STRENGTH OF POWERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 April 1939, Page 7

STRENGTH OF POWERS

MAX WERNER’S BOOK RUSSIAN EFFICIENCY [INDEPENDENT CABLE SERVICE.] (Received April 18, 8.45 a.m.) LONDON, April 17. The newspapers lengthily review a book, “The Military Strength of the Powers,” by Max Werner (believed to be a pseudonym). Competent military authorities state that it is a remarkable book, and that the figures appear to be fairly accurate. Werner’s main thesis is the invinvibility and efficiency of the Russian army, which has at least 10,000 tanks. The Air Force is. the strongest and most expert in the world, with at least 16,000 machines. He declares that in the event of war, the Anglo-French Mediterranean fleets would be able effectively to blockade Italy, and practically to destroy her colonial Empire. The book draws attention to the enormous defensive power of the Maginot Line, but says that the French Air Force is unduly weak, while the tank force is scarcely adequate to meet the Germans.

Werner speaks of the German army with the greatest respect. He suggests that it could ultimately mobilise 300 divisions, though only 100 divisions would be first-line troops, while it is doubtful whether equipment is available for all. He estimates that Germany has 7000 tanks. The Ah Force is also most powerful, and aims at 8000 to 10,000 planes by 1940. Despite this strength, he believes that war on two fronts would again spell Germany’s doom.

NAVAL ACTIVITY BRITISH FLEET NEAR MALTA. (Recd. April 18, 1 p.m.) LONDON, April 17. Almost the entire British Mediterranean Fleet is in the neighbourhood of Malta, including H.M.S. Glorious, six cruisers, 39 destroyers, seven submarines, six torpedo-boats, ten minesweepers, six depot ship, one.escbit ship, one net-layer, and one mine-lay-61*. H.M.S. Terrible and H.M.S. Fantasque are patrolling the Straits. The destroyers Boulonnais, Foudroyant and Brestois have arrived at Gibral tar French warships at Gibraltar now total 13. They comprise two battleships, three cruisers, and eight destroyers.

HITLER VISITS AUSTRIA. LONDON, April 16. “The Times’s” Munich correspondent says that, instead of going to Beilin, as expected, Herr Hitler went to Austria, late last night, on a two-day tour. Herr von Ribbentrop flew to Berlin. VIENNA, April 17.

Herr Hitlei’ arrived at St. Poelten, for a troop inspection. He was met by General Brauschitz, and was cheered by crowds lining the streets. He latex’ watched tank and cavalry exercises. Herr Hitler is touring the garrison towns, to assure himself as regards the training of the youngest Austrian conscripts. He will return to Berlin probably on April 19. Herr Hitler left Langenzersford by special train, for an unknown destination, believed to be Berchtesgaden.