The early deadline set by Göring, and Himmler’s remark to Bernadotte that Hitler was probably already dead, indicate that, under the influence of the reports from the bunker, both expected Hitler to shoot himself sooner rather than later. However, Hitler had relapsed into what was probably amphetamine-induced tranquillity after the storm of the previous day, and resumed direction of his make-believe armies as if nothing had happened. Bormann was able to use Göring’s wire to persuade him that the Reichsmarschall was usurping his authority and was guilty of high treason. In view of his earlier
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