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Better Late Than Never: AP Apologizes For Firing Reporter Who Broke News of Nazi Surrender

Better Late Than Never: AP Apologizes For Firing Reporter Who Broke News of Nazi SurrenderEd Kennedy, Chief of the Associated Press staff in North Africa, at the Anzio beachhead in Italy, March 1, 1944 (AP file photo).

NEW YORK (AP/The Blaze) — In World War II’s final moments in Europe, Associated Press correspondent Edward Kennedy gave his news agency perhaps the biggest scoop in its history. He reported, a full day ahead of the competition, that the Germans had surrendered unconditionally at a former schoolhouse in Reims, France.

For this, he was publicly rebuked by the AP, and then quietly fired.

Wait, why was he fired?

Kennedy had defied military censors to get the story out. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Harry Truman had agreed to suppress news of the capitulation for a day, in order to allow Russian dictator Josef Stalin to stage a second surrender ceremony in Berlin.

So it had nothing to do with protecting the soldiers and everything to do with making sure “Uncle” Joseph Stalin was given enough time to stage the perfect photo-op.

Better Late Than Never: AP Apologizes For Firing Reporter Who Broke News of Nazi SurrenderJoseph Stalin, Harry S. Truman, & Winston Churchill

Kennedy was also accused of breaking a pledge that he and 16 other journalists had made to keep the surrender a secret for a time, as a condition of being allowed to witness it firsthand.

Sixty-seven years later, the AP’s top executive is apologizing for the way the company treated Kennedy.

“It was a terrible day for the AP. It was handled in the worst possible way,” said president and CEO Tom Curley.

Kennedy, he said, “did everything just right.” Curley rejected the notion that the AP had a duty to obey the order to hold the story once it was clear the embargo was for political reasons, rather than to protect the troops.

“Once the war is over, you can’t hold back information like that. The world needed to know,” he said in an interview.Better Late Than Never: AP Apologizes For Firing Reporter Who Broke News of Nazi Surrender

Curley, who is retiring this year, has also co-written an introduction to Kennedy’s newly published memoir, “Ed Kennedy’s War: V-E Day, Censorship & The Associated Press.”

Kennedy, who died in a traffic accident in 1963, had long sought such public vindication from his old employer. His daughter, Julia Kennedy Cochran, of Bend, Ore., said she was “overjoyed” by the apology.

“I think it would have meant a lot to him,” she said.

The German surrender happened at 2:41 a.m. French time on May 7, 1945.

Kennedy was one of 17 reporters taken to witness the ceremony. He and the others were hastily assembled by military commanders, then pledged to secrecy by a U.S. general while the group flew over France. As a condition of being allowed to see the surrender in person, the correspondents were barred from reporting what they had witnessed until authorized by Allied headquarters.

Initially, the journalists were told the news would be held up for only a few hours. But after the surrender was complete, the embargo was extended for 36 hours – until 3 p.m. the following day.

Kennedy was astounded.

“The absurdity of attempting to bottle up news of such magnitude was too apparent,” he would later write.

Nevertheless, he initially stayed quiet. Then, at 2:03 p.m., the surrender was announced by German officials, via a radio broadcast from Flensburg, a city already in Allied hands. That meant, Kennedy knew, that the transmission had been authorized by the same military censors gagging the press.

Furious, Kennedy went to see the chief American censor and told him there was no way he could continue to hold the story. Word was out. The military had broken its side of the pact by allowing the Germans to announce the surrender. And there were no military secrets at stake.

The censor waved him off. Kennedy thought about it for 15 minutes, and then acted.

He used a military phone, not subject to monitoring by censors, to dispatch his account to the AP’s London bureau. Notably, he didn’t brief his own editors about the embargo or his decision to dodge the censors. The AP put the story on the wire within minutes of his call.

Better Late Than Never: AP Apologizes For Firing Reporter Who Broke News of Nazi SurrenderGermany formally surrenders.

To some of Kennedy’s competitors, the scoop was a betrayal on the scale of Pearl Harbor. Compounding their anger, military censors continued to refuse to allow any other news organization to send their own stories, meaning the AP would continue to have an exclusive for a day.

“I am browned off, fed up, burnt up and put out,” wrote Drew Middleton, a New York Times correspondent. He called the suppression of the story “the most colossal ‘snafu’ in the history of the war.“ His newspaper followed with an editorial chastising the AP for initially boasting of a historic ”news beat.”

