Joplin Globe from Joplin, Missouri • Page 1

THE WEATHER MISSOURI Fair and continued cool high temperatures Tuesday near 60; Wednesday fair and waCJ-mer. KANSAS Partly cloudy and continued cool Tuesday; temperatures near 60; Wednesday partly cloudy and warmer. OKLAHOMA Partly cloudy and continued cool Tuesday; ut temperatures In lower 60's; Wednesday partly cloudy and wann- er. ARKANSAS Partly cloudy Tuesday and Wednesday. change in temperature.

Not much FULL ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS lobe VOL. XLIX. NO. 229. PnMlcMUw 117 EMI Fourth Strut JOPLJN, MISSOURI, TUESDAY MORNING, MAY 8, PAGES.

Final Edition Published ETery Morning Exerpl Itomttj PRICE BIG THREE SCHEDULED TO PROCLAIM VICTORY IN EUROPE AT 8 A. M. TODAY FIGHT RAGES AT PRAGUE; CITYSACKED Tanks, Racing to Aid of Czech Patriots, Reach Suburbs of the Capital. GERMAN TROOPS SHELL HOSPITALS Their Commander, Von Schoerner, Repudiates Capitulation Announced by Admiral Doenitz. BULLETIN.

London, May UP) The Czech-controlled Prague radio announced today that the Germans in Prague and throughout Bohemia have accepted unconditional surrender terms. By ROMNEY WHEELER. London, May partisan- held radio in Prague announced last night that American tanks, racing to the relief of patriots in the Czech- teslovak capital, had smashed into the city's suburbs within four miles of its limits. A partisan leader, identifying himself as the "military commander of Greater Prague, said American staff officers already were in contact with the freedom fighters as the Germans, in a final act of Hitler hoodlumism, burned and sacked the city and shelled its hospitals. Czechoslovakia, innocent pawn in Germany's war against the world, was the last major battleground in Europe where a three-front struggle continued after the Nazis' unconditional surrender.

Russians Move On City. The Germans were fighting on In Czechoslovakia after Nazi General Ferdinand von Schoerner, commander in Bohemia and Mo- repudiated the capitulation by Grand Admiral Doenitz. Russian forces also were reported swiftly sm-ging toward the capital from the east and north. While the patriots battled the Germans in bloody street fighting in Prague, the partisan broadcast announced at 11:30 p. m.

(London time) last night that the advance American tank units "have just passed Rcporyjc." Reporyjc lies four miles southwest of Prague proper. The partisan leader said the patriots were contact with a Cap- a i Russell, representing Major General Elvers of the First American infantry division. The broadcast cited an order of the day, reportedly issued to the First division, which made "it evident beyond any doubt that Germany has capitulated unconditionally to all Allied powers, including the Soviet Union." Earicr reports reaching London said that spearheads of Lieutenant General George S. Patton's Third army were only some 15 miles from Prague. Shortly after midnight, the Ger- lyinn-controlled Flensberg radio acknowledged that "American forces have reached the area west of Prague." The German-controlled radio station in Prague said that Russian forces under Marshal Ivan S.

Konev had entered Bohemia (he north at a point probably 60 to 65 miles north of the capital. Called Guerrillas. Allies, however, apparently Wo longer considered Von Schoerner's army group a legal army. Tr, London, the Czechoslovak minister of foreign frade, Dr. Hubert Ripka, said the Germans still fighting in defiance of the surrender agreement would be regarded as (Continued on Pag9 2) Stores, Schools to Close Following VE-Proclamation Tentative Plans for Joplih Observance Await Official Announcement by President Truman--Churches Plan Services of Prayers and Thanksgiving for Victory--Banks and Wholesale Firms to Suspend Business for Day.

Joplin stores are expected to close today in observance of yesterday's surrender of Germany and the end of the European phase of world war II. An Associated Press dispatch last night said the big three are expected to officially proclaim the close of the European conflict in announcements at 8 o'clock (Joplin time) this morning, and Mark J. Ettinger, chairman of the commercial division of the Chamber of Commerce, said that in accordance with the chamber's previous adopted plan, all stores will close for the day immediately after the formal announcement. They will reopen Wednesday morning. Public Religious Services.

Schools also are to be dismissed for the day, after the official announcement is made, and churches plan to hold public religious observances of thanksgiving during the day. Banks and wholesale firms also will be closed for the observance. All closing plans were withheld pending a presidential announcement, which Ettinger said would signal the VE-day observance. In contrast with November 11,1918, when one of the largest crowds in the history of the city wildly celebrated armistice day, Joplin received the news yesterday morning of the end of the European phase of the present war with outward calm and quiet, realizing that total victory is yet to be won through the defeat of Japan. Due to the official silence in Washington, there was some doubt and confusion here during the day.

