GERMAN ARMY EQUIPMENT

Southland Times, Issue 23166, 6 April 1937, Page 7

GERMAN ARMY EQUIPMENT

SPANISH TEST NOT ENCOURAGING RUSSIA’S FORMIDABLE STRENGTH (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received April 5, 7.50 p.m.) LONDON, April 4. The diplomatic correspondent of The Daily Telegraph says that Herr Hitlers military chiefs convinced him of the Soviet’s formidable military strength in which he is influenced by staff reports relative to the efficiency of German, Russian, French and Italian equipment “tested” in Spain indicating that German equipment with the possible exception of the anti-aircraft defence was less good than expected. Herr Hitler’s reconciliation with General Erich Ludendorff is partly attributable to the Chancellor under the army’s influence realizing the necessity

for reaching a good understanding with the Russian army. General Ludendorff continually urged that Germany should not attach exaggerated importance to Italy’s arms in a European war, but on the contrary should seek a rapprochement with Russia. Germany is shortly sending to Nanking a military and economic mission aiming at better relations with China and Japan. A Munich message, states that an early result of Herr Hitler’s reconciliation is the Government's recognition of General Ludendorff’s cult of paganism which now along with religious societies is protected under the Nazi programme.