GERMANY TO=DAY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20736, 21 February 1939, Page 7

GERMANY TO=DAY

PREPARED TO FIGHT NATIONAL SPIRIT STRONG NO EARLY MOBILISATION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright LONDON, Feb. 16 Increasing discontent, longer hours of work, a shortage of food, but a watchful secret police were noted in Germany, by Major-General A. C. Temperley, the military correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, who has just returned from a visit to Germany. “ Numerous troops are available to deal with internal disorder,” he slates. " The national spirit has not weakened, and nothing would be more dangerous than to assume that there would be trouble in the event of a crisis. It is certain that the nation would march behind its leaders in a war, whatever the people's apprehensions as to its outcome. Many Germans believe that Britain would not fight. Short of Trained Reserves “ The Army staff is planning on the basis that, in the event Italy and France going to war, Britain and" Germany would also be involved. The army’s peace strength is 51 divisions, and it could mobilise 100 divisions. It lacks experienced officers, and Is extremely short of trained reserves, ns only two classes (1935 and 1036) have passed to the reserve after two years’ service. “ Thus, Germany for several years yet will be at a disadvantage compared with France, whose trained seserves number at least 5,000,000. “ An early German mobilisation is unlikely. There is no sign of huge manoeuvres for March. Herr Hitler has presumably counselled Signor Mussolini to exercise the utmost moderation toward France, but Germany would certainly support Italy if the worst came to the worst.” Less Aircraft Building Group-Captain Payne, aviation correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, says that there are indications that many German aircraft factories are reducing output. The Heinkei factory, one of the largest in Germany, is working one eight-hour shift.

“ There are two possible reasons,” he states. " The first is that Germany lias not Hie money io purchase materials abroad, or’ to replace worn machinery.

“ Tile second is that Germany is fully informed of foreign activities, and considers that she can maintain her present lead with slower building."