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Navy - Estimates of Potential Military Strength - Summaries
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Summaries
ESTIMATE
of
Potential Military Strength
Summaries
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (R)
OSD letter, May 3, 1972
By RT, NARS Data MAY 21 1973
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 11652, Sec. S(E) and 5(D) or (E)
OSD letter, May 3, 1972
1072
INTRODUCTION
The Report entitled Estimates of Potential Military Strength is
composed of two sections: Summaries and Documents. In the preparation
of the report a few simple devices have been incorporated to render the
materials more readily available to the reader.
A series of letters is employed to indicate the provenance of the
naval attaches' reports: A - London; B - Paris; C - Brussels; D - Rome;
E - Berlin; F - Moscow; G - Tokyo.
The first volume of the Report, entitled Summaries, contains brief
resumes, abstracts, or quotations from the original reports submitted
by the naval attaches. The remaining volumes, Documents, contain
photostatic reproductions of the original reports from which the
summaries have been derived.
To facilitate reference to the original documents, notations have
been inserted in the left margin of the volume of summaries. These
notations are usually in the form of a letter followed by two numbers,
indicating respectively, the attache concerned, the number of the volume,
and the number of the document in the series of reports received from
that attache. The documents are numbered consecutively in series,
irrespective of the number of volumes. When the summary is based upon
the entire report no page numbers are given; if, however, the material
in the summary is derived from a portion of the original document, the
pages are noted between parenthesis at the end of the summary. For
example, a marginal notation (A-1-42) with (1) at the end of the summary
indicates that the material in the summary came from the first page of
the forty-second document found in the first volume of the reports of
the attache at London. The bound volumes of Documents have marginal
tabs to indicate the document numbers as shown in the marginal symbols
in the Summaries.
In the case of material derived from dispatches, where the original
obviously cannot be reproduced, the abbreviation "DIS" has been employed.
A further symbol "(s)", "(c)", or "(R)" indicates respectively secret,
confidential, or restricted classification of the dispatch. Where a
dispatch is in plain language, "DIS" is not followed by any symbol.
In the summary from Berlin a few references are made to Diary.
This refers to the War Diary of the attache in Berlin, which is reproduced
in full as volumes 2 and 3 of the Berlin series ("L") in the Report on
the Probability of an Outbreak of War.
SUMMARY
of
ESTIMATE of POTENTIAL
MILITARY STRENGTH
&
NAVAL ATTACHE, LONDON
A-1-1
Status of British Naval Building Program. 12 January, 1937
This report forwards complete figures on the Status
of the British Naval Building Program as of 31 December,
1936. It lists ships as completed, laid down and also
those merely authorized. Complete table with names and
types.
A-1-2
1937 Navy Building Program. 19 January, 1937
This report based on newspaper report states that
the laying down by England of 8 cruisers and 3 BB's will
take place during 1937. It states these are required to
offset new German building.
A-1-3
Balloon Barrage. 8 February, 1937
This report gives an elaborate account of the then
new type balloon barrage that was being planned for the
protection of British cities and vital areas. Also the
air marshall stated that dive bombing was probably in-
possible with present type planes.
A-1-4
£400,000,000 for Defence Loan. 12 February, 1937
This report states that the British government is
planning to raise by loans a maximum of £400,000,000 in
the next five years for defence-defence expenditures in
next five years estimated at E1,200,000,000.
A-1-5
Empire Defence. 12 February, 1937
This report tells of Empire defence plans and that
the government is pleased with progress at Singapore.
A-1-6
White Paper on Statement Relating to Defence Expenditure.
19 February, 1937
This report forwards copy of British White Paper
stressing speed of laying down and construction. Re-
action of press favorable. The White Paper is & "state-
ment relating to Defence Expenditure".
- 1 -
A-1-7
Progress of Rearmament Program. 29 July, 1937
This report nummarizes current debate in Parlia-
ment on progress of rearmament program. Mr. W. Churchill
spoke for the opposition against the alleged inadequacy
of the powers given to the Minister for the Coordination
of Defence. Complaint was that though the Minister was
appointed 15 months ago he is still planning and not
showing actual results. The government stated that re-
markable discoveries for protection against aerial attack
had been made.
A-1-8
Construction Program and Personnel. 19 November, 1937.
This report quotes Parliamentary debates on the
building of new warships. It lists by classification the
new ships and makes note of the strengthening of Hong-
Kong and Singapore.
A-1-9
Air Defence - Balloon Barrage. 15 December, 1937
This report tells of lecture given by Air Commodore
Hearson (Ret.) on "Balloon Aprons". Tells of substituting
cables hung from balloons for the old last war type. Sates
they will give protection against bombers and the cables
would be lethal.
A-1-10
Progress of Rearmament. 18 December, 1937
This report quotes speech of Minister for Coordina-
tion of Defence in which he says £340,000,000 will be
spent on defence services 1938-39. Must increase employ-
ment in armament industry 3 to 5 times to fulfill pro-
gramme. "The gov't has taken steps
to see that proper
supplies of everything we may need in wartime have been
provided in these days of peace".
A-1-11
Great Britain - Rearmament Progress. 28 December, 1937.
This report mentions speech of Minister of Coordina-
tion of Defence in which he states that rearmament pro-
gram is just started--18 months will see it well on its
way.
- 2 -
A-1-12
Supply of Naval Officers. 6 January, 1938
The rapid expansion of the Navy is reflected by the
number of cadets at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth,
who are being entered three times a year. The rate is
300 per year.
A-1-13
Far East to have Biggest Maneuvers. 8 January, 1938
Singapore is to hold the biggest combined sea, air
and land maneuvers ever staged there. At the same time
Near East R.A.F. units prepare to move to stations near-
er to the Suez Canal Zone.
A-1-14
Merchantmen and Defence - Course Extended. 21, January, 1938
The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have decided
to extend the scope of the Merchant Navy Defence courses.
A-1-15
Fleet Air Arm. 26 January, 1938
Two additional offices, the Director of Air Material
and the Director of Air Personnel, have been created in
the Admiralty as a. result of and in preparation for further
expansion of the Fleet Air Arm.
A-1-16
Air-Raid Precautions. 27 January, 1938
The Home Office and the local authorities are meet-
ing various problems in their organization for air-raid
precautions. The Under-Secretary at the Home Office has
visited Germany and France for the purpose of studying
steps taken to develop air-raid precautions in these
places.
A-1-17
Cape of Good Hope Route to the East. 31, January, 1938
In recent discussions with high Admiralty officials
the possibility of having to maintain 8. large British
force in the Far East without control of the Mediterramean
was mentioned and the Cape Route to the East was touched
upon. Plans were then underway to improve the facilities
available on the Cape Route.
- 3 -
A-1-18
Air Rearmament Progress. 3 February, 1938
A press campaign on the part of several papers,
was launched against the Air Ministry criticizing its
failure to meet the original plan of expansion laid out.
Other papers have defended the work of the Air Ministry
as sufficiently satisfactory.
A-1-19
Anticipated Dates of Completion of Ships Due to Complete
in the Financial Year 1937. 7 February, 1938
Two CL.s and four DD.s completed and passed for
service 23 October, 1937 to 29 January, 1938, inclusive.
H.M. Ships shown in Navy Estimates, 1937, due to com-
plete in financial year 1937: seven DD.s, four SS.s, three
AM., three thawlers.
A-1-20
British Secret Service. 8 February, 1938
A total of approximately $5,000,000 will be spent
during the next year for espionage and counter-espionage
activities by the Foreign Office, War Office, Admiralty,
Air Ministry, and Home Office, jointly.
A-1-21
New Royal Air Force Airdrome at Thorney Island.
8 February, 1938
For a reported cost of $2,875,000 a new R.A.F.
airdrome at Thorney Island (Chichester Harbour) has been
built. It will add to the strength of the Portsmouth
defences.
A-1-22
Air-Raid Precautions. 8 February, 1938
Report on blackout experiments at Leicester. Air-
raid centers are being set up in various areas for dealing
with the organizations, dissemination of information, and
instructions therein in the respective areas. It is pro-
posed to establish schools for air wardens.
- 4 -
A-1-23
Fleet Air Arm Short Service Officers. 23 February, 1938
Announcement is made of plans formulated by the Navy
for procuring pilots for the new Fleet Air Arm. The
system will be similar to the Regulations of the Royal Ar
Force for short service pilots.
A-1-24
British Navy Estimates-1938. 7 March, 1938
Navy Estimates for 1938 total £123,707,000, an in-
crease of £18,642,000 over the previous year's expendi-
tures. The estimate for 1938 gives the total number of
personnel to be borne as 119,000, an increase of 7,000
over the number for 1937. Three battleships are to be
modernized.
A-1-25
House of Commons Debate on Defence. 11 March, 1938
It was stated by the Prime Minister that there were
four objectives for the programs involved in rearmament:
(a) Protection of the United Kingdom.
(b) Preservation of the trade routes for food
and raw materials.
(c) Defence of British territories overseas
from sea, land or air attack.
(d) ....Cooperation in the defence of the
territories of any allies we might have
in case of war."
While a short time ago £1,500,000,000 had been thought
adequate to meet the costs of rearming it was now found
insufficient. He concluded that "the ideals of the League
are grand and magnificent" but that Britain must now rely
on her own arms for safety. The Opposition argued the
inconsistency of the Government's action on the basis
that they had won the last General Election on a League
of Nations platform. (1,2)
A-1-26
British Air Estimates--1938. 11 March, 1938
There is no change in figures contemplated for the
total number of squadrons of first line aircraft from
those given in the 1938 Air Estimates called for by the
R.A.F. expansion scheme. Personnel are to be increased
to 83,000 officers and men. The total gross estimate
- 5 -
for 1938 is £102,720,000 as compared to £88,588,600 in
1937. This includes the naval appropriation of
E5,718,000.
A-1-27
Fleet Air Arm Training Pilots. 12 March, 1938
The initial and intermediate flying training shall
be carried out by the R.A.F. flying training schools, but
Naval Personnel will be attached to such schools for
disciplinary control of the pupils and for instruction in
Naval subjects.
A-1-28
Austria: British Reaction to Change of Status.
17 March, 1938
The invasion of Austria has caused great alarm in
Britain but the Prime Minister has refrained from declaring
any line of action other than to condemn the forcible
measures of Germany. Three results of the Nazi annexation
of Austria are apparent: (a) Program of rearmament to be
extended and hastened, (b) An immediate campaign to enlist
one million volunteers as members of Air Raid Defence Forces,
(c) Hints made in Parliament that cooperation between em-
ployers and employees would be requested.
A-1-29
Visit to Austin Shadow Factory. 18 March, 1938
On February 24, 1938 the Naval Attache accompanied a
party making a tour of the Austin Shadow Factory, which
was specially designed for the manufacture of Fairey
"Battle" air-planes. The approximate cost of outlay of
this plant was $16,000,000.