“If it was a `beat,’” the Times wrote in its usual tone of moral superiority, “it was one only because Mr. Kennedy’s sixteen colleagues chose to stand by their commitments.”

Retribution was swift. The military briefly suspended the AP’s ability to dispatch any news from the European theater. When that ban was lifted, more than 50 of Kennedy’s fellow war correspondents signed a protest letter asking that it be reinstated. The military expelled Kennedy from France.

Condemnation also came from the AP’s president at the time, Robert McLean.

“The Associated Press profoundly regrets the distribution on Monday of the report of the total surrender in Europe which investigation now clearly discloses was distributed in advance of authorization by Supreme Allied Headquarters,” he said in a public statement on May 10.

Better Late Than Never: AP Apologizes For Firing Reporter Who Broke News of Nazi SurrenderV-E Day celebrations.

The AP’s general manager, Kent Cooper, said Kennedy should have conferred with his editors about the decision to publish. Later, he addressed a letter to the reporter saying that he had violated a “cardinal principle” of journalism by breaking a pledge to keep the surrender confidential.

“No employee of the Associated Press has the right to disregard what is defined by the source as a pledge of confidence, when he knows that those who meant to impose it still hold it to be in force,” he said.

Other journalists defended Kennedy. In an essay in The New Yorker, published May 19, 1945, under the subhead “The AP Surrender,” A.J. Liebling absolved Kennedy of breaking the “pledge” he had supposedly made aboard the aircraft flying to Reims.

“Whether a promise extorted as this one was, in an airplane several thousand feet up, has any moral force is a question for the theologians,” Liebling wrote. “I suppose that Kennedy should have refused to promise anything and thus made sure of missing an event that no newspaperman in the world would want to miss, but I can‘t imagine any correspondent’s doing it.”

Wes Gallagher, the AP reporter who succeeded Kennedy in Europe and became the general manager in 1962, strongly supported his colleague and believed he had done the right thing.

Upon replacing Kennedy in Paris, Gallagher told the supreme commander of Allied forces, future president Dwight D. Eisenhower, that “If I’d been Kennedy, I’d have done the same thing – except that I’d have telephoned you first,” according to an account by the late AP correspondent John Hightower.

After being fired by the AP, Kennedy took a job as managing editor of the Santa Barbara News-Press in California, and then went on to become publisher of the Monterey Peninsula Herald. He died at age 58 after being struck by an automobile.

Better Late Than Never: AP Apologizes For Firing Reporter Who Broke News of Nazi SurrenderV-E Day Celebration, Dundee, UK

 Kennedy’s family had held on to the manuscript for decades before his daughter, Cochran, began looking for a publisher.

She said that even though she was only 16 when her father died, she got the impression he still took great joy in his career, despite the episode.

“Some people said after the war, `Oh, Ed Kennedy is a broken man. He’s out there editing some little newspaper in California.’ I think people had this idea that he was feeling sorry for himself. But he wasn’t. He wasn’t the kind of person who sat around and felt sorry.”

Curley said Kennedy’s daughter approached him around the same time he had become interested in the matter while helping with work on the book “Breaking News: How The Associated Press Has Covered War, Peace, and Everything Else.” The publication of Kennedy‘s memoir prompted the AP’s apology, Curley said.

He called Kennedy’s dismissal “a great, great tragedy” and hailed him and the desk editors who put the surrender story on the wire for upholding the highest principles of journalism.

“They did the right thing,” Curley said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Comments (40)

  • loupgarous
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 12:24am

    Kennedy, along with all those other correspondents, didn’t get to that story by their own exertions. They got there because of the pain and sacrifice of countless Allied soldiers, many of whom were Russian. The delay was a noble gesture to make sure that the sacrifices of our Russian allies were honored equally with our own forces (my father was among those Americans who fought in the European Theater of Operations, eventually freeing countless Jews and other concentration camp inmates).

    Kennedy broke faith with his fellow correspondents, and with the Allies who defeated Hitler. An apology is inappropriate, but typical of the “new” Associated Press, which shamelessly gives us its opinions dressed up as facts, and joins with the rest of the activist, biased national press in trying to make the news, not report on it.