"Is it official, yet?" was the most frequently asked question on the streets. Some few establishments were reported to have closed, only to reopen later in the forenoon when others did not close. Employes of some offices and business establishments went home, and then were recalled. Mayor John M. Temples said at the city hall he would not proclaim any official observance in Joplin, unless it should be asked for generally by President Truman, because he feels there should be no public celebration until final victory is won in the Pacific.

Police Chief Henry Vermillion said he would not call out any extra police unless crowds (Continued on page 5) CIVILIANS TO GET MORE GOODS SOON "BROWNOUT" TO BE REVOKED AT ONCE--BOOST IN GASOLINE RATIONS NEAR. JAPANESE PUSHED BACK ON OKINAWA AMERICANS ROOT NIPPONESE FROM CAVES WITH FLAME- THROWING TANKS. Washington, May al machinery will soon be set in motion to restore limited supplies of most goods within six months and a pre-war volume of production in a year. War agency executives kept mum on their plans, awaiting the official proclamation of victory in Europe, but a ferment of activity was discernible behind the scenes. The office of war mobilization and reconversion prepared to issue, within 48 hours after formal announcement of VE-day, a sweeping blueprint of home front plans for reconversion, rationing, manpower, price and wage controls during the period of one-front warfare.

Curfew to End. Its dominant message was expected to be: "Stay on the job for the major war which remains to be fought and won." The "brownout" of unnecessary lighting will be revoked immediately after the presidential announcement of VE-day, the war production board has announced. Other officials indicated the midnight cut-few and the horse racing ban would follow it into the discard jn comparatively short order. WPB meanwhile studied plans to lift its flat ceiling on civilian goods manufacturing. That program went into effect four months ago today, freezing non-military production to (he level of October, November and December.

Every recent WPB statement has indicated, however, that the relaxation of wartime industrial controls will be gradual. For civilians, the transition to an economy, half of war and half of peace, shaped up approximately as follows: Rationing: Gasoline rations for A-card drivers will be boosted, perhaps 50 per cent, within 30 to 90 days after VE-day; tire supplies will improve gradually; all food rationing will continue indefinitely with sugar, meat, fats and oils especially tight in the months just ahead. Retool for Home Needs. Hard goods: All durable goods in- custries--including refrigers tors, washing machines, automobiles and vacuum cleaners--are expected to get the reconversion go-ahead within four to five months after VE-day. The retooling pnd refitting of plants will delay actual production longer, but WPB makes flat (Continued on page 5) Fire plays no favors.

Burgess Guam, May troops, scaling steep cliffs with rope ladders and rooting out entrenched Japanese with flame-throwing tanks, pushed ahead all along the tough southern Okinawa line yesterday. In five weeks- fighting the Yanks have killed 36,535 Japanese, a ratio of 15 for every American slain. Major General Andrew D. Bruce's Seventy-seventh infantry division, In the rugged central sector, threw flame-throwing tanks against Japanese cave positions before the fortress city of Shuri. The doughboys scaled heights with cargo nets and rope ladders.

One Mile From Capital. Major General Pedro A. Del Valle's First marine division, on the west flank, drove to the outskirts of Dakeshi village, about one mile from the capital city of Naha. Major General Archibald V. Arnold's Seventh infantry division registered gains along the east coast, where a deep wedge has been driven.

The American drive began three days ago shattering a Japanese counter-attack in which 3,000 enemy troops were killed. Nimitz reported 36,535 Japanese had been killed in Okinawa ground fighting as of yesterday. This toll is about half of the original Okinawa garrison, estimated at 60,000 to 80,000 men. American casualties up to last Thursday were 2,337 killed, 11,432 wounded and 514 missing. Jap Defenses Knocked Out.

Fleet guns and aircraft gave close support, knocking out numerous blockhouses, pillboxes and oth- er defensive structures. Earlier, the reported silence of Japanese artillery indicated withdrawal of guns to new rear posi- tion. i A neutralizing attack on the Sakishima group of the southern Ryukyu Islands, just northeast of Formosa, was carried out by U. S. carrier planes Sunday.