A-1-30
The Navy Convoy System. 23 March, 1938
The question of protecting the nation's food supply
in event of war has been in the public eye much of late.
Mr. Shakespeare in presenting the Navy Estimates in Commons
on 17 March, 1938 declared that the Admiralty was ready to
put & convoy system for merchant shipping into operation
from the very outset of a war.
A-1-31
Air-raid Precautions - Progress with. 28 March, 1938
A prominent American businessman told the Naval
Attache that little real progress had been made in Air
Raid Precautions despite all the discussions in the press,
- 6 -
due to the question of who 1s going to pay the bill.
A-1-32
Navy Estimates, 1938: General Remarks. 29 March, 1938
Ships of the major classes expected to be completed
during Fiscal 1938 are:--
1 - aircraft carrier
3 - 9,000 ton cruisers )
2 - 10,000 ton cruisers) with 6" guns
24 - destroyers
12 - submarines
2 - submarine depot ships
TOTAL of 150,000 tons.
Sums will be spent on modernization and anti-aircraft
rearmament. The Singapore Base will also be worked on.
Weaknesses in the program were pointed out by Admiral of
the Fleet Sir Roger Keyes who called attention to the
U.S. Navy Air Force. (1,2)
A-1-33
Meeting of Trade Union Leaders with Prime Minister to
Speed up National Defense. 31 March, 1938
The Prime Winister invited trade union leaders to
10, Downing Street on 24 March, 1938 to secure their co-
operation in the additional efforts to be made to increase
armaments. Sir Thomas Inskip was present.
A-1-34
Munitions Factory Scheme for India. 31 March, 1938
Official confirmation is reported that a large
munitions factory is to be erected at Jubbulpore,
Central Provinces, to make India independent of 1m-
ported shells and small arms.
A-1-35
Progress of British Rearmament Program with Particular
Reference to the Navy. 11 April, 1938
Gives tables of building programs from 1933 to
date, statistics on expansion of naval personnel, and
the development of the Fleet Air Arm.
A-1-36
Anticipated Dates of Completion of Ships Due to Complete
in the Financial Year 1938. 12 April, 1938
There were four AM.s completed and passed into service
in the period 15 March through 6 April, 1938. H.M. Ships
shown in Navy Estimates 1938 as due to complete in the
financial year 1938 include: six CL.s, sixteen DD.s, one
- 7 -
AD, nine SS.s, five AM.s, three PG.s, one PG, two survey
vessels, one PR, nine M.T.Bs.
A-1-37
Fleet Air Arm-Appointment of 5th Sea Lord. 19 April, 938
Vice-Admiral the Honorable Sir Alexander R.M.
Ramsay, K.C.B., K.C.V.O., D.S.O., is to be Lord Commission-
er of the Admiralty to date about July 1938. His title
is to be 5th Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Air Services.
A-1-38
New Defence Move in the Pacific. 21 April, 1938
There will be a determined effort on the part of
the Commonwealth of Australia to accelerate its defence
plans. A board known as the Southern Pacific Defence
Board, on which representatives of the British Government
for Singapore defences and the Australian and New Zealand
Governments, will be formed
A-1-39
Fleet Air Arm Training of Air Branch. Short Service
Officers. 27 April, 1938
The first group of 40 candidates for the new short
service air branch of the Navy began training on 19th
April.
A-1-40
British Air Mission - Purchase of Planes in the United
States. 27 April, 1938
The British Air Mission to the United States was
charged with exploratory inquireies concerning the
possibilities of obtaining military planes and is to be
considered supplementary to arrangements in Britain.
A-1-41
Air-Raid Precautions. 27 April, 1938
Churches agree to cooperate with the Government in
the national drive for volunteers for air-raid precautions
services.
A-1-42
Australian Defences. 2 May, 1938
The Australian Prime Minister announced his three
year program for defence expenditures, stressing meanwhile
the fact that this program was directly related to the wider
pattern of Empire defence. (1)
- 8 -
A-1-43
British Navy Recruitment. 3 May, 1938
Statistics are given on the Royal Navy enlistment
program for the fiscal year of 1938. The point is made
that this program is 8 record for peace time.
A-1-44
Royal Air Force Expansion - New Plan. 3 May, 1938
Announcement is made of the new expansion program
for the Royal Air Force. Aircraft factories were to be
increased and existing factories were to function on a
two-shift basis, therefore making it possible to double
the output of planes. The effort was one by which the
government hoped to meet the requirements of adequate
national defence as well as to allay the public criticism
of the government on this subject.
A-1-45
Acceleration of Rearmament (Sheffield Steel Industry).
3 May, 1938
The report quotes one from the American Consul at
Sheffield in which that official advises that the steel
industry in Sheffield is quite adequate for an accelera-
tion in airplane engine production. This opinion was
given after the invasion of Austria resulted in the public
announcement of the Prime Minister that an accelerated
program of rearmament was necessary for Britain.
A-1-46
Royal Air Force Expansion and Air Mission to the United
States. 11 May, 1938
English newspaper comment on the RAF expansion pro-
gram is given, as well as comment on the British Aviation
Mission to the U.S. for the purchase of certain plane
types to round out the British program. The Attache makes
the point that all this discussion and criticism has been
harmful to the Air Ministry in its efforts to obtain the
desired quantity of planes; but, at the same time, the
public discussion has relieved the Air Ministry of the
need for making a fight for adequate appropriations to
carry out the program.
A-1-47
Balloon Barrage. 12 May, 1938
Press photographs of the London Balloon Barrage
program are given together with an article from the London
Times about the 10 squadrons of men that were to be formed
eventually for the manning of this barrage.
- 9 -
BERET
A-1-48
Royal Air Force Expansion - Parliamentary Debates.
17 May, 1938
Parliamentary debate on the question of an expanded
Air Force is quoted. Demand is stressed for a change in
the Air Minister and for the establishment of & Ministry
for Supplies. More details are given on the expansion
program in effect in 1938, and finally, official comment
and reaction are given on the change in Air Ministers,
which change was made during the preparation of the report.
A-1-49
Fleet Air Arm - Comparison of First-Line Strength.
26 May, 1938
A statement of the First Lord of the Admiralty is
given wherein that official quotes figures on the Fleet
Air Arm strength of Great Britain, the United States,
Japan and Germany.
A-1-50
Air Force Expansion - New Aircraft Factory - Lord Nuffield.
2 June, 1938
A clipping from the Manchester Guardian comments on
the new plane factory which, it was said, Lord Nuffield
planned to build near Birmingham.
A- -51
Air Raid Precautions. 3 June, 1938
The attache comments on & private discussion he had
with an individual who was interested in the air raid pre-
caution program for London. Some information is given on
emergency water storage plants that were planned, also
on the proposed gasoline-driven portable pumping units.
A- -52
Turkey - British to Build Ships for. 3 June, 1938
Newspaper clippings are enclosed on the Turkish
Naval Building program in Great Britain. The Attache
comments on the reported efforts of Turkey to have the
British build them 8-inch cruisers and the refusal which
they received.
A- -53
Notes on Visit to Hawker Aircraft Plant. 7 June, 1938
The Naval Attache, together with Mr. Glenn Martin
and several other Americans, made an inspection trip to
- 10 -
the Hawker Aircraft Plant. Comments are given on the
production program and certain characteristics of the
Hawker Hurricane fighter, also on the inadequacy of the
plant facilities.
A-1-54
Notes on visit to Vickers Aviation Ltd., Weybridge, Surrey.
7 June, 1938
The Naval Attache, together with Mr. Glenn Martin
and several others, made an inspection trip to the Vickers
Aviation Plant. Comment is made on the new-type Wellington
bomber, its bomb capacity and production schedule. A
detailed report by & Glenn Martin engineer was enclosed.
A-1-55
1938 Supplementary Navy Estimates - Building Program.
8 June, 1938
British Supplementary Navy Estimates for the financial
year, 1938 are given. Speculation, based on the appropria-
tions, is made on the progress of construction work on
various types of naval vessels.
A-1-56
Plans to Fit Merchant Ships for Gun Mounts. 20 June, 1938
Comment is made on & newspaper article by Hector C.
Bywater (British Naval writer) on the progress made in
preparing British Merchant ships for self defence in the
event of war. The need for speeding up this program is
stressed. The Attache notes with interest that plans for
the protection of these ships against mines have not been
considered in detail by the Admiralty.
A-1-57
Utilization of Factories for the Rearmament Program and
for War Requirements. 20 June, 1938
Quotations are given from & speech of the Minister
for the Coordination of Defence in the House of Commons
on June 15, 1938 in which he states that the needs of
the current program for rearmament were not so great but
that he could still employ a method of selection in
assigning contracts. For wartime purposes, however, the
Supply Board of the Committee of Imperial Defence is
charged with making a survey of the industrial resources
of the entire country and allocating the manufacturing
capacity of individual firms for specific purposes. Be-
tween 6 and 7 thousand firms were BO allocated by June, 1938.
- 11 -
A-1-58
Anti-Aircraft Defence Expansion. 7 July, 1938
Quotations are given from a speech of the Secretary
of State for War in the House of Commons wherein he states
that anti-aircraft defence forces had grown from a little
over 5,000 in 1936 to & total of 43,000 in June, 1938. It
was proposed to double that force and at the same time re-
organize the entire anti-airdraft command so that undivided
attention could be given to every aspect and detail of anti-
aircraft defence.
A-1-59
Merchant Navy Defence - New Gunnery Course. 7 July, 1938
The Attache furnished information on a supplemental
program of the Admiralty to train merchant marine officers
in the practical upkeep and fire control of weapons likely
to be fitted in merchant ships during wartime. An earlier
program had been attended by over 2,000 officers in the
first four months of its' existence.
A-1-60
British East Coast War Tests. 7 July, 1938
Newspaper articles and speculative comment on the
Army, Navy and Airforce exercises to be held on the east
coast of Britain in July, 1938 were furnished with this
report. A few remarks were made on a new type of landing
craft.
A-1-61
Defence of Battleships Against Air Attack. 16 July, 1938
The Attache emphasizes certain points outlined in
newspaper articles on recent fleet exercises during which
Queen Bee target planes were used in A.A. drill.
A-1-62
Fleet Air Arm - Establishment of New Branches for
Aircraft Maintenances. 19 July, 1938
The Attache sends copies of two Admiralty Fleet
Orders in which regulations are published for the setting
up of an aircraft maintenance branch in the Royal Navy and
for the transfer of Royal Air Force personnel.
A-1-63
Supplementary Air Estimates. 19 July, 1938
Figures are given on the supplementary appropriation
for the Air Force to cover an increase in personnel,
- 12 -
increases in planes and balloons, supplies, buildings
and lands.