    Report Post » loupgarous  
  • Aijahlon
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 2:58pm

    After reading various comments on here, two things become very apparent: (1) You all sound just like Glenn Beck. (2) The Jews have you all fooled, just like they do Glenn Beck.

    Report Post » Aijahlon  
    • loupgarous
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 12:17am

      One apparent about you is that you need no help at all being a fool.

      Report Post » loupgarous  
  • G-WHIZ
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 12:43pm

    Hiding the prog-agenda…same then…same NOW….WAIT 100YRS to “apologize” rihgt before the ELECTION-2012…Hmmmmmm, intesetink!

    Report Post »  
  • dnewton
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 10:06am

    AP is worthless. When are they going to let the people know about the hoax called Global Warming? The people have the right to know about the end of the war but not about the greatest international hoax on the planet? If it took this long to cough up an apology to a lone reporter, how long will it take to apologize to the millions that were duped by the socialist elite in their quest for the perfect climate controlled planet? AP has a long history of being leftest even on the local level. Their reporting of the massive public demonstrations at the Tennessee capitol following a threat to start a state income tax was mostly non-existent and mostly concentrating on those who demanded it “for the children.”

    Report Post »  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 12:49pm

      AP=emplicit in aiding and abeiting the progressive agenda…up to today…and beyond.

      Report Post »  
  • postal67
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 8:54am

    Have they ever tried to find out how many died after the signing and the news release, that would be sad to be killed in “peace time”!

    Report Post »  
  • AnAmerican111
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 12:28am

    Good to see the AP is right on the ball!’………………..as usual!
    67 years!…………Pathetic!

    Report Post »  
  • 1digger
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 11:09am

    36 hour delay for reporting the surrender? So how many troops and civilians on both sides of the war conflict died in an effort to extend an opportunity for a photo op to Stalin? Where’s that apology? Kennedy was right and in reality should have announced it immediately and let the good news spread like wildfire; instead we get platitudes from the military brass and AP but never mind the unnecessary blood that was spilled on account of them holding back on the story of Germany’s surrender. There in lies the real shame.

    Report Post »  
  • MR_ANDERSON
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 4:36am

    Hmm, tough call. Going against the word you give another and expecting no repercussions. There are times you will go against your word, but making sure you don’t place yourself in those positions in the first place is a better way to navigate through life.

    Report Post »  
  • JustMeHere_01
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 1:25am

    Better Late Than Never: AP Apologizes For Firing Reporter Who Broke News of Nazi Surrender.

    How many people working for AP were employed at the time of this story. An apology!!. Give me a break. There are many reasons for the AP to offer apologies but I suggest this is not one of them.

    They could say that they were wrong but how does an apology do anything at this point in time. Could MSNBC apologize for the false reporting in the Duke Lacrosse scandal or the Trayvon/Zimmerman debacle.

    Apologizes mean nothing when they are so shallow. What is the AP true intent in this. Is it to divert attention away from the failings of this Administration and subvert the voters of this Nation.

    I think so. The AP wants this current President to be re-elected and will do anything to change the topic and divert attention to other matters in hopes that it will get others to thinking about other things than about this election.

    Report Post » JustMeHere_01  
  • ejcomputerguy39
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:19pm

    Seems like all Kennedy’s of all generations have a problem with integrity.

    Report Post »  
    • Anamah
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 12:20am

      AP still is writing news in the mirror. Is this agency publishing the Israelis responses after been attacked as Israel attacks… always against American freedom… Some time ago AP signed a contract; it was with Islamic partners???? They are still acting today during WWII when were partners of Hitler. So, they continue in the same path against Israel as their Nazi ideology.

      Report Post »  
  • Wringeaux
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:10pm

    Those were the days. Even Democrats were proud to be American.

    Report Post » Wringeaux  
  • Individualism
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:19pm

    they never surrendered there still around as neo libs and neo cons in the American goverment, our foreign policy is pretty similar haven’t you noticed. except their target now seems to be Muslims and American law abiding citizens.

    Report Post » Individualism  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:17pm

    I’ll bet it was also about big money on the sidelines waiting to be told of the news in secret so they could cash in by buying in on cheap stocks then profiting big after the news of War over.

