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Bernard Montgomery 1945 Memo

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Bernard Montgomery 1945 Memo
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''Personal message'' from Bernard Montgomery, Commander-in-Chief of occupied Germany after her surrender, to the people of Germany dated 10 June 1945. Fascinating document explains why the British soldiers don't smile or talk to the Germans during the occupation. In part, ''…In the last war of 1914, which your rulers began, your Army was defeated…but the surrender was made in France. The war never came to your country; your cities were not damaged…Then your rulers…told you that Germany was neither guilty nor defeated; and because the war had not come to your country many of you believed it, and you cheered when your rulers began another war. Again, after years of waste and slaughter and misery, your Armies have been defeated…During the war your rulers would not let you know what the world was thinking of you. Many of you seemed to think that when our soldiers arrived you could be friends with them at once…But too much has happened for that. Our soldiers…have seen terrible things…For these things, you will say, you are not responsible - it was your rulers. But they were found by the German nation; every nation is responsible for its rulers, and while they were successful you cheered and laughed. That is why our soldiers do not smile at you…We are Christian forgiving people, and we like to smile and be friendly. Our object is to destroy the evil of the Nazi system; it is too soon to be sure that this has been done…You are to read this to your children, if they are old enough, and see that they understand. Tell them why it is that the British soldier does not smile…'' 8'' x 13'' document is accompanied by an identical document in German. Rust on left side from filing; overall in very good condition.