RUSSIAN ARMY “INVINCIBLE”

Southland Times, Issue 23795, 18 April 1939, Page 7

RUSSIAN ARMY “INVINCIBLE”

Estimated Strength

Of Powers

NAVAL BLOCKADE OF ITALY Writer's Respect For Germany (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Independent Cable Service) (Received April 18, 1.20 a.m.) LONDON, April 17. The London newspapers print long reviews of a book called “Military Strengths of the Powers,” Vby Max Werner (which is believed to be a pseudonym). Competent military authorities say it is a remarkable book and that the figures appear to be fairly accurate.

Werner’s main thesis is the invincibility and efficiency of the Russian army, which he says has at least 10,000 tanks and the strongest and most expert air force in the world—at least 16,000 aircraft. Werner declares that in the event of war the British and French Mediterranean fleets would be able effectively to blockade Italy and practically 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 and that the tank force is scarcely adequate to meet the Germans.

Werner speaks of the German army with the greatest respect. He suggests that Herr Hitler could' ultimately mobilize 300 divisions, though only 100 would be first-line troops, and he is doubtful whether equipment is available for all. He estimates that Germany has 7000 tanks. Her airforce is also most powerful; she aims at between 8000 and 10,000 aeroplanes by 1940. In spite of this strength Werner believes that war on two fronts would again spell Germany’s doom. SOVIET MANOEUVRES NEAR ESTONIA NETWORK OF TRENCHES TALLANIN, April 15. The Soviet army is carrying out manoeuvres on the frontier of Estonia. A great network of trenches is being prepared.