A-1-64
New Graving Dock for Colombo. 21 July, 1938
An article from the London Times tells about the
completion of the new graving dock at Colombo together
with someinformation on the characteristics of this dock.
A-1-65
Blackburn Aircraft Factory. 21 July, 1938
The third annual general meeting of the Blackburn
Aircraft Co. is reported, together with information on
the growth of the company, financial condition and plans
for future work and development.
A-1-66
Navy-Army-Air Force Joint Maneuvers. 27 July, 1938
War games were held in the North Sea area between
July 20-22, 1938 with the general purpose of exercising
general reconnaissance squadrons in locating and tracking
vessels in the North Sea, and also with the purpose of
exercising the coast defences in warding off raids by
naval vessels. Supplementary exercises included practice
submarine attacks on merchant shipping and the attempt
of so-called German raiders to escape into the open sea.
A-1-67
Defence Base at Port Darwin. 15 August, 1938
The Attache obtained the reactions of the Director
of Naval Intelligence, Royal Navy, to a newspaper account
of Australian coastal defence plans. Darwin was claimed
as an important adjunct to the Singapore Naval Base and
some details were given as to plans for its further fort-
ification.
A-1-68
Reorganizing the Royal Navy-Ships to be Added by end of
1941. 17 August, 1938
An article by the naval expert, Hector C. Bywater,
is forwarded. On the basis of new ships scheduled for
completion, Mr. Bywater outlines possible plans for the
building up of existing fleets of the Royal Navy. The
point is made that because the U.S. Fleet is concentrated
in the Pacific, it is probably unnecessary to assign
additional British units to that area.
- 13 -
LCRET
A-1-69
British to Build Ships for Turkey. 18 August, 1938
The Attache reports on his conversation with the
Turkish Naval Attache during which it was revealed that
the British would build for the Turks two destroyers and
eight submarines. The balance of the program being dis-
cussed by the visiting Turkish Naval Mission has not been
decided upon as yet.
A-1-70
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve - Plans for Greater
Expansion. 20 August, 1938
It is reported that the Air Ministry has established
a new Directorate of Volunteer Reserve Expansion to aid
in the rapid expansion of the Air Volunteer Reserve.
A-1-71
Expansion of Aircraft Factories. 22 August, 1938
Additional information is given on the Air Ministry
plans for a new A.V. Roe and Co. airplane factory at
Manchester, an extension to the Short and Harland factory
at Belfast, and a projected increase in Bristol Blenheim
bombers.
A-1-72
R.A.F. Reserve, Further Steps for Increase. 30 August, 1938
An article from the Times is quoted. It is revealed
that the R.A.F. has agreed to pay a bounty to airmen who
have completed their terms of regular and reserve services
in order that a claim to their future services may be had.
Some 200,000 airmen are eligible for this new arrangement.
A-1-73
Britain to be Helped in War by South Africa: General
Smuts' Announcement. 30 August, 1938
Report is made on the speech of General Smuts of
South Africa during which he made the statement that
should Great Britain become involved in war it was in-
conceivable, in his view, that South Africa would stand
aside.
A-1-74
Annual Aviation Intelligence Report. 31 August 1938
The Attache submitted a lengthy report in which he
summarized the developments in the R.A.F. during the
previous year, placing emphasis on production capacity
of individual airplane factories and on the R.A.F. pilot
training program.
- 14 -
A-1-75
R.A.F. Expansion - British Shipyards to Build Airplanes.
13 September, 1938
John Brown & Co., Shipbuilders, announced that they
had acquired a controlling interest in the Westland Air-
craft Co. This move is in keeping with the desire of the
Secretary of State for Air to enlist the services of con-
cerns with experience in big-scale production for assis-
tance in the current R.A.F. building program.
A-1-76
Training Establishments of the British Navy: Number of
Personnel under Instruction and Cost. 16 September, 1938
Attache submits a tabulation on the number of officers
and men under training at the principal shore establish-
ments during the year, 1938.
A-1-77
British Naval Preparations at Czechoslovakian Crisis,
20 September, 1938
Seven Mine sweepers and four mine layers previously
held in reserve to be placed in full commission. Home
fleet cruising in SW Hish waters. Everything short of
mobilization being done. (1)
A-2-78
Annual Report on British Navy. 1 October, 1938
Principal items reported are the ships in commission,
in reserve, under refit, and building. Manoeuvers, shore
establishments, naval agreements, Spanish patrol, etc.
for the year ending October 1, 1938 are covered.
A-2-79
Mobilization of the British Fleet. 14 October, 1938
Arrangements for the expeditious expansion of the
Naval personnel worked well. Transportation, pay, medical
examination, equipping and other factors were handled with
precision. Work on Reserve Fleet vessels was speeded
according to priorities. Increases in personnel and pro-
duction are pronounced, the highest priority going to
defensive fighter planes. Between 5000 and 6000 fighting
planes are on order.
A-2-80
Emergency Preparations for War during Recent Crisis.
17 October, 1938
All emergency activities not purely military came
- 15 -
under A.R.P., which is under the Home Office. Its
activities were speeded up on September 20, gas masks
were issued to Londoners. The evacuation of women and
children from London was announced on September 28. The
Territorial Army of the War Office handled military de-
fence, including installation of A.A. batteries, ballom
barrages, and trenches in public parks, etc. Expenses
of A.R.P. have been enormous.
A-2-81
Effect of the Czechoslovakian Crisis on Plans for
Rearmament in Great Britain. 19 October, 1938
The Munich Agreement resulted in an inquiry into
defences. The condition of the Fleet was generally re-
garded satisfactory. A.A. defences and the organization
of the Territorial Army were found faulty. R.A.F.
mobilization proceeded smoothly and need for expansion
was apparent. (7,8)
A-2-82
Balloon Barrage. 20 October, 1938
Equipment and use of balloon barrage squadrons during
the September crisis are discussed. The London units
will be supplemented by similar units in ten other cities.
A-283
Inspection of Works of Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd. at Barrow-
in-Furness and Newcastle-on-Tyne - Description of Battle-
ship and Carrier Construction. 15 November, 1938
Ships seen, methods of work, equipment, etc. are
reported in great detail.
A-2-84
Status of Plane Development for the Fleet Air Arm.
17 November, 1938
Carriers have used the same planes for several years.
Experimental new models have serious faults. Gladiators
and Faireys will be used.
A-2-85
Aircraft Production - Westland Aircraft Co. 17 November, 1938
The Lysander Army Cooperation Aircraft has just come
into service. This plane and the plant are described.
A-2-86
Aircraft Production - Gloster Aircraft Co,, Ltd.
17 November, 1938
This new plant has made "Gauntlets" and "Gladiators"
- 16 -
and is now making "Henleys". "Hurricanes" will be built
when expansion of plant is completed. Other orders
discussed.
A-2-87
Visit to Boulton Paul Aircraft Ltd., Volverhampton,
Staffordshire. 18 November, 1938
The interior of the plant could not be examined and
information given related principally to armament work.
A fighter, heavy bomber and Fleet Air Arm fighter are
being developed.
A-2-88
Aircraft Production - - Aeronautical Development and
Research - - Parnall Aircraft, Ltd. 18 November, 1938
This company is producing Fraser-Nash aircraft gun
turrets and developing a twin-engined fighter.
A-2-89
Aircraft Production - Aeronautical Development and
Research - - The Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd. 18 November, 1938
The new "Beaufort" bomber was seen by accident.
Details of the "Blenheim" and several engines are given.
A-2-90
Expansion of the R.A.F. 18 November, 1938
The Secretary of State for Air reported to Parlia-
ment on the present status and future plans of the R.A.F.
A-2-91
Agitation for the Formation of a Ministry of Supply and
for the Establishment of & Compulsory National Register
Becoming More Widespread and Vociferous. 21 November, 1938
Parliamentary debates and press clippings indicate
widespread demand for a Ministry of Supply, which is
opposed by the Prime Minister. There is even greater
support for a compulsory National Registry.
A-2-92
Expansion and Reorganization at the Air Ministry--New
Deputy Directorates. 22 November, 1938
A Deputy Directorate of Operations (Naval Coop.)
has been established in the Department of the Chief of
the Air Staff. Other organizational changes have been
made and it is believed a Department of Production will
be formed shortley.
- 17 -
A-2-93
Aircraft Production--Lord Nuffield's New Factory for
Producing Supermarine "Spitfire" Aircraft. 22 November, 1938
The factory is expected to begin production in
February of 1939.
A-2-94
Aircraft from Canada. 22 November, 1938
Sir Kingsley Wood reported to Parliament the signing
of large aircraft orders with Canadian firms which are
to be maintained for ten years. Bomber planes were order-
ed and fighter and reconnaissance types are under dis-
cussion. The organization of Canadian Association Air-
craft Ltd. was devised by the Air Ministry.
A-2-95
Expansion of Aircraft Factories--Vickers and Supermarine;
Handley Page: and Westland. 23 November, 1938
These aircraft plants have undergone changes in
control and considerable expansion, according to the press.
Two new plants for light alloys have been announced.
A-2-96
Battleship for Australia. 6 December, 1938
Indications in the press that Australia may purchase
a 16 inch gun battleship are reported not true by the
Admiralty.
A-2-97
Turkish Naval Vessels to be Built in Great Britain.
7 December, 1938
The press reports a contract has been let by the
Turkish Government to construct 11 coastal vessels.
A-2-98
Aircraft Carriers--Numbers of Officers, Men and Squadrons.
14 December, 1938
The Admiralty supplied the above data on all carriers
then in commission.
A-2-99
British Industrial Mobilization--Industrial Advisory Panel.
15 December, 1938
The membership of the panel is forwarded with
comments on its duties and operation.
- 18 -
A-2-100
Personnel for Defence Requirements--Numbers Necessary
and Numbers Required as of 31 October, 1938.
19 December, 1938
A.R.P., R.A.F. and Army figures are supplied in
detail.
A-2-101
British Aviation Industry. 29 December, 1938
Aviation progress in 1938 is surveyed in an article
to be published later. Production capacity will be four
times May 1938 production by May, 1940.
A-2-102
World Warship Construction, 1938. 3 January, 1939.
Admiralty contracts for work in shipyards will
exceed 37 million pounds throughout 1939 and for
material 11 ₂ million pounds.
A-2-103
Fuel 011 and Gasoline Storage. 10 January, 1939
The government is proceeding with the preliminary
work to carry out the underground storage program
Most of the gasoline storage 1s, or soon will be, under-
ground.
A-2-104
The Fleet Air Arm Expansion. 10 January, 1939
There have recently appeared quite a number of
articles on the expansion of the Fleet Air Arm announc-
ing that that branch was to be increased from 3,000
to 10,000 officers and to somewhere in the neighborhood
of 740 planes this expansion is merely what will be
required to provide planes and men to equip the new
aircraft carriers
etc.
