Description:

(GERMAN SURRENDER AT REIMS) GEN. KENNETH STRONG
KENNETH STRONG (1900 – 1982) British major general who earned both British and foreign awards for his service in Eisenhower's Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force and his role in negotiating the surrender of Germany in 1945. Superb content lot of four A.L.S.s and one T.L.S., 13pp. total 8vo., Eastbourne and London, 1971-76, to a collector and historian. Strong writes of events surrounding the surrender of Germany at Reims, May 7, 1945. In small part: '...The meeting between Eisenhower & Jodl was brief & formal...There was no hand-shaking or other recognition. Jodl did not give the Nazi salute...Eisenhower later saluted & left the room...The whole meeting lasted probably less than a minute...one man (Jodl) could sign away the fate of his country...I think Jodl behaved throughout with dignity...tears came to his eyes but they were the tears of a strong man...[Wilhelm] Oxenius was an aide & until Jodl took over I think he did most of the drafting of messages...The negotiations were carried on in private with Jodl...Jodl tried to persuade us that we should have to fight the Russians sooner or later that we should therefore keep as many German troops as intact as possible so that time would be given for for as many Germans to escape capture...Bedell Smith was adamant that the Germans must capitulate...Jodl took it all quite calmly...Jodl was not afraid of meeting General Eisenhower who spoke very firmly to him but I think Jodl expected many concessions...I do not think anyone present felt any sympathy for Jodl or the Germans...I regret that I have no pictures of the event...The ceremony at Reims took about 1/2 hour all told...at Reims Jodl was in charge but at Berlin the head man was Keitel...' Much more. Some letters a little soiled, else near fine.

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June 26, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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