KARL DONITZ(1891 - 1980) German admiral who headed the U-Boat arm of the German Navy, later succeeded Hitler as Fuehrer after Hitler's suicide. A.L.S. in German on personal stationery bearing his title of Grossadmiral (Germany's last naval officer to hold that rank), 1p., oblong 8vo., Aumuhle, October 23, 1973, to a Mr. Ryan, in response to Ryan's request that Donitz autograph a copy of Nazi Germany's 1945 surrender agreement. Boldly signed "Donitz" in blue ink, Donitz relates to Ryan that he did not himself ever sign the original document, as he instructed General Alfred Jodl to sign on his behalf at Reims on May 7, 1945. Moderate middle fold, else fine .