A-2-105
New Battleships, Lion and Temeraire. 11 January, 1939
Details of tonnage, armament, speed, etc. of new
battleships.
A-2-106
Destroyers for Jugoslav Navy. 17 January, 1939
1 launched, 2 hulls building in Jugoslavia,
machinery in England.
- 19 -
A-2-107
Garrison at Penang. 17 January, 1939
Building of batteries, barracks, etc. for
garrison is under way.
A-2-108
Air Raid Precautions. 20 January, 1939
The cause of the original delays in A.R.P. pre-
paration was the fact that most of the questions that
required a decision were turned over to numerous commit-
tees. The sum of 22 million pounds has been allocated
for A.R.P. expenditures for the next fiscal year.
A-2-109
Shipbuilding Program. 24 January, 1939
Anticipated dates of completion of ships due
to complete in the financial year 1938.
A-2-110
R.A.F. Organization and Air Ministry Changes.
25 January, 1939
Middle East Command changed to Command-in-Chief
and appointment of Air Marshall Mitchell to post, with
reorganization of Air Ministry.
A-2-111
Admiralty Call to Retired Officers. 27 January, 1939
Considerable comment has been made since the
Admiralty announcement of 25 January that it is prepared
to consider applications for reemployment for Home
Service from Lieutenants and Lt.-Commanders on the Re-
tired List. Officers under 40 are preferred
A-2-112
New Class of Royal Fleet Reserve Established for Service
in Emergency. 1 February, 1939
During the September crisis one of the difficulties
attendant upon manning reserve ships was the impossibility
of calling up reserves in advance of a Royal Proclamation.
Designed to overcome this deficiency and to provide a
class of the Royal Fleet Reserve available for immediate
service, upon Admiralty call in time of emergency, an
Admiralty Fleet order has been promulgated establishing
an Immediate Reserve.
- 20 -
A-2-113
British Naval Adviser for Egypt. 1 February, 1939
Captain G.T. Philip has been appointed Naval Adviser
to the British Military Mission in Egypt... The program
of naval units for Egypt has been modified.. There will
be a compromise between coast defense vessels and special
anti-aircraft cruisers of the British Navy.
A-2-114
Air Raid Precautions - Regional Defense. 6 February, 1939
Sir John Anderson's announcement of new schemes for
the organization of civil defense against air raids is
based on the division of the country into twelve Air Raid
Precautions Zones.
A-2-115
Naval Building Program. 11 February, 1939
Annual program of construction for 1939 with details
of ships, ordnance, etc.
A-2-116
Notes on Visit to Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft Ltd.,
Coventry. 15 February, 1939
Details of size, number of personnel, types being
produced, and details of planes.
A-2-117
Training of Merchant Marine Officers and Seamen.
17 February, 1939
Institution and progress of training courses for
defense, extension of courses, and numbers enrolled.
A-2-118
Turkish Naval Vessels to be Built in Great Britain.
21 February, 1939
Four submarines have been ordered by Turkey.
A-2-119
Supplementary Estimate, Air Services, 1938.
28 February, 1939
Estimates for various branches, including increase
in personnel. Increases total air extimates for year to
134 million pounds.
A-2-120
British Naval Estimates for 1939. 1 March, 1939
Total estimates of 149 million pounds provided.
- 21 -
New construction program of 2 capital ships, 1 air-
craft carrier, 4 cruisers, 2 flotillas of destroyers,
4 submarines, and 20 fast escort vessels, etc. Personnel
strength of 133,000 provided for.
A-2-121
Allocation of New Naval Vessels to Building Yards.
3 March, 1939
Allocations for building of 2 battleships and 4
cruisers.
A-2-122
Air Estimates 1939. 8 March, 1939
Personnel strength of 118,000 authorized for the
R.A.F. The authorized strength of the R.A.F. Reserve
and R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve is 77,000 and the Auxiliary
Force Reserve 27,000.
A-2-123
British Officer Procurement. 14 March, 1939
Increased needs for additional executive branch
officers to be met by (1) employment of retired officers;
(2) promotion to warrant officers; (3) transfer of R.N.R.
officers; (4) entering of merchant marine officers.
A-2-124
Air Raid Precautions Estimates for the Year Ending
31 March, 1940. 15 March, 1939.
Total cost necessary, amounting to over 42
million pounds.
A-2-125
Harbor Changes in Alexandria. 16 March, 1939
A scheme has been prepared for improving the harbor
at Alexandria at a cost of 3 million pounds. Work to
be spread over 4 years and to include drydock for the
use of Naval vessels, etc.
A-2-126
Austin Shadow Factory. 20 March, 1939
This government aircraft factory now employs seven
thousand people on Fairey "Battles". When the present
order of 863 is completed, production will start on
Short "Sterlings".
- 22 -
A-2-127
Rootes "Shadow" Factory. 20 March, 1939
This government aircraft factory is well equipped.
"Blenheims" have been produced since August, 1938.
"Sterlings" may be built when the present order of 1000
planes is completed.
A-2-128
Naval Escort Vessels - Orders Placed for Them.
23 March, 1939
Yards to build ten escort or small destroyers are
announced.
A-2-129
Expansion of Defense Forces in H.M. Dominions.
11 April, 1939
Funds appropriated for defense purposes in Canada,
Australia, the Union of South Africa and New Zealand,
as reported in Parliament.
A-2-130
Particulars of British Naval Vessels. 13 April, 1939
Information on eighteen light surface vessels of
the 1939 annual program, provided by the Foreign Office.
A-2-131
Air Force List - Curtailment of Information Therein.
14 April, 1939
The reduced list shows the Air Ministry organization
but not the composition of commands, groups and squadrons.
Other details previously given are omitted.
A-2-132
Contracts Placed by Admiralty for Destroyers and Fleet
Air Arm Supply Ship in 1939 Estimates, and 1938 Estimates,
Respectively. 19 April, 1939
The construction program is summarized and the
placement of certain contracts announced. The supply
ship is & new type and details of the design and tonnage
are secret.
A-2-133
Report on Visit to Blackburn Aircraft Ltd., Brough.
27 April, 1939
The Brough plant is producting "Skuas" and will
make the "Botha". The Dumbarton plant is beginning on
- 23 -
"Bothas", while the Leeds plant feeds component parts
to the other two. Details of the "Skua" and its
counterpart the "Roc" are forwarded, as well as some
data on the new Botha and & retractable float flying
boat.
A-2-134
Mercantile Marine-War Services List-Training Courses.
18 May, 1939
Parliamentary debate with regard to rates and condi-
tions of leave with pay for Merchant Marine personnel in
training in H. M. Dockyards as Merchant Seaman Gunners.
A-2-135
Placing in Active Service of Certain Classes of the
Royal Fleet Reserve, and Miscellaneous Reserves for
Verying Periods of Service from 15 June, 1939.
19 May, 1939
Written announcement made in Commons regarding
calling up of Fleet Reserves for service from June 15,
1939.
A-2-136
Oerlikon 20-MM. Gun for British Navy. 24 May, 1939
Attention called to Enclosures- M.A. London which
contain proposal to equip British Merchant Vessels with
one or more Oerlikon units with 8. total installation of
12,000 units foreseen. Enclosures forwarded in advance
of confirmation by Admiralty. Suggestion made that in-
quiries addressed to M. Antoine Gazda, Oerlikon representa-
tive then projecting visit to U. S. Navy Department be
discreet because of sources involved.
A-2-137
British Battle Fleet for Pacific. 19 June, 1939
Article in Hampshire telegraph S. Post of 16 June,
1939 - giving relative strengths of navies and lists of
probable vessels to be sent to the Far East.
A-2-138
Training Young Fisherman for Naval Reserve. 24 June, 1939
Fisherman between ages of 20 and 21 registered under
Military Training Act, expressing preference for Reserve
will be enrolled in the Royal Naval Special Reserve.
These men will serve in the R. N. for four years with
six months continuous training.
- 24 -
A-2-139
British Floating Drydock Towed to Alexandria.
24 July, 1939
According to press; the drydock left Portsmouth
24 June, 1939 in tow of three Dutch tugs and arrived
on 29 July. Voyage with 70 men aboard made without
incident.
A-2-140
British Fleet Air Arm Trebled. 25 July, 1939
Clipping London Times 23 July, 1939. Article by
Naval Correspondent of Times describes expansion of
F.A.A. incident to construction of new carriers, and
state number of planes operated by Admiralty as 700.
Description of Skua divebomber. Discussion of probable
use of bombers as reconnaissance and searching rather
than a striking force.
A-2-141
Trawlers for the Royal Navy Anti-Submarine Work.
2 August, 1939
Press announced on 21 July, 1939 that the Admiralty
had taken over 88 trawlers to be used for anti-sub-
marine activities. Representation made by transport and
several worker's union to owner's association to increase
crews of trawlers operating to relieve any unemployment
which might arise as result of Admiralty's action.
- 25 -
SUMMARY
of
ESTIMATE of POTENTIAL
MILITARY STRENGTH
B
NAVAL ATTACHE, PARIS
B-1-1
French Political and Naval Policies, 27 January 1937
This report quotes the Finance Commission of the
French Chamber that the French Naval Building Program
is lagging, but that the recent Anglo-French "mutual
aid agreement" relieves the situation. (2)
B-1-2
Debate in French Chamber on "Preparedness of Nation for
War" Covering the Three Military Services and Entire
"National Defense Structure," 11 February 1937
This report quotes a Chamber member requesting
urgent adjustments in the French Building Program to
meet the critical situation and tells of the increase
of anxiety because of control of the Military in
Japan. (3-4)
It says that Germany has plans for the war's
end in three months. (6)
B-1-3
Nationalization of War Industries, Objections to,
12 February 1937
This report says that governmental control of war
industries is being criticized as being less versatile
and efficient than private.
B-1-4
British Rearmament: What Does it Represent to France,
now her Ally? 16 March 1937
This report quotes the French press as saying that
the problems between England and Germany-Italy will lead
to the establishing of a pre-war Entente. (1)
B-1-5
Planning of Aircraft Carriers in Future French Building
Program, 3 May 1937
This report says that French marine specialists
advocate light fast airplane carriers to use in the
Mediterranean while England handles other waters;and
comments on the inadequacy of the COMMANDANTE TESTE
and BEARN in order to stress the need for two new
modern carriers.
