STAFF TALKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23426, 16 August 1939, Page 11

STAFF TALKS

PROGRESS IN MOSCOW DESIRE OF SOVIET EXTENSION OF SCOPE AID AGAINST JAPAN By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Independent Cable Service (Received August 10, 12.30 a.m.) MOSCOW, Aug. 15 It is understood the staff talks are progressing in a good atmosphere. It is believed the Soviet desires to extend the scope of the talks to Anglo-French action in the event of a T?usso-Japanese clash, and also quickly to conclude both political and military negotiations. The Moscow press is refraining from speculation on the stafE talks, but Pravda, in an editorial on "Just and Unjust Wars," says: "In order to wage a defensive war against Fascism, it would be necessary to carry out a violent offensive for the annihilation of the enemy in his own territory, thus helping the workers of all lands in the fight against Fascist oppression." HITLER AS LEADER

SUPREME ARMY COMMAND MILITARY EXPERTS' CONCERN GENERAL'S OUTSPOKEN ARTICLE LONDON, Aug, 8 Herr Hitler's intention to assume supreme command of the Reichswehr in the event of war is worrying German military experts,. according to the Daily Herald. They are anxiously advancing carefully-worded objections, based on strictly technical grounds. General Wetzel contributes a remarkably outspoken article to the Reichswehr journal Military Weekly, in which he strongly opposes the view that it is possible to unite the tasks of political and military leadership, and that the military commander will be able to direct operations from far behind the lines.

"Ludendorff," he says, "was forced to devote so much of his time to affairs which were not strictly military that he was unable to keep proper contact with his subordinates. "There is no doubt that the head of the State carries the greatest responsibility, but he must have a separate (Commander devoting his whole time to the execution of purely military objects." It is well known, says the Herald, that Herr Hitler has ordered a special mobile headquarters for his use in wartime, and that ho has frequently expressed tho desire to lead the German troops personally. On February 4, 1938, when Hitler "shook up" the army and diplomatic service, he assumed the additional title of Chief of the National Defence, announcing that in future he would "exercise direct command over the entire armed establishment." He took as his chief of staff in this supreme command General Wilhelm Keitel. General von Brauchitsch is Comman-der-in-Chief of tho Heichswehr.