Well, the answer might well be that Hitler saw in one last moment of clear thought, that Germany did not need a Nazi criminal but somebody decent who could - with firmness of character and an unstained personality - help the devastated country. Someone had to take over the responsibility and care for the German state and people. This the Großadmiral did in the finest traditions of the German officer corps, holding the needs of the many higher than considerations of personal honor or welfare.





(Taken from uboat.net)