Conclusion
Whether or not the Surrender document would stop the fighting depended on the actions taken by German officials in northern Italy. After many discussions and arguments, Kesselring finally gave into Wolff and gave the Sunrise surrender his approval. Prior to this approval Vietinghoff had his command taken from him and Wenzel and Schultz were arrested for their involvement in the talks. It was only when faced with either risking chaos in the region or surrendering honorably that Kesselring agreed to the capitulation. Thus, on May 2 the Germans surrendered.
When evaluating the impact of Operation Sunrise one must question whether it was really that significant? Some Italian civilian lives were spared, but few Allies were probably saved, as in their final offensive there were very few casualties. There was also little immediate postwar impact as prisoners of war in the region were treated just as others in Western Europe.
One significant result of the Bern talks was the heightened animosity between the East and West. Keeping the Soviets uninformed left them highly suspicious of the Western Allies. This hostility would then expand to extremes in the Cold War. West Germany eventually became a partner in preventing communist expansion, and the Soviet Union became the enemy.
Dulles considered the Bern affair his most successful covert operation. Despite orders from authorities to cut off talks, he continued to make contacts to ensure the success of Operation Sunrise.