No details were given as to damage inflicted. Naval search bombers, again sweeping shipping lanes vital to Japan, struck in Korean waters yesterday at masthead level, sinking two good-sized cargo ships and two oilers. In addition, two small freighters were set afire, two other freighters were damaged and a large cargo ship was seen to explode. MILLIONS SURGE THROUGH LONDON, CHEERINGVICTORY Streets Fill Soon After Germany's Surrender Is Announced and Eclipse Those of 1918. VE-PROCLAMATION TO BE ISSUED TODAY CELEBRATE City Deluged With Faper and Ticker Tape--Thousands Offer Prayers of Thanksgiving.

New York, May was a day of days. Long-awaited, eagerly-expected, suddenly realized, it took a few moments to sink in. And then--pop! Off went the lid and New York city swung into a victory celebration that swelled with the passing hours and continued as the night deepened. From a mere 200 persons who were gathered in Times Square when the news of the German surrender was learned, the crowd increased to a police-estimated 20,000 within an hour. At 11 a.

police estimated between 30,000 and 35,000 persons were milling around in the Times Square area. More than 300 extra policemen patrolled the area. Paper and prayers, laughter and tears, jubilance and sobriety marked the city's emotional outlet. Thousands went to church to offer prayers of thanksgiving. Special services were held throughout the day and far into the night.

Other thousands, excited by the news, deluged the city with paper and ticker tape. Servicemen also took part. Work went on as usual in most places but not until after office girls and factory workers, in some instances, had left their posts for a time. Bars and grills and restaurants were filled to capacity and most restaurants -reported' they were out of food, so heavy was the patronage. Police shunted all traffic from the Times Square area.

Work in Government Offices Goes Forward as Usual-a Few Persons Gather Near White House. GERMANS URGED TO RESPECT LAW REICH'S WAR MINISTER SAYS PEACE TERMS WERE HARSH BUT UNAVOIDABLE. King George Congratulates Eisenhower--Bobbies Clear Path for Churchill as Throngs Press Close. London, May London burst into jubilant celebration of the end of the war in Europe today, its millions of happy citizens unable to wait for the government's formal VE-day proclamation tomorrow. When the news was flashed that final, unconditional surrender terms had been signed by the Nazis, millions surged into the streets from Buckingham palace to sedate east end.

Picadilly Circus, the Whitehall and Westminster areas filled with a laughing, shouting throng. Some old-timers said the scenes eclipsed those of the 1918 armistice. The British ministry of information announced that tomorrow would be treated as VE-day in accordance "with arrangements between the three great powers." Prime Minister Churchill will make his formal announcement at 3 p. m. (8 a.

m. Joplin time) and King George will broadcast at 9 p. m. (2 p. m.

Joplin time). To Address Commons. Later it was reported that Churchill would issue the proclamation from his residence at No. 10 Downing street and then go directly to the house of commons for a statement. He will then ask for adjournment to Westminster abbey for a thanksgiving service.

The prime minister appeared briefly on the streets this afternoon, driving to Whitehall with the royal standard fluttering from the radiator of his car. The crowd surged forward in a solid mass, blocking the street. Churchill smiled broadly, raised his black hat, gave his famous sign. It took a dozen bobbies to clear a passage for him. The king tonight congratulated General Eisenhower and his armies on their "complete and crushing victory" in Europe.

"All the "world now knows," he messaged the Allied supreme commander, "that after fierce and continuous warfare this force Allied armies) has accomplished its mission with a finality achieved by no other expedition in history." Gives Victory Luncheon. Churchill, however, got the on his countrymen with a personal victory luncheon at No. 10 Downing street at noon today, the British Press Association reported. Members of his war cabinet and the British chiefs of staff were the guests. The news hit London mid-afternoon and the crowds swelled by the thousands.

Many American soldiers helped lead the cheering. Buckingham palace was a focal point for the celebrators. Englishmen and uniformed men and women of many other United Nations, as well as most of the empire, milled around for hours. Pianos roared overhead. The grenadier guards marched by the palace in resplendent formation.

Flags flew from homes and husi- r.tss establishments and Londoners vore little flags of red, white and Prague radio said the Germans in of whom had been waiting at the London, May Foreign Minister Count Ludwig Schwerin von Krosigke announced Germany's unconditional surrender to his countrymen today and cum- moned them to a new life, guided by respect for internal and international Jaw sc tliat "we may hope the atmosphere of hatred which today surrounds Germany all over the world will give place to a spirit of reconciliation among nations without which the world cannot recover." The foreign minister's announcement, broadcast over the Flensburg radio, followed by a three-minute silence, said that "the high command of the armed forces today, at the order of Gra.nd Admiral Doenitz, declared the unconditional surrender of all fighting German troops." U-Boat Warfare Halted. TO SPEAK THE RADIO TODAY Address, Starting at 8 a. Is Expected to Proclaim Allied Victory Over Germany. CAPITAL GREETS NEWS OF SURRENDER QUIETLY Washington, May Truman made arrangements tonight to make a radio Address at 8 a. m.

