LEADERS CONFER

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20784, 19 April 1939, Page 7

LEADERS CONFER

ITALY AND HUNGARY CLAIMS ON RUMANIA GROWING PEACE FRONT (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received April 19. 1 p.m.) ROME, April 18 Signor Mussolini and Count "Ciano received Dr. Teleki and Count Csaky. It is reported that they are discussing the extent of Italy’s support of claims against Rumania.

Italy is proposing the alignment of the Hungarian policy with the RomeBerlin axis, with a view to the growing strength of the peace front.

LESS PERSECUTION

CATHOLICS IN AUSTRIA ORDER BY CARDINAL INNITZER CELEBRATING HITLER'S BIRTHDAY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copy right) (Received April 19. 11.25 a.m.) LONDON, April 18 The Vienna correspondent of the Times says that Dersecution of the Catholics has decreased since the election of the Pope. Cardinal Inni’.zer has ordered the churches to celebrate Ilerr Hitler’s birthday by ringing nells and flying the swastika.

STRENGTH OF POWERS

REMARKABLE BOOK REVIEWED INVINCIBLE RUSSIAN ARMY i Doited pres, Assn.—Elec. Tet. Copyright. LONDON, April 17 The newspapers publish lengthy reviews of a hook entitled: "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 quoted in it appear to be fairly accurate. The author's main thesis is the invincibility and efficiency of the Russian Army, which has at least 10,000 tanks. The "Russian Air Force, he says, Is the strongest and most expert in the world, numbering at least 16,000 machines.

The author states 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 hook draws attention to the enormous defensive power of the Maginot Line, but says Ihe French Air Force is unduly weak, while the tank force is scarcely adequate to meet the Germans. Strength of Germany Max Werner speaks of the German Army with the greatest respect, and suggests that it could ultimately mobilise 300 divisions, although only 100 would be first-line troops, while it is doubtful whether equipment would be available for all. The writer estimates that Germany has 7000 tanks. The Air Force also Is most powerful and aims at having 8000 to 10,000 aeroplanes by 1940. In aplte of this strength, the author believes that war on two fronts would again spell Germany's doom.