To the Americans, it appears that Berlin is already so badly battered that it may well be losing its military importance. Especially if various branches of the German government are forced to locate elsewhere around Germany. Thus Oshima’s message is the forerunner for a mythical concept that Hitler and his most fanatical followers will, as a final resort, withdraw into the mountains of Bavaria, to a so-called National Redoubt, where they will fight to the last man. This myth will have an incredible impact on how Eisenhower and Marshall will conduct the final days of the European conflict.
