Evening star., 1940-07-19

circlement tactics made possible the
crushing of the French Army.
Marshal Petain's laying down the
French arms, he added, was the
only possibility in a position that
was "untenable,"
In this war the German in
fantry has shown itself to be what
it always has been, the best infantry
in the world"
I'm this war the German Tank
Corps has won a place In history.
''' All other troops deserve the
highest praise.
"The air force-At dawn on May
10 thousands of fighter planes and
dive bombers swept down on enemy
air bases. In the space Of few
days our air superiority was estab-
ished and it never was relin-
quished."
He said "the air force was under
the command Of the marshal (Goer-
ing)," and without it any bravery of
land forces would have been In vain
Besides those in active army serv-
ice, Hitler lauded those officers and
men behind the lines who served the
government in essential Jobs.
The full results of the operations
OF the German Navy, he said, could
not be given before the end of the
war.
Praises Nazi Party
Hitler. too, praised the National
Socialist party and said it was re-
sponsible for the upbuilding of the
German Army and created that
unity between the army at the front
and the home front essential for
success and which was lacking in the
last war"
In this connection again, he point
ed to individuals for special praise.
'"The name of Won Ribbentrop,
our foreign minister, will always be
connected with the German re-
birth.
MY party colleague Goering
would never be forgotten by the
German people for his building of
the German air force"
A tremendous cheer went up when
he conferred on Goering the Grand
Cross and the Iron Cross and the
title of marshal of the Reich.
There we're more cheers when Hit
Ter announced promotions in the
army for several generals to field
marshals.
More Officers Promoted.
More officers were promoted to
the rank of colonel general-the an
nouncement Of each individual pro-
motion bringing forth cheers.
Il cannot conclude my survey
without mention of our ally" Hitler
said, and then referred to the CO.
operation of Italy. He said he had
also worked for friendship with
England.
Il regret l was not successful de-
spite all my efforts"
He was proud, he said. to be a
friend of Mussolini. Since the birth
o fthe revolution. the only words of
understanding had come from Itaiy
he added.
This war was thrust on Ger
many against my wish and desire,
he said. but the advantages from
being allied with Italy were many
both economically and from a mill
tary standpoint.
"Italy's entry into the war played
part in Fastening Frances reali-
zation of the fact that further op-
position would be unavailing."
Italy was continuing, he said to
deal heavy blows against Britain.
Our efforts will be crowned by
common victory"
"Will Emerge Stronger"
Speaking of the future. he said
1t was in no path of vainglory.
Others probably need that more
than I; for example, Mr.. Churchill" !"
1T is not conceit when I tell
you we shall emerge stronger from
our successes.
I'm military power the Reich is
stronger today than ever before.
The losses, when compared with
the World War, have been amaz-
ingly light"
This was due to the training Of
the men, and the new weapons of
the mechanical forces.
The losses, he said, were less than
that for which Germany was pre-
pared.
Many men were being recalled
from France and arms were being