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • Brasil2520
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:37pm

    BREAKING NEWS:

    Considering a 30+ year cold war with the USSR and the high rate of black on white crime, race riots in America and in Europe, Theodore Roosevelt, Truman and Churchill just apoloized for being on the wrong side.

    Dr. David Duke PhD. 2012

    Report Post » Brasil2520  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:52pm

      I’m pretty sure that quote can’t be authentic, because even a foaming at the mouth lunatic like David Duke couldn’t be so stupid that he doesn’t know which Roosevelt was President during World War II.

      Report Post »  
    • Brasil2520
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 9:25pm

      CHET

      LOL ! Oops you got me, after a while all the liberals start to look alike, I meant the Roosevelt with the lesbian wife, about Dr. Duke no he didn’t say that.

      Report Post » Brasil2520  
  • aguraki
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:36pm

    will we ever be united like the people in the celebration pictures shown above?

    Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:11pm

    So who is on their death bed and needs to release his guilty conscience?

    Isn’t this a little too late?

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • Jack Zedee
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:10pm

    60+ years to say they covered for a commo , i wonder how long it’ll be till the MSM apologuise for covering for obama

    Report Post »  
    • Annika2011
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 9:34pm

      Yes, I was wondering about that.
      Will they ever recognize the great harm done to this
      nation by flattering and protecting the president.
      They have abdicated their duty.

      Report Post »  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:07pm

    and a peak into the world of effect from the media and politicians

    ever wonder what else they are trying to hide for ratings and political gain ???????

    Report Post » Psychosis  
  • Micah.Stone
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 6:58pm

    The REAL reason he was fired: The socialist media then, like today, defends and protects their national socialism pals, and AP was hoping to cover-up the downfall of adolf and his national socialism regime for decades.

    In Nov., 2012, expect AP to FIRE any member of their staff that discloses the landslide defeat of OBOZO.

    Report Post » Micah.Stone  
  • pma_guy
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 6:43pm

    Kennedy, just wanted to scoop the story. My dad was a WW2 veteran. When he gave his word (as with MOST of the Greatest Generation), you could count it as true. The AP was right the first time.

    Report Post » pma_guy  
    • woodyb
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:44pm

      PMA_GUY — the military broke their side of the bargain!!!!

      36 is hardly ‘just a few’ hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 6:39pm

    Instead of celebrating the end of WW II and allowing time for the communist murdering heathen his photo op we should have turned on our ‘ally’ Russians and finished them off as well.The less communists in this world the better as we see the death cult trying to get a foot hold here in the U.S

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • JP4JOY
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 6:58pm

      Just goes to show how much of war is a game of posing and the power of wealth.

      Report Post » JP4JOY  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 6:37pm

    Shows what happens when the truth falls victim to the incentive of poltiical expediency of leaders around the world.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • cemerius
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 6:29pm

    This is news? Is the world going insane? The damn liberal press did their jobs in destroying the country now they are creating quasi “socialist” heroes? This story is more about making the “country” remember the Communist Russians were our allies once!!!! I do and ALWAYS will NEVER trust AP!!!

    Report Post » cemerius  
  • trueamerican40
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 6:12pm

    Hitler really did win after all. Socialism did conquer Europe in the end and it looks the same for here.

    Report Post » trueamerican40  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 6:34pm

      We should have done a more through job of cleaning out Germany and then marched on to Moscow. We wouldn‘t be having half the problems we have today if our politicians didn’t stop the military.

      Report Post »  
    • Smokey_Bojangles
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 6:53pm

      Bless George Patton’s Heart.He was right!

      Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:10pm

      SMOKEY_BOJANGLES Gen.Patton had boulders for testes and it‘s too bad his boss didn’t see the big picture and the threat the communist death cult would be to us and the world.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • lukerw
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:48pm

      Just remember… the German people supported Hitler… as did the Russians for Stalin… etc. And, Obama was ELECTED!

      Stupid is… as Stupid does!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • CharlesMartel
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:05pm

      Progressives are progressing towards Marxism/Communism.

      FDR was a Progressive.

      Obama has progressed a bit more.

      Report Post » CharlesMartel  
    • TheSoundOf Truth
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 1:15pm

      Don’t forget admiral Nimitz and Douglas MacArthur.

      We didn’t do enough to get rid of socialism. In fact, we started the biggest socialist organization-the UN.

      Report Post » TheSoundOf Truth  

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