NO CHEERS FOR NAZIS

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 September 1940, Page 11

NO CHEERS FOR NAZIS

■ SOVIET STAFF CHANGES. The reorganisation of the Soviet general staff brought no cheers from the Nazis. One reason for German displeasure is the appointment of Marshal Budenny as First Commissar, says the British news-magazine “Cavalcade.” Years ago, Semion Mikhailovich Budenny opposed the plans of Marshal Tukachevski (then Vice-Com - missar) for a military alliance with Germany. Now he will have the biggest say in Soviet military affairs—bar Stalin, who is preparing the Red Army for what may be its biggest ordeal. Stalin recently ordered a big administrative reshuffle. There are no hints from Moscow about its purpose.

This is the second change this year. In May, Klementi Voroshilov, a close friend of Stalin, was appointed VicePremier to M. Molotov, and chairman of the Council of Commissars’ defence committee. Marshal Timoshenko succeeded him as Defence Commissar.

Budenny, who takes over from Timoshenko, is 57—two years younger than Voroshilov. All three fought in the revolution. Budenny, who had been a private in the Czar’s army, created the first Red Cavalry Army.

He has been commander-in-chief of the Moscow garrison a post once held by Voroshilov. Many link the reshuffle to Russian suspicions of Berlin-Rome Axis aims, and to a growing belief in Moscow that if Hitler is unable to force a clear-cut military victory against Britain he will seek compensation elsewhere.