LESSONS OF WAR.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 312, 18 December 1936, Page 5

LESSONS OF WAR.

SPANISH CONFLICT.

Eonrmous Defensive Power of Modern Weapon. Press Association —Copyright. Received 10 a.m. London, Dc c . 17. The diplomatic correspondent of the Manchester Guardian says that there are distinct signs that Italy and Germany are both weary of the Spanish trouble, but for reasons of prestige it is difficult for them to withdraw. Germany does not regard Spain as vita! to her interests, especially as Russian-German relations arc showing signs of improvement. Russian-Italian relations have long been excellent. The Spanish war lias shown the enormous defensive power of modern weapons. Russian aeroplanes and pilots proved superior to those of Germany’ whose heavy bombers proved especially disappointing. German anti-aircraft artillery, however, was most effective and prevented the Russian ’planes raiding the rebels. Russian tanks appear disappointing. Their armour is not sufficiently thick to resist the new German antitank artillery. The chief weapons in the Spanish conflict and probably in any future war, are machine guns and rifles. Italy seems unprepared to give any further assistance. The onus of deciding the war thus falls on Herr Hitler, and. as ho is unwilling to intervene on to extensive a scale, prospects .seem brighter. Both sides, however, arc opposed at present to any armistice.