GENERAL VON BLOMBERG

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 162, 5 April 1938, Page 2

GENERAL VON BLOMBERG

Germany’s Man of War

When General von Blomberg was in England for the Coronation, he charmed all who met him, says a writer In the “Sunday Times." He might have been one of the Cecils with his scholarly stoop, bls thin, ascetic lips, and his tall frame. Nature so obviously intended him to be a bishop, and not even a bishop of the church militant. He was profoundly impressed by the Coronation. His mind was gripped by the spectacle of a nation which could draw her children from the furthermost corners of the earth to pay homage to their King. When he returned to Berlin he told it all to Herr Hitler. Der Fuhrer, who Is by nature more expressive than receptive, listened like a fascinated child. Von Blomberg has been called the ablest man in Germany. His - power Ims been enormous. In many ways he has become to the German people under Nazism what Hindenburg was during aud after the war. Perhaps it was ids friendship with Hindenburg that taught him the qualities which the German race most admires. He spoke little, and bis voice was low and quiet. They called him the soul of honour and tlie man of destiny. They hung his pictures in their homes beside the pictures of (lie Leader. He went to America six or seven years ago to study the army methods of the U.S.A., and learned nothing. He attended a disarmament conference at Geneva and Jen rued a great deal.

Out of it al) he evolved the theory that a prolonged war was ruinous to all. The next: war would have to be swift, decisive, humane, because of its lirnia . Ila tidtMed .the »“**-

clple of the knock-out blow and fastened on the' Air Force as its weapon I do not say that he wanted war. As the military head of the nation he merely prepared his plan. His relations with Herr Hitler have been curious. The evaugelist-dietator wooed the soldier and won. Von Blomberg swallowed the Nazi faith, but held li'is grip on the army. Now the evangelist has dismissed, the conve’ -1 -