In this cable, General Dwight D. Eisenhower reported his visit to a World War II German concentration camp liberated by Allied forces to General George C. Marshall and requested a delegation of Congressional leaders, editors, and others to witness the conditions firsthand.
Cable, General George C. Marshall to General Dwight D. Eisenhower
- 4/19/1945
Description
Transcript
Return this copy to Lt. Col. Lee, ADC
SHAEF MESSAGE FORM
From SHAEF FWD
Originator Supreme Commander DDE/nmr
Date-Time of Origin 19 April 1945
To For Action: AGWAR
SECRET
(REF NO.) FWD19461 (Classication) SECRET Eyes Only
We continue to uncover German concentration camps for political prisoners in which conditions of indescribable horror prevail. From Eisenhower to General Marshall For Eyes Only. I have visited one of these myself and I assure you that whatever has been printed on them to date has been understatement. If you would see any advantage in asking about a dozen leaders of Congress and a dozen prominent editors to make a short visit to this theatre in a couple of C-54s, I will arrange to have them conducted to one of these places where the evidence of bestiality and cruelty is so overpowering as to leave no doubt in their minds about the normal practices of the Germans in these camps. I am hopeful that some British individuals in similar categories will visit the Northern area to witness similar evidence of atrocity.
This primary source comes from the Collection DDE-EPRE: Eisenhower, Dwight D: Papers, Pre-Presidential.
Full Citation: Cable, General George C. Marshall to General Dwight D. Eisenhower; 4/19/1945; Marshall, George C. (6); Principal Files, 1916 – 1952; Collection DDE-EPRE: Eisenhower, Dwight D: Papers, Pre-Presidential,; Dwight D. Eisenhower Library, Abilene, KS. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/document/cable-eisenhower-to-marshall-concentration-camp/, April 22, 2026]
Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
