Page "Heinrich Himmler" Paragraph 64

Himmler declared himself the provisional leader of Germany, telling Bernadotte on 23 April that Hitler would be dead within the next few days.

However, Göring sent a telegram on 23 April, asking permission to take over the leadership of the Reich — an act that Hitler, under the prodding of Martin Bormann, interpreted as a demand to step down or face a coup.

On the evening of 28 April, the BBC broadcast a Reuters news report about Himmler's attempted negotiations with the western Allies.

Hitler, who had long believed Himmler was second only to Joseph Goebbels in loyalty — calling Himmler " der treue Heinrich " ( the loyal Heinrich )— flew into a rage about this apparent betrayal.

He ordered Himmler's arrest and had Hermann Fegelein ( Himmler's SS representative at Hitler's HQ in Berlin ) shot.

Hitler told those who were still with him in the bunker complex that Himmler's act was the worst act of treachery he had ever known.