional news developments are likely...Nine to ten AM EWT pickup of Prime Minister Churchill and if available President Truman and Marshal Stalin with other features incident to expected official confirmation of victory, three to three fifteen PM EWT expected speech by King George."
Coverage of the historic 'Jewel Voice Broadcast,' or 'Gyokuon-hoso,' in which Hirohito announced Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945: "It is the first time in Japanese history that the Emperor has spoken directly to his people over the air. The Emperor—the Japanese God—told his people 'Our empire accepts the provisions of the Big Four joint declaration issued at Potsdam for Japan's unconditional surrender.' Baron Suzuki—the Japanese premier who followed Emperor Hirohito over the air...said Japan's war was lost by the American use of the new type bomb—meaning, no doubt, the atomic bomb. That was the first word the people of Japan had received that their's was a lost cause—that the war was lost and admittedly so."
Reporting on President Truman's announcement of the end of the war: "Just 29 minutes after President Truman told the nation—I deem this reply—the Japanese reply—a full acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration with no qualification—a crowd of more than 75-thousand had gathered before the White House. They yelled for the president—we want Harry, we want Harry—until he and the first lady came out to greet them, until he waved back and led them in song...This, said the man from Missouri, the Independence boy who rose to the first position in the land—this is a great day. This is the day we've been looking for since December 1941. This, he added, is the day when fascist and police governments cease to exist in the world. And then, on a note of triumph—this is the day for democracy."
Lengthy reporting on the close of the war: "General MacArthur's men have received the 'cease fire' order as have Admiral Nimitz's seamen. The surrender flash reached the rampaging Third Fleet just as Admiral Halsey's American and British Airmen were getting ready for a new attack on Japan. Halsey dramatically called a halt to the attack. 'The war is over,' he told his men.' But he added—with typical Halsey humor: 'It looks like the war is over. But—if any enemy planes appear—shoot them down in friendly fashion.'"
Further coverage of the surrender: "There has been official speculation, both in London and Washington, that the formal surrender ceremonies will be carried out aboard an American battleship in Tokyo Bay. Some sources say that the Battleship 'Missouri' has been chosen—because it is named for President Truman's home state...It is expected that General MacArthur will be named Allied Supreme Commander in the Pacific—so that he can take over the task of occupying Japan...Meanwhile the Tokyo Radio is continuing its day of wailing and lamentations. Among other things, it has broadcast what appears to be a message from Emperor Hirohito to his people."
A report on Japan's surrender, ending World War II: "Official announcement of Japan's capitulation climaxed a ten-day drama as tense as any the world has ever known. Following two atomic bombings and Russia's declaration of war, the enemy sued for peace on Friday...The Japanese reply to the unconditional surrender ultimatum finally was sent out yesterday....In breaking the news to a White House press room jammed with 200 newsmen, President Truman revealed that General MacArthur has been named the Allied Supreme Commander to accept the formal Japanese surrender. And he said that officially, V-J Day would not be proclaimed until after that signing ceremony takes place."
A report on the jubilant celebrations throughout the United States on news of the surrender: "From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the bayous of the Gulf, and from the largest cities to the smallest towns, the celebrants last night spontaneously decked the streets within second after the official news of the Japanese surrender...In Atlanta, almost the entire city seems to have taken the day off. Even downtown eating places are closed...And a United Press correspondent in Jacksonville, Florida, has reported a celebration that was a policeman's dream. Says the U-P reporter—'The streets are cluttered with everything from paper to pillow feathers this morning. But the police happily report no traffic injuries, no accidents, no vandalism, no fight injuries, and no murders.'"
The text of the instrument of surrender signed by Japan aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945, in part: "Aboard the USS Missouri, Tokyo Bay—following is the official text of the proclamation by the Emperor of Japan issued by the orders of the Supreme Allied Commander: 'Accepting the terms set forth in the declaration issued by the heads of the government of the United States, Great Britain and China on July 26th, 1945, at Potsdam, and subsequently adhered to by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, I have commanded the Japanese Imperial Government and the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters to sign on my behalf the instrument of surrender presented by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers and to issue general orders to the military and naval forces in accordance with the direction of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Forces. I command all my people forthwith to cease hostilities, to lay down their arms and faithfully to carry out all the provisions of this instrument of surrender." Also included is real-time coverage of the signing ceremony.
An excerpt from General MacArthur's broadcast from Tokyo Bay, on his vision for the future of Japan: "The energy of the Japanese race, if properly directed, will enable expansion vertically rather than horizontally. If the talents of the race are turned into constructive channels, the county can lift itself from its present deplorable state into a position of dignity... In the Philippines, America has evolved a model for this new free world of Asia. In the Philippines, America has demonstrated that peoples of the East and peoples of the West may walk side by side in mutual respect and with mutual benefit. The history of our sovereignty there has now the full confidence of the East. And so, my fellow countrymen, today I report to you that your sons and daughters have served you well and faithfully with the calm, deliberate, determined fighting spirit of the American soldier and sailor, based upon a tradition of historical truth as against the fanaticism of an enemy supported only by mythological fiction. Their spiritual strength and power has brought us through to victory. They are homeward bound. Take care of them."
An excerpt from Admiral Nimitz's remarks from Tokyo Bay: "On board all naval vessels at sea and in port, and at our many island bases in the Pacific, there is rejoicing and thanksgiving. The long and bitter struggle, which Japan started so treacherously on the seventh of December 1941 is at an end."
Further reports on the Japanese surrender: "In the Japanese capital, Emperor Hirohito—and Jap Imperial Headquarters—issued their first order under Allied rule. The decree enjoined the people to follow the instrument of surrender to the letter. As a grim postscript to the war—Washington last night released the latest figures of American casualties in the Pacific fighting. They total 277-thousand—not counting prisoners of war. Eighty-two thousand of these were killed, 165-thousand wounded. and 29-thousand are missing. in Chungking yesterday, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek's government announced that the American-trained Chinese First Army has freed Canton after a seven-year occupation, more than a million of the city's inhabitants wildly cheered the liberators as they marched."
Reporting on World War II innovations in weaponry: "The atomic bomb was the most sensational—and most effective—weapon developed in this war. But before the atomic bomb, there was another secret weapon which gave the Allies victories in the dark hours when they couldn't afford defeats. That weapon was radar—which means 'Radio Detecting and Ranging.' It turned the tide in the Battle of Britain, fending off the Nazi blitz. It won the Battle of the Atlantic against the German submarine. It made possible constant precision blasting of German industries. It enabled United States ships and planes to hit the Japanese Navy in fog and darkness."
Additionally includes: a Western Union telegram from September 1, 1945 announcing that "CBS will carry surrender ceremonies and talks by President Truman, General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz tonight...Suggest you monitor all CBS news programs for further details"; four CBS News bulletin packets regarding the station's coverage of FDR's death, reporting on Truman's V-J Day speech, and other WWII-related subjects; an NBC booklet entitled "H-Hour, 1944"; and a booklet entitled "Radio Stations Using INS First on Air: News of the Death of President Roosevelt Reached the World First over International News Service Wires," discussing the role of the International News Service in disseminating the death of FDR worldwide.