B-1-6
French (Naval) Building Programs, 10 May 1937
This report gives the projected units of the
French Navy Building Program. (1938-41)
-1-
SECRET
B-1-7
French Industrial Mobilization, 24 June 1937
This report quotes the Ministry of Marine as saying
that workers have been mobilized for war, but material
has not; that mobilization of women in industry and ad-
ministrative offices is permitted for the duration of
the war and that the mobilization of all forces is being
studied by Army and Navy General Staffs and finally that
the Government intends to stop all excess war profits. (2)
B-1-8
Political Events, 29 June 1937
This report quotes the Italian press via a Paris
paper concerning the possibility of Eden and Blum acting
despite the disarmament of England and the interior troubles
of France; and comments that it is better if the action does
come now rather than at a future date when Italy's enemies
will be armed. (1-2)
B-1-9
Political Events - Bellicose Italy, 13 July 1937
Despite denial, Italy's warlike intentions cannot
be doubted. (2)
B-1-10
Political Events - The Spanish Situation, 27 July 1937
This report states that France would like to clear
the Mediterranean of German and Italian troops - pre-
ferably with the aid of England. (1)
B-1-11
Political Events, 10 August 1937
This report quotes Epoque as saying that Japan
must have support in Europe if she undertakes to attack
China entire. France is directly interested because of
her closeness to Anglo-Saxon policy supporting China and
because of Indochina. (2)
B-1-12
Political Events, 7 September 1937
This report calls attention to Gamelin's visit to
England on 1 September and to the fact that France would
have to carry most of the burden in the event of war. (3)
B-1-13
Output of Military Planes, as Compared to Germany,
4 November 1937
This report gives annual statistics on the output
of planes in France and Germany for 1934, 1935, and 1936.
-2-
SECRET
B-1-14
Political Events - Berlin-Rome-Tokyo Anti-Communist
Pact, 9 November 1937
This report shows the pressure brought to bear on
England by this Military Pact, the first target of which
will be Czechoslavakia. (1-2)
B-1-15
Berlin-Rome-Tokyo "Triangle" Replacing the Berlin-Rome
Axis, 15 November 1937
This report quotes Excelsior on the opinion that
France's military weakness has driven smaller countries
to turn to the Dictators. (1-2)
B-1-16
A World Survey of Naval Building Programs, From the
French Viewpoint, 15 November 1937
This report quotes "Le Temps" as it compares
France's sea strength with that of other countries
in 1937 and discusses the French Naval Building
Program for 1938. (1-2)
B-1-17
The French Aircraft Industry, 19 November 1937
This report says the French plane output has not
increased in the past three years. (1)
B-1-18
North Africa, 19 November 1937
This report gives an account of the troubles caused
by Italian Fascist propaganda in Algeria.
B-1-19
France - Mediterranean Routes Threatened, 22 November 1937
This report declares that France realizes that more
attention must be given her Navy because of Italy's
activity. (1)
B-1-20
Political Events, 23 November 1937
This report says that the Japanese have warned
the French not to let munitions pass through Indochina.
(1)
B-1-21
Political Events, 7 December 1937
This report quotes Petit Bleu as warning against
any concessions to Germany, and speaks of the fear of
Japan in regard to sending supplies to China. (2-3)
-3-
It continues by showing the approval of the press
towards keeping France heavily armed by good appro-
priations in the 1938 budget. (5)
B-1-22
Efficiency of the Non-Commissioned Officers. A
Detail of the Mobilization Plan, 14 December 1937
This report shows the complete trust in the Maginot
Line by some of the army officers.
B-1-23
Production of Airplanes for the French Air Force,
14 December 1937
This report gives reasons for the lag in plane
production and probable increase.
B-1-24
Extracts from Discussion of Naval Budget Before the
Naval Committee, 16 December 1937
This report states that Europe was nearly set
afire by the Italo-Ethiopian conflict, also by the
Spanish Civil War and in 1937 by the troubles in the
Far East. It expresses confidence in the Naval
aviation setup, but says that progress has been too
slow. (2-3)
B-1-25
A Service of Production for the Aviation Industry is
Established, 20 December 1937
This report speaks of the system of denationalized
industries after the war (1914-1918) followed by a trial
concentration, then nationalization with increased inter-
ference by the Government through each of these moves.
It tries to forsee the future of this policy. (1)
B-1-26
Article Entitled: The Days of the White Race in China
are Over, 3 January 1938
This report quotes General Cugnac of the French
Army as saying that France could not well keep Japanese
influence from Indochina. (1)
B-1-27
Political Events, 11 January 1938
This report quotes Epoque as saying that Hitler and
Mussolini, despite their expressed peace intentions, have
territorial gains planned and that France should be
strongly armed. (3)
4-
B-1-28
France - Czechoslovakia, 24 March 1938
This report quotes the Eclaireur de Nice as
deploring the comparative strength of France and
Germany, which shows the former's weakness and the
fact that it could only remain on the defensive.
B-1-29
Naval Policy - Statement of the Minister of Marine,
19 May 1938
This report quotes the Navy Minister as saying
that changes must be made in the Navy budget to enable
the French Navy to maintain its present rank and keep
the security and prestige of France.
B-1-30
Airplanes. Placing of Orders for About 1400 Planes,
20 May 1938
This report says that since 17 March 1938, about
1400 war planes have been ordered, but that manufacture
may be stopped for an improved type, if such is
desired.
B-1-31
Edouard Herriot's Return from a Trip to Egypt,
23 May 1938
This report quótes Herriot's opinion of the
strategic importance of Suez in regard to French
interests.
B-1-32
Three Statements by French Air Minister with Regard
to French Aircraft Production, 24 June 1938
This report states that the Morane 406 and the
Potez 63 were the only planes retained of those pro-
posed by the General Staff as satisfactory. (1)
It continues that with other planes, the Amiot 350
bomber and Ligre 45 bomber, preparation for mass pro-
duction cannot be expected before the end of the
year. (1)
B-1-33
France - Army - - Preparation, 12 September 1938
Captain Harris, U.S.M.C., is reported here as
saying that all French students, both actives and
reserves, were sent back to their regiments and stra-
tegic points were being placed under guard. This mobili-
zation of the army was being carried out quietly.
-5-
B-1-34
Air Army Pre-Mobilization, 27 September 1938
This report tells of Air Army activity in
equipping planes and airdromes and of the call for
a few specialists. Numbers are given on the types
of planes available.
B-1-35
Political Situation, 27 September 1938
This report states that on 24 September there
was a partial mobilization of 300,000 men. Some
trucks, motor cars and horses were also requisitioned.
(1)
B-1-36
Mobilization of French Navy Personnel During Crisis,
14 October 1938
This report quotes a member of the "Inscription
Maritime" as saying that the French Fleet was completely
manned during June - September. Specialists were re-
tained to the number of 8,000, and 20,000 men were
drafted in partial mobilization.
B-1-37
Military Situation, 17 October 1938
This report quotes General de Cugnae as saying
that the French Army, without the aid of the Czecho-
slovakian forces which they had at first, would be
dangerously inferior to the German at the beginning
of 1939. (2)
B-1-38
44-Hour Week Inaugurated in all Naval Activities,
10 December 1938
This report states that a 44-hour week was ordered
in all naval establishments beginning 5 December.
B-1-39
No Additional Units Projected in French 1939 Naval
Budget, 10 December 1938
This report calls attention to the fact that ships
now authorized will occupy French shipyards to capacity
until 1942 and no new ones are to be added.
B-1-40
French Airplane Production, 18 January 1939
This report gives statistics on plane production
-6-
through 1938 by months. It also contrasts the 1937
production figures and shows what may be expected in
the future. Production numbers for each type are
quoted.
B-1-41
Increase in Enlisted Complement of French Navy,
21 January 1939
This report gives the numerical increase in
men in the French Navy and speaks of further increase
during 1939 to care for coast defense and new ships.
B-1-42
Conversation with Captain de Vilaine, Chief of the
2nd Bureau of the Ministry of Marine, 31 January 1939
This report quotes Captain de Vilaine as stating
that the tonnages of the French and Italian Navies
were about equal, but that in his opinion the French
was the better of the two.
B-1-43
The French Naval Report, 27 February 1939
This report quotes "Le Yacht," in its figures on
expected production of ships during 1939, that lists
tonnage under construction amounting to 340,000.
B-1-44
Political Situation, 18 April 1939
This report speaks of fortification developments
and the calling to duty of reservists. (1)
B-1-45
Political Situation, 25 April 1939
This report speaks of the quiet manner in which
the calling of reservists is carried on. (1)
B-1-46
French Navy Personnel, 19 May 1939
This report tells of the increase in officer
strength from 2,295 to 2,590 by the end of 1940.
B-1-47
France - Navy Personnel, 24 May 1939
This report gives figures on the increase of
enlisted and petty officer personnel in the Navy.
It also speaks of Army increases, #dditions, and
retention of ships in service. (1)
-7-
B-1-48
French Naval Forces Increased, 3 June 1939
This report tells of the numerical increase in
Navy personnel to meet the needs of new ships and
additions in naval bases. New ships about to be put
in use are cited. (1)
B-1-49
France - Political Forces, 30 June 1939
This report says that frontier regions from Metz
to Belfort seem strongly defended and speak well of
the strength of the Maginot Line.
It continues with descriptions of increased
fortifications along the Swiss frontier, and of in-
creased activity in aviation. (2)
B-1-50
Aviation - Mobilization of Air Army, 25 August 1939
This report states that the Air Army is held in
readiness to move instantly. It mentions activities
at Orly, Reims and Le Bourget.
B-1-51
Notes - Navy Mobilization, 27 September 1939
This report gives figures on Navy mobilization and
ages of the men, It speaks of the evacuation of Brest,
except for Navy personnel.
Available boats are being taken over for patrol
work in the Channel and older men are being used for
the service.
There is an acute shortage of bedding, even for
the army, but food supplies are better than during the
first world war, and there seems to be plenty of
ammunition.
Rumors are reported about thousands of French
dead. No official numbers are published.
The report cites jokes about lack of real
British help.
Gas masks are said to be available in too small
numbers in villages.
Rumors are reported of an appalling lack of A.A.
guns in French cities. It is reported that unemploy-
ment has increased despite the large number of men
taken from industry. Reasons for this are listed. (1-3)
-8-
B-1-52
Increase in Officer Personnel - French Navy,
5 October 1939
This report states that the increase in officer
personnel slated for a later date has been made effect-
ive at once.
B-1-53
France - General Situation, 20 October 1939
This report states that some of the older men are
being demobilized, as they are not needed.
B-1-54
Creation of Consultative Committee. Committee to have
Control of Raw Materials and Production, 20 December 1939
This report describes the new "Consultative
Committee" to aid the Ministry of Armament in handling
the changing of industries to meet wartime needs.
This committee may include Chamber and Senate members
to assure liaison between Parliament and National
Defense, and will control output of raw materials and
production of industry. (1)
B-1-55
France - Navy - Building Program, 2 January 1940
This report gives details of changes in the Naval
Building Program. Work on heavy craft was delayed
because of probable changes in design, and work on
lighter craft was speeded because of the need of such
at once.