(Joplin time) tomorrow, presumably to proclaim the victory over Germany which is already known to be won. A big-three agreement put off the formal announcement of VE-day until it can be proclaimed simultaneously by the major Allies--Britain, Russia and the United States. While this capital greeted news of final Nazi surrender calmly as just another battle won--the biggest yet but not the last--the president stuck so meticulously to the big- three announcement agreement that it was never said in so many words that it is a VE-day speech he will make. Nature Not Disclosed. Asked if that will be its nature, Jonathan Daniels, White House press secretary, told newsmen: "The statement speaks for itself." He referred to a brief announcement given newsmen just after 6 o'clock this evening at the White House where many of them had been waiting all day for official announcement of the final victory over the Nazis.

That statement said: "On the basis of reports now received, the president confidently expects to make an announcement to the nation by radio at 8 o'clock (Joplin time) tomorrow morning. "Unless unforeseen developments cause the president to change his plans, a White House press conference will be called at 7:30 a. m. (Joplin time), at which time the press and radio will be given in confidence the text of the president's radio remarks: VE-Day in London. Earlier London had announced through the ministry of information that tomorrow definitely will be VE-day, but fit that time Mr.

Truman had hail only this to say: "I have agreed with the London And Moscov. governments that I will make iio announcement with reference to surrender of the enemy Nazis Surrender Unconditionally To Allied Powers Germany's Capitulation Takes Place at Eisenhower's Headquarters in Schoolhouse at Reims and Brings to End 5-Year War-Terms Undisclosed Reich Leaders Order Their Forces to Cease. Fighting--Only Resistance in Czechoslovakia. i i i i i 3 i i i i i i i i i I A few hours earlier the Flens- forces Europe or i sewhcre burg radio had broadcast an order of the day from Admiral Doenitz, Adolf Hitler's successor, notifying all U-boats to "cease activity." Von Krosigk, in announcing the surrender of Germany, declared that "after a heroic fight of almost six years of incomparable hardness, Germany has succmbed to the over- town In whelming power of her enemies." The foreign minister mentioned none of these enemies by name and til a simultaneous statement ran be made by the three governments. Until then there is nothing I can or will say to you." The expectation here is that the official Washington announcement? will come at 8 a.

m. (Joplin i the hour set for a broadcast by Prime Minister Churchill from London. The British ministry of information said Churchill will speak at By ALEX SINGLETON. London, May surrendered unconditionally to the Allies today, completing the victory in the European phase of the second world war--the most devastating in history. Prime Minister Churchill will proclaim the historic conquest at 8 a.

m. (Joplin time) tomorrow from 10 Downing street and simultaneous announcements are expected from President Truman in Washington and Premier Stalin in Moscow. Churchill then will report directly to commons and ask for adjournment to Westminster abbey for a service of thanksgiving. The whereabouts of such war criminals as Himmler, Goering, even Hitler himself, although he had been reported dead, were unknown or if they were known they had not been officially announced. Germany's formal capitulation came at 2:41 a (French time) in the Reims red Schoolhouse headquarters of General Eisenhower, supreme commander of the Allies of the west.

The crowning triumph came just five years, eight months and six days after Hitler invaded weak, but proud, Poland and struck the spark which set the world afire. It marked the official end of war in Europe, but it did not silence all the guns, for battles raged on in Czechoslovakia. There, Nazi General Ferdinand Schoerner, who has been designated a war criminal, defied the orders of Grand Admiral Karl Doenitz, successor to the dead or missing Hitler, to lay down arms. there were still some loose ends on British double summer time, the east front, where German com- and King George at 9 p. m.

(2 p. m. manders in Czechoslovakia refused to immediately lay down their arms and fought on against the Russians and Szechs for "free passage out of the country." The German communique--broad- cast after Von Krosigk's statement --said German troops still were fighting the Russians Jn Moravia and Nazi broadcasts over the Joplin time). There was nothing here parallel to the British announcement that tomorrow and the next day will be holidays. Mr.

Truman's statement was issued by Jonathan Daniels, White House press secretary, at a 1:01 p. (Joplin time) news conference with more than 100 reporters, most blue rosettes in i coat lapels. Pubs Are Jammed. But throughout the afternoon, many millions of solemn workers stayed on their jobs. Evening brought a new lift to the festival.

