Dearg code telegram from Con Cremin to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(No. 55)

May 6th. Judging by this region, population, while not completely war-weary, are glad war is ended and that Americans have got so far. They, of course, hope future attitude of western Allies will allow of achievement of some freedom of political development and government. There is no doubt that England and America can profit by the dread of Russia felt by population and so consistently inculcated by Government propaganda and practice and that, in the circumstances, they will find no lack of collaboration originally. I think speech of new Foreign Minister 3rd May,¹ and especially speech May 4th, must be taken as encouragement to population to work with Western Allies. The political mind, however, whose most optimistic hope, encouraged by differences regarding Poland, Austrian Government, etc., estimates early rupture with Russia, feels England and America must act quickly before people become discouraged and a ready prey to Russian propaganda, especially, if, as is almost inevitable now that very effective control of former German authorities has been removed, living conditions deteriorate. You are aware that, prior to 1933, Germany had powerful Socialist and Communist parties, many supporters of which must still exist. The fact that probably up to 15 million, mainly in Western Germany, have been rendered homeless by bombardments and have lost everything, most probably would tend to make them receptive of Russian propaganda if Western Powers show no sympathy, and likelihood of unemployment will aggravate position. The possibility of a change of sentiment towards Russia would probably be greater if she made a Government out of Free German Committee in Moscow while Western Powers did nothing in that direction.

So far there is no postal service nor newspapers in this area, but occupation, in my opinion, fairly mild – apart from isolated unauthorised acts of individual soldiers.

I presume latest capitulations have been arranged with approval of German Government and in pursuance of Himmler's offer. The net result, whatever the political implications, seems to be that Western Allies will have received territory and prisoners of war which might otherwise have gone to Russia: apart from prisoners, former now control about 60 per cent of pre-Munich Germany, comprising about 70% of the population. Although new line of latest official German declarations, such as prohibition of sabotage, can be explained by desire to avoid useless destruction, they are almost certainly to some extent inspired by political considerations like opposition to Russia and belief in probability of rupture sooner or later.