B-1-56
Aviation - Planes and Engines, 15 April 1940
This report cites certain general trends in
planes to meet war demands.
B-1-57
Projected French Naval Building Program of 200,000
Tons, 18 April 1940
This report states that the 200,000-ton Shipbuilding
Program would not be started before the spring of 1941
because of lack of facilities.
B-1-58
Army - Aviation - Intelligence, 16 May 1940
This report quotes General Pretelat, commanding
the Second Army Group, who said that the British were
keeping too large forces at home in the fear of invasion
and that hence France was carrying too great & load.
-9-
He went on to say that the United States should keep
Italy out of the war.
DIS (s)
French Fleet, June 1940
Assurances that the French fleet will not surrender
have been given by Admiral Darlan. Orders have been
prepared and are ready to be issued to the French fleet,
depending on the Armistice terms. It is impossible to
launch the JEAN BART before 20 June. Time permitting,
this ship is to be towed to England. Otherwise, it will
be destroyed on ways. There will be similar disposal
of other uncompleted ships.
B-1-59
France/Germany - Aviation Production, 3 June 1941
This report quotes an officer of the Deuxieme
Bureau d'Air as stating that he considered German
airplane production, exclusive of all training planes,
to be at present 2,500 a month; while the French by
the end of 1942 would be about 250 planes a month.
DIS (c)
French Warships, August 1941
DUNKERQUE, still at Oran only partially repaired.
STRASBOURG in Toulon ready for sea.
DIS (c)
Fuel Storage - Marseille, February 1942
No fuel oil storage tanks being constructed in
Marseille. Since existing peanut oil storage tanks
at Marseille are full, additional small to medium size
tanks for storing this oil are being erected. All
peanut oil held for account of Axis.
DIS (c)
German Radio Communication with U-Boat, May 1942
Reliable technical source states the following:
Germany communicates with her subs off American
Coast through powerful radio station at Sainte Assise
near Melun. Easily recognized by tall towers. All
messages originate from Lorient and are automatically
rebroadcast. 19,000 meters most frequently used.
Destruction of this station would cause an estimated
two weeks' interruption of communications while
Germans shifted to only remaining sufficiently powerful
station in Occupied France at Pontoise near Paris.
-10-
SECRET
DIS (c)
Japanese Seizure of French Ships, June 1942
Have been informed by a reliable source as
follows:
On or about 25 May the Japanese seized the
following seven French ships and are now operating
them under the Jap flag:
ARAMIS, D'ARTAGNAN, CAP VARELIA, and LE CONTE DE
LISLE, and BERNARDIN DE SAINT PIERRE, and PERSEE of
Dreyfus line and one other ship of Messageries Maritime.
DIS (c)
Japanese Seizure of French Ships, June 1942
Second reliable source states the following ships
in addition to those previously named have been seized
by Japs. BOUGAINVILLE and VILLE DE VERDUN and a number
of small ships totalling seven thousand tons. Grand
total of 85,565 tons of shipping seized.
DIS (c)
German Domination of French Industry, June 1942
Informed as follows by a reliable source:
Germans have ordered work stopped on ships under
construction in French shipyards that are scheduled for
completion in 1943, and have suspended war material
contracts of French factories calling for 1943 deliv-
eries. Have directed that every effort must be made to
complete 1942 orders as quickly as possible. By this
action, Germans hope to recover some steel plating and
force workmen not capable of being employed on 1942
orders to work in Germany.
DIS (c)
Blockade Runners, July 1942
Reliable mercantile source informed me that
Italian steamer HIMALAYA arrived Bordeaux six June
with cargo of 7,500 tons rubber from Saigon via Straits
of Magellan. 60-day voyage.
DIS (c)
Axis Subs in Occupied French Ports, July 1942
Reliable French Military official informed me
as follows:
No Italian submarines have been seen in Occupied
French ports during past six weeks. Only small number
of German subs present at one time in Occupied French
ports.
-11-
DIS (c)
German U-Boat Operations, August 1942
Excellent source informed me four German sub
supply ships operate out of Nantes. Ships carry sub
personnel who are transferred at sea as required.
Cruises average 80 days at sea. Generally three at
sea and one in port.
Jap N. A. informed French Intelligence British
patrol plane detection gear so efficient that Germans
while in gulf of Gascony cruise submerged at night and
on surface during day.
DIS (c)
Blockade Runners, September 1942
Excellent source informed me Jap N. A. stated
the following to the French Naval Intelligence:
Jap sub which arrived Lorient last month was of
Interrogatory 16 class and made trip from Japan
without refueling. French Admiralty opinion sub
refueled off Cape Good Hope. Sub carried official
mail and 20 tons cargo which is believed to have
included quinine. Sub now en route to German port.
Same source informs me French Admiralty has
information indicating that ships carrying rubber
from Orient are slipping through blockade to the French
Occupied Ports.
DIS (c)
Axis Subs Operating from Occupied Ports, September 1942
Reliable source informed me Naval Intelligence
(French) estimated 90 (German) subs operate out of
Occupied French Ports and 60 subs operate out of Dutch
and Belgium ports.
DIS (c)
No French Submarines Operating with Axis, October 1942
Chief of French Naval Intelligence gave me formal
assurance that no French submarines are operating with
Germany. Stated French subs under construction or under-
going repair that were in occupied territory at time of
armistice had been effectually demolished and Germans
were not attempting to place them in service.
-12-
DIS (c)
German Luftwaffe Reserves Believed Depleted,
December 1942
During past three weeks, Sweden, Roumania, Finland,
and Spain have been negotiating to buy planes from the
French. They told the French that Germany had refused
to sell them planes. French Air Intelligence consider
this reliable indication that German reserve stocks
are temporarily depleted.
-13-
SUMMARY
of
ESTIMATE of POTENTIAL
MILITARY STRENGTH
c
NAVAL ATTACHE, BRUSSELS
C-1-1
Reorganization of the Belgian Army, 6 January 1937
This report describes the general organization of
12 active infantry divisions.
C-1-2
The Belgian Military Budget, 23 February 1937
This report says that the Budget Committee has
approved figures. additional amounts needed by the Army and gives
C-1-3
Belgian Military Organization, 6 November 1937
This letter lists the budget for and mobilizable
effectives in the Belgian military organization and
certain changes within said organization. Anticipated
time requirements are listed.
C-1-4
Material Needed by the Belgian Air Force,
4 October 1939
This report states that the Ministry of National
Defense has given orders for purchase of material for
the Air Force from the United States.
C-1-5
The Present Problem of Belgian Defense, 25 October 1939
This report describes the Belgian confidence in
the past danger of a surprise attack and their belief
in having utilized well their troops in defense
positions.
C-1-6
The Nucleus of a Future Belgian Navy, 28 October 1939
This report says that because of the dangers to the
Belgian coast a small preliminary naval force (coast
artillery) has been established. The officers have been
taken from the Merchant Marine and Fishing Service, and
the total number of men will be brought up to 1,200.
C-1-7
The Question of Dutch-Belgian Military Cooperation,
2 November 1939
This report makes it clear that Holland has no
intention of endangering her complete neutrality by
an alliance with any other nation for defense plans.
-1-
ET
C-1-8
The Pros and Cons of a German Invasion of the Low
Countries, 15 November 1939
This report estimates that Germany would not
provoke Holland and Belgium because their fortifi-
cations though not large are hardly worth the evident
German losses now that the element of surprise is
lost.
C-1-9
Military Aviation, 24 November 1939
This report gives an account of the organization
and headquarters of the Aeronautique Militaire, lists
peace-time aerodromes and types of military aircraft.
It continues by saying that the Government, realizing
the need to modernize equipment, has voted appropriations.
The British have cooperated in this effort, and have
delivered some planes and anti-aircraft guns.
C-1-10
The Recent Belgian Crisis, 16 January 1940
This report relates the series of threatening
German moves and Belgian defense precautions. The
King took over command of the Army on the 14th, but the
German Embassy made no move to send its personnel home.
The feeling persists that Germany is still trying to
determine the steps the other countries might take in
the face of the invasion.
-2-
SUMMARY
of
ESTIMATE of POTENTIAL
MILITARY STRENGTH
D
NAVAL ATTACHE, ROME
D-1-1
Strength of Italian Navy, 22 January 1937
This report gives a table of the enlisted strength
of the Italian Navy as of 1 December 1936. Total person-
nel (less officers) is 57,791. (2)
D-1-2
Italy's Preparation for East African Colonial Campaign,
2 April 1937
This report compares Italy's position as of
24 May 1915, 3 October 1935, and 30 March 1936. At
last date, Italy had 350,000 men, 17,100 officers,
19,000 motorized units, and 1,608 pieces of artillery
in East Africa. The strength is attributed to Il Duce.
D-1-3
Troop Movements in East Africa, 2 April 1937
This report states that on 29 March 1937, 657,000
Italian troops were southbound through Suez and 327,000
northbound. It estimates 192,000 troops and 133,000
laborers in East African Colonies.
D-1-4
Location, Organization of Italian Naval Units as of
I April 1937, 7 April 1937
This report notes that the Ministry of Marine no
longer furnishes data on new construction.
D-1-5
Mediterranean Equilibrium, 15 April 1937
This report studies the position of the European
Powers in the Mediterranean. The importance of Italy
astride the Mediterranean with her Spezia, Trapani,
Augusta, Tripoli system of traffic control. There is
an examination of the position of England, France,
Turkey, and Russia.
D-1-6
Italian Naval Program, 19 May 1937
This report states that two battleships are
progressing rapidly and that two others are ready
for service. Two older battleships are being modern-
ized. Two light cruisers are to be commissioned.
Additional MTB's and submarines have been added to
the fleet.
-1-
D-1-7
Strategic Policy - Distribution of Squadron, 22 July 1937
This report locates the 1st and 2nd squadrons. It
states that all heavy units are at Taranto, and mentions
new units to be added. The critical importance of the
strategic Sicily-Tripoli-Sardinia triangle is stressed.
D-1-8
Organization of Territorial Air Zones in Italy,
13 August 1937
This report presents a detailed analysis of the
organization of the Italian Air Force Command.
D-1-9
Maneuvers in Sicily, 20 August 1937
This report discusses maneuvers carried out by
50,000 men, 3,000 motor units, 500 guns, and 1,250
machine guns. The lessons learned are that:
1. Sicily cannot be invaded.
2. Sicilian defenses need strengthening.
3. The Air Force would be very important in
the defeat of invaders.
D-1-10
Shortage of Conscripts, 19 November 1937
This report states that there is a shortage of con-
scripts, due to the fact that 1917 was a war year. Many
regiments are below peace-time strength.
D-1-11
Increase in Italian Aviation Personnel in Sicily,
3 December 1937
This report states that the headquarters of the
Sicilian Air Fleet is at Palermo. There is a great
increase in personnel, but a lack of planes.