Pubs jammed. Beer flowed by the barrelsfull. Bohemi-Moravia had refused to White House pcctation of for hours momentous in ex- official recognize any terms which included Russia. But according to Von Krosigk, it to a break in the official silence was all over and he said the Doe-; which greeted the news from news. It was the rearest approach I nitz government had performed abroad, "its noblest surrendering Capital to prevent further "senseless blood- I In general the capital took the Many of the American GI's in the shed and a futile disintegration." historic event in much the spirit crowds expressed thoughts of the Von Grosigk pleaded with the of "sober rejoicing" recommended man who directed war effort.

"If only Roosevelt could have lived to see this," said Sergeant Robert Lewis, Poitland, Ind. London newspapers were gobbled up by the newi-hungry throflg, (Continued on page" Zj their nation's German people to "retain their last night by Fred M. Vinson, di- said, "but immediately afterward Nazi Forces to Be Liquidated. But this force--all that remains of what once was the mightiest military machine on earth--faced inevitable liquidation or surrender. Presumably, the victorious powers soon will label these troops guerrilla outlaws, subject to execution unless they yieiu.

The partisan radio in Prague said U. S. staff officers had made contact with the patriots, bringing a message on the unconditional surrender at Reims under which defensive measures could be taken by the Allies Tuesday with all military operations ceasing at midnight Wednesday. The only details of Germany's ignominious end came from Edward Kennedy, chief of the Associated Press staff on the western front, who was the first to flash the word the world had long awaited. His story said: "Germany surrendered unconditionally to the western Allies and Russia at 2:41 (French time) today in the big Reims red Schoolhouse which is the headquarters of General Dwight D.

Eisenhower. "The surrender which brought the war in Europe to a formal end after five years and eight months of bloodshed and destruction was signed for Germany by Colonel General Gustaf (Alfred) Jodl. Jodl is the new chief of staff of the wehrmacht. Signers for Allied Command. "It was signed for the supreme Allied command--the United States and Britain--by Lieutenant General Walter Bedell Smith.

Eisenhower's chief of a for Russia by General Ivnn Susloparov, member of a military mission on the western front, and for France by General Francois Sevez." Thus to the very end did the Allies deny to the Germans their hope of concluding a separate peace. "General Eisenhower was not! present at the signing," KING AND QUEEN OF DELGIUM FREED GERMAN SS TROOPS OVER. POWERED BY AMERICANS IN EFFECTING RESCUE. With the U. S.

Seventh Army, May UP) Leopold III, king of Belgium, and queen have been liberated by the U. Seventh army, it was announced today. The Americans had been told of the whereabouts of the royal Rarty by civilians. With the king and queen were 18 members of their staff and four children. All were in good health.

Elements of the American 160lh cavalry group had to overpower German SS (elite guard) troops in order to make the rescue. Seventh army troops are now closely guarding the royal party. TRUMAN AND HIS FAMILY MOVE MTOJVHITE HOUSE Washington, May Truman and his family moved into the White House today. The transfer put an end to the president's daily walks to and from the Blair house and the White House, witnessed regularly by applauding crowds. The president, Mrs.

Truman and their daughter Margaret have been staying at the Blair house while the living quarters at the White House were redecorated for them. HOURLY TEMPERATURES Lower temperatures continued last night after the mercury dropped sharply following a rainstorm during early morning hours yesterday. The precipitation measured .38 of an inch. The rain was accompanied by a strong wind. The high temperature reading yesterday was 67 degrees at 1 a.

m. and the low was 51 at 2 p. m. Sunday's temperature range was from 53 to 80 degrees. A year ago today the high and low were 64 and 54 degrees.

Hourly temperatures: 2 3 4 5 unity" and be prepared "to make rtctor of war mobilization. heavy sacrifices." Through the day up to the hour The German spokesman said the of the brief statement, the president had stood by with his advisers at hand, ready to make the official proclamation whenever VE-day (Continued on page 5.) Wheel aligning A balancing. Collins-Sweatt, phono (Continued on 5) Jodl and his fellow delegate. General Admiral Hans Georg Friedde- burg, were received by the supreme 1 7 9 a 10 It was Frieddeburg. named com- Noon mander in chief of the German m.

(Continued on page 2.) ,67 1 p. 50 86, 2 p. SI 66' 3 p. S3 67' 4 p. r3 p.

CO 63 p. 7 p. p. 63' 9 p. fi7 p.

rSHl p. S2 Midnight S3 a. m. NEWSPAPER I.