D-1-12
New Sicilian Airports, 10 December 1937
This report states that ten new large aviation
fields have been established on the island.
D-1-13
Italian Intervention in Spain, 14 January 1938
This report gives information that from 2,000
to 3,000 native troops were despatched from Libya and
that Italian transports were carrying a large number
of troops to Spain.
-2-
D-1-14
Italy Strengthens Abyssinian Forces, 27 January 1938
This report states that a steamer left Naples with
1,910 military personnel (in addition to 3,000 a week
before). It is also stated that 113 planes have been
used against Ethiopia. Squadrons travel 200 miles to
drop supplies. (2)
D-1-15
New Torpedo Boats and Submarine, 8 February 1938
This report asserts that three torpedo boats and
one submarine were recently launched at Italian Yards.
D-1-16
Italian and German Airmen in Tetuan, 11 February 1938
This report says that Italian and German airmen
are at Tetuan. Some of the airmen may have escorted
a convoy of Italian steamers to Cadiz.
D-1-17
Summary of Italian Naval Vessels Under Construction,
3 March 1938
This report has detailed information on the
subject, including submarines.
D-1-18
Air Stations in Sicily, 4 March 1938
This report adds to details of a former list.
It contains good strategic information.
D-1-19
Visit of Italian Naval Vessels to Portugal, 11 March 1938
This report discusses the presumed shakedown
cruise of Italian Naval Vessels.
D-1-20
Italian Fleet Organization and Activities, 25 March 1938
This report is a long and detailed study of subject.
D-1-21
Senate Discussion of Naval Budget, 1 April 1938
This report stresses the discussion in the Italian
Senate of the need for areas in the Mediterranean to
accommodate the fleet. Reliance on n Duce in this matter
is emphasized. (1)
-3-
D-1-22
Reorganization of Italian Air Force, 21 April 1938
This report describes the establishment of an
air fleet for the purpose of giving greater mobility to
the air arm. Each squadron will study tactics to be
used in the event of war.
D-1-23
Italian Air Force, Organization of. Location of Units,
8 June 1938
This report is given in extremely close detail.
D-1-24
Italian Air Force, 1 August 1938
This report discloses organization, duties,
dependency of the Air Fleets, Air Divisions, Air
Brigades and Territorial Air Zone HQ.
D-1-25
Italian Aeronautical Manufacturing Practices,
16 September 1938
This report tells of production capacity, design
tendencies, security measures, armament and camouflage
of aircraft, as well as de-icing devices.
D-1-26
Pantelleria - Air Bases - Strength, 12 October 1938
This report compares peace-time allocations of air
units to Pantelleria - 24 seaplanes, 48 military planes,
with war-time allocation of 200 planes. The airbase
will accommodate 140, leaving 60 planes to be its war-
time complement.
D-1-27
Material Readiness and Efficiency of the Italian
Air Force, 25 October 1938
This report is detailed and long, comparing points
of weakness with those of strength.
D-1-28
Organization of Air Zones in Italy, 26 November 1938
This report lists the territorial air zones and
aeronautical commands in Italy.
D-1-29
Bombing Range of Italian Aircraft, 14 December 1938
This report tells of Italian newspapers' published
-4-
map indicating objectives attainable within a little
more than two hours by their bombing planes carrying
2,000 kilograms of bombs.
D-1-30
Italian Fleet and its Relationship to the Naval
Treaty, 16 December 1938
This report deals with information on Italian
naval vessels as furnished under the 1936 Naval Treaty.
D-1-31
Italian Aircraft Production, Estimate by Types,
I January 1939
This is a statement that 186 planes were manu-
factured in December 1938.
D-1-32
Italian Aircraft Production, 31 January 1939
This report contains an estimate of monthly air-
craft production in Italy, by types for January 1939
and indicates 189 as estimate of all types.
D-1-33
Italian Aircraft Production, 28 February 1939
This report is the estimate of monthly aircraft
production in Italy, by types for February 1939 and
indicates 184 as estimate of all types.
D-1-34
Construction of new Airplane and Engine Factory Near
Naples, 7 March 1939
This report says that Alfa Romeo and Cantieri
Riuniti of Adriatico are to build a plant for experi-
mental work and construction of planes and engines
between Pomigliano d'Argo and Acerra.
D-1-35
Italian Legionnaires Return from Spain, 29 March 1939
This report discusses the service of Italian pilots
in the Italian Air Force Aircraft in Spain from where 300
aviation "Legionnaires" had returned to Italy and marched
in parade March 28th, Aviation Day.
D-1-36
Nationalist Aircraft in Spain, 30 March 1939
This report asserts that total Nationalist
Aircraft in Spain is estimated to be 427, 250 are
-5-
stated to be Italian Air Force planes piloted by officers
and NCO's of the Italian Air Force.
D-1-37
Aircraft Production in Italy During March 1939,
31 March 1939
This report discusses reasons for lower than
recent average aircraft production of 153 for March 1939.
D-1-38
Axis and Democratic Air Strength, 31 March 1939
This report tells of an article referring to an
Italian estimate of Axis air strength. The article
concerns strength of "France and Allies" and "Italy
and German Block."
D-1-39
Report on Aviation Participation in Italian Occupa-
tion of Albania, 13 April 1939
This report states that aviation, aside from the
main function of transporting troops from Italy to
Albania (after complete occupation of Tirana by land
forces) and minor activity of dropping pamphlets,
played but a small part from strictly military
standpoint having met no air or anti-aircraft
opposition. (2)
D-1-40
Account of Italian Invasion of Albania, 14 April 1939
This report asserts that the Army received no
timely nor proper support from the Navy and that funda-
mental principles governing land forces were completely
violated. (2)
D-1-41
Military Preparations and Precautions in Sicily,
20 April 1939
This report indicates that submarine nets had
been placed at entrance to inner harbor at Palermo;
civilians had been evacuated from Augusta Naval Base
and vicinity of Catania airfield; lastly, hospitals
were to be in readiness.
D-1-42
Production of Aviation Gasoline in Italy, 20 April 1939
This report states that the Azienda Nazionale
Idrogenazione Combustibili is now producing all the
-6-
high octane gasoline required by the Air Force, thus
doing away with its importation.
D-1-43
Aircraft Production and Attrition, 1 May 1939
This report states that the monthly report
(which is now to be temporarily discontinued due to
detachment of the Assistant Naval Attache for Air)
reveals total estimated production for April 1939
of all types to be 174.
D-1-44
Conversation with British Naval Attache, 3 May 1939
This report admits that the greatest menace
in the Mediterranean was the Italian submarines. The
British Naval Attache although unfamiliar with present
plans and not knowing where the first blow would come
in case of war, felt that at time of sanctions the
British would attack immediately points of Syracuse
and Catania.
D-1-45
Article on "The Naval Aspects of the Pact of Milan,"
17 May 1939
This report deals with the article written by
Admiral Raineri-Biscia (Naval Liaison Officer with
Foreign Office) which is based on "Naval Aspect of
the Pact of Milan" (Military and Political Alliance
between Italy and Germany). Among items discussed
are the respective strength of principal navies,
potentialities of German battle cruisers equalled
only by British HOOD Class and French DUNKERQUE
Class, England's preponderance in aircraft carriers.
D-1-46
"The Italian Navy in the Spanish War," 9 June 1939
This report was made from translation of article
in an Italian periodical which tells of 149 naval units
participating in 870 missions covering hundreds of
thousands of miles in less than three years.
D-1-47
"The Principal Fleets and Their Bases," 14 June 1939
This report is a detailed discussion of Italian,
British, French, American, Dutch, and Japanese Navies
and defense bases as obtained from & translation of
article believed to be by Admiral Raineri-Biscia.
-7-
D-2-48
Miscellaneous Items of Current Interest,
18 August 1939
This report concerns inspection of fortifications
on Franco-Italian border by Marshal Emilio de Bono.
Inspection revealed that there was utmost efficiency,
maximum speed and energy to complete every last detail
necessary for the defensive equipment. (1-2)
D-2-49
Current Events and Comments, 2 Sept. - 7 Sept. 1939,
7 September 1939
This report states that 20,000 troops left Bari
and Brindisi for (probably) Libya. The estimated
present number in Libya is between 125,000 and
150,000. (3)
D-2-50
Italian Military Forces, 7 September 1939
This is a detailed statistical report on dis-
1939. tribution of Italian Military Forces as of 25 August
D-2-51
Conversation with British Naval Attache, 10 September 1939
This report states that the British Naval Attache
quoting Admiral Somigli says that troops for replace-
ments (1-2) and to increase forces were being sent to Libya.
D-2-52
Conversation with British Naval Attache, 21 September 1939
This report states that the British Naval Attache
tells of large number of reinforcements of Italian troops
that are being sent to Libya. (1)
D-2-53
Constitution of Third Aerial Army, 28 September 1939
This report says that only the Fourth Territorial
Zone (Southern Italy) is without regularly constituted
Aerial Army, for the Ministry of Aeronautics Order Sheet
of 18 September announced constitution of the III Aerial
Army (established in Third Territorial Zone).
D-2-54
Projected 100% Increase in Italian Air Force, 9 Feb. 1940
This report states that the Italian Under-
Secretary of State for Air announced via press that
&
Italian Air Force is to be doubled. (Information
is 80 far unconfirmed.)
D-2-55
Air Minister's Speech, 15 March 1940, 18 March 1940
This report tells of progress of Air Force since
its constitution of 18 years ago by discussing its
financial, training, preparation, field and services,
and future potentialities. It also stresses the
importance of aviation as a determining factor in
combat against the Allies.
DIS (s)
Mobilization in Italy, May 1940
Recent conscriptions have brought Italian Army's
strength up to about 2,000,000 men forming the ground-
work for quickly completing mobilization. Navy on
war footing. As Air Force has told reserve pilots
to stand by and has called up specialists from re-
serves, it can mobilize very quickly.
D-2-56
Strength and Disposition of Italian Air Force,
20 June 1940
This report deals with figures on organization,
strength, and disposition of Air Forces.
DIS (c)
Naval Action, Ionian Sea, July 1940
Ministry of Marine gave following story of
naval action in Ionian Sea, 9 July, today:
Text then describes in detail number and names
of Italian units, claims of damage inflicted, damage
sustained, etc.
D-2-57
Italy's Present Position, 23 August 1940
This report tells why Admiral Cavagnari was
very much concerned over the status of the naval
situation. (3)
D-2-58
Italy's Present Position, 27 September 1940
This report concerns damages to certain naval
units and mentions the use of German planes. (3-4)
-9-
D-2-59
Damage to Italian Ships, 14 November 1940
This report concerns damages to CAVOUR,
LITTORIO and CESARE during battle at Taranto on
11 November.
D-2-60
Current Events and Comment, 6-13 December 1940,
13 December 1940
This report asserts that 800 large German trans-
port planes have been flown to Italy for Italians. (2)
D-2-61
German Troops in Italy, 3 January 1941
This report discusses motives for the presence
of German Air units in Italy and explains benefits
Italy is to derive therefrom. (3)
D-2-62
Damage to BB LITTORIO. Italy-Aviation-Material,
7 January 1941
This report contains information as to the extent
of damages inflicted to LITTORIO in battle of ranto
and also discusses strategic values of Pantelleria.
Included in this report are evidences of dissension
between Italian Air Force and Naval Air Arm. (2-4)
D-2-63
German Troops and Planes in Italy, 10 January 1941
This report concerns the denial of rumors
regarding arrival of German troops and planes in
Italy. However, admission is made that German Air
Force present in Italy is self-sustaining. (4)
This report also states that: Military forces
in Trieste area nowreported to be 100,000 and include
two Army Corps at Trieste and Udine, of five divisions.
(2)
DIS (s)
Nazi Forces in Italy, January 1941
No Nazi troops in Italy; but Nazi Air Force
units are present and are absolutely self-sustaining.
They have spare parts as batteries, motorcycles and
trucks; ground crews, food, fuel.
DIS (c)
Condition of Italian Battleships, January 1941
CESARE (BB) holed below water line at Naples
-10-
during air attack 8 January. She arrived at Genoa
on 12th for repairs. DORIA in drydock at Nice.
DUILIO being repaired at Trieste. CAVOUR sunk at
Taranto. Only BB operating is VITTORIO VENETO.
DIS (c)
German Air Headquarters at Catania Airfield,
January 1941
German Air Headquarters at Catania airfield is
in Miramare Hotel at Taormina. German aviators boast
they will take Malta within two weeks. German trucks
being transported by sea from Trieste through Yugo-
slav waters to Giovanni di Medua.
DIS (c)
Presence of German Troops in Italy, January 1941
Presence of German troops in Italy confirmed.
Reliable informant states two German divisions at or
near Bari in order to take part in offensive in
Albania.
Permission being asked Vichy for occupation
of Bizerte and other African ports.
Two Italian and five German mechanized divisions
under orders to Sicily for transportation to Libya.
This is a doubtful report.
DIS (c)
German Planes and Personnel in Sicily. Location
Italian BB's, February 1941
700 German planes at Catania and more at Comiso.
10,000 conservative estimate of German personnel in
Sicily.
DUILIO (BB) not at Trieste as previously reported
but arrived Genoa from Taranto 30 January and will
drydock for extensive repairs. LITTORIO (BB) at
Taranto. CESARE(BB) left Genoa last week for unknown
destination.
D-2-64
Current Events and Comment, 7 February 1941
This report discusses number of Air Force
personnel and units in Sicily and also important future
missions to be undertaken by German troops. (2-3)
-11-
DIS (c)
Bombardment of Genoa. Damage to Italian Naval
Vessels, February 1941
Genoa bombarded by British Fleet on 9th. No
air or naval opposition. Defense consisted of A.A.
fire from (BB) DUILIO, old monitor FAA DI BRUNO
and shore. Serious damage reported at Ansaldo and
Sanpier Darena 20 houses destroyed in center of city.
Troop ship GARIBALDI hit. No great damage to R.R.
office. One wing of hospital hit. DUILIO was in
drydock and was damaged slightly.
CESARE (BB) has not returned after leaving port
several days ago. BANDE NERE (CL) repairing serious
mine damage at Naples. 24 submarines are operating
out of Bordeaux.
DIS (c)
Disposition German Troops - Sicily, Tripoli, Libya,
etc., February 1941
From believed trustworthy source following
came from Foreign Office circles:
(1) German armored units being landed at Tripoli
by sea and air at night.
(2) British forces will be ambushed about two-
thirds of way between Benghasi and Tripoli.
(3) At same time German forces will move through
Bulgaria against Salonika and Constantinople
with the main objective the Suez Canal.
(4) Invasion of England may not be necessary,
due to the fact that the English can be
starved by submarine warfare.
From German source:
(1) In Libya two Nazi armored divisions and in
Sicily other German troops.
(2) German troops actually in Albania with
others in reserve at Bari.
(3) Grasiani left for Tripoli on Monday.
DIS (c)
Attack on Genoa, February 1941
One-third of all buildings in Genoa industrial
area damaged by bombardment of 9 February.
Large stocks of gasoline at Monopoli.
British parachutist attacks of 10 February
accomplished some damage. Bari aqueduct cut.
-12-
D-2-65
Current Events and Comment, 21 February 1941
This report contains additional information
concerning Genoa bombardment on 9 February plus
Italian authorities' reaction as to landing of British
parachutists in Italy on 10 February. (2)
DIS (c)
Italian Ships Sunk. Scarcity Aviation Fuel,
March 1941
Troop ships CONTE ROSSO and CITTA DI MESSINA
and light cruiser DIAZ sunk with heavy loss of life
which included German air mechanics.
The problem of aviation fuel is becoming
serious.
DIS (c)
Estimate Italian Plane Losses, March 1941
(1) Estimate Italian plane losses as follows:
English Channel - 100
Greece & Malta - 200
Africa
- 1300
(2) No new types of aircraft reported.
D-2-66
Italian Intelligence Items, 10 March 1941
This report tells of the High Command in
Libya being in German hands plus number of armored
divisions in Tripoli, amount of manpower in Sicily
and the fact that the ARMANDO DIAZ has been sunk. (2)
DIS (c)
Italian Fleet, March 1941
(1) LITTORIO (BB) nearing completion at Taranto.
(2) Cruiser division at Spezia is known to be under
sailing orders. Commanding Admiral is not expected
to return for several weeks.
(3) VITTORIO VENETO left Cagliari on 22 March for
Taranto. Other ships left Pola.
D-2-67
Italo-German Relations, 29 March 1941
This report indicates disharmony between Sicilian
population and Germans and also the fact that Germany
is exerting pressure to place Italian police under
German control.
-13-
D-2-68
Axis Aircraft Production, 29 March 1941
This report indicates the insignicicance of
Italian aircraft production as compared with that of
maximum Axis production per month. Mentioned also are
the airfield and repair and mounting shops being con-
structed at Guidonia.
DIS (c)
Battle of Cape Matapan, April 1941
Admiral Jachino, Commander in recent engagement
(28 March Battle of Cape Matapan), was in VITTORIO VENETO.
Until 24 hours after battle, the Ministry of Marine had
no report of the action. A fairly good picture of the
battle was obtained by intercepting messages between
British units. Admit the loss of three cruisers and
two destroyers but deny loss of large battleship. Not
known whether messages were in code or clear.
DIS (c)
Repairs for BB DUILIO, April 1941
Battleship DUILIO will leave Genoa by 15 April
in order to find secure place to complete repairs.
Possibly Spezia,
DIS (c)
Damage to VITTORIO VENETO, April 1941
VITTORIO VENETO (BB) was engaged in naval action
28 March. Damaged by one torpedo hit and four or five
fifteen-inch shell hits. Believe to have returned
to Taranto. Two to three months to repair. Consider-
able damage. Will proceed soon to Trieste yards for
repairs.
D-2-69
Germany Sending Troops to North Africa,7 7April 1941
This report states that 20,000 German troops
will move through Italy destined for Africa in next
few days, and that it is Germany's intention to keep
sending troops until there are 250,000 in North Africa.
It also states that troops will be equipped down to
last screw and nail for tropical service. (1)
DIS (c)
Jachino Relieved of Command - Italian Naval Morale
Low, April 1941
Italian ships fired on own forces during naval
battle on 28 March. Damage superficial due to poor
-14-
gunnery. Admiral Jachino relieved of command. Feeling
among Senior Officers is that fleet never trained as
combat unit and that all possibility of such now gone.
Confidence is gone and general naval morale very low.
DIS (c)
Italian Battleships at Taranto, April 1941
Both VITTORIO VENETO and LITTORIO now at Taranto.
As soon as LITTORIO is finished VENETO will enter the
dock there.
DIS (c)
Fortification Work Between Germany and Russia, April 1941
German troops being sent to Russo-Polish border
and fortification work between Germany and Russia
being expedited. A.A. defense in particular being
prepared.
D-2-70
Statements of Italian Naval Officers, 26 April 1941
This report admits that Italy has to fear a
German more than a British victory. However, situation
permitted no other choice than to join Germany. Mentioned
also is the uncertainty as to outcome of German thrust
into Egypt.
D-2-71
Italian Air Force Operations, 5 May 1941
This report states the reasons why the Italian
Air Force is no longer a major fighting force. (2)
DIS (c)
German Troops, North Africa, May 1941
180,000 German troops now reported in North
Africa.
D-2-72
Italian Plane and Production Notes, 2 June 1941
This report mentions production of certain
planes and engine types.
DIS (c)
Italian Naval Strength, June 1941
Detailed estimate of Italian Naval strength.
-15-
D-2-73
Current Events and Comment, 17 June 1941
This report contains isolated events such as:
Damage to VITTORIO VENETO, formation of French speaking
force by Italians for duty in Tunisia, transfer of
German Air Command Headquarters from Sicily to Crete,
arrival of German Stuka planes in Japan, no recent
return to Italy of Italian submarines engaged in
Atlantic, friction between Germany and Russia. (3)
DIS (c)
Italian Naval Strength, June 1941
Continuation of previous despatch received in
June 1941 on Italian Naval strength.
D-2-74
Italian Aircraft and Engine Production, 23 June 1941
This report gives number of aircraft produced
for May 1941, name of plant producing 90% of Italian
aircraft engines, and name of a firm producing both
aircraft and aircraft engines.
DIS (c)
Italian Naval Strength, June 1941
Continuation of two previous despatches received
in June 1941 on Italian Naval strength.
D-2-75
Aviation Information, 1 July 1941
This report reveals: Experimentation with
"Campini" propellerless plane, development of new high
speed Italian fighter plane, and the importance attached
to development of torpedo planes. (2)
DIS (c)
Sinking of YORK by One-man Torpedo Boat. Reported
Opening of Italian School for Training Operators
of "Human Torpedo," July 1941
Danish merchant sailors returning to Denmark
from Crete say they witnessed sinking of cruiser YORK
by one-man torpedo boat in May.
Italians are reported to be opening a school for
training operators of "Human Torpedo."
DIS (c)
Italian Navy, July 1941
Details of movements of Italian naval vessels.
-16-
D-2-76
Current Events and Comment, 22 July 1941
This report tells of activities of VITTORIO
VENETO, LITTORIO on July 10th, sinkings of auxi-
liary cruiser, ESPERIA (not the GORIZIA, as expected)
and movement of German troops into North Africa. (2)
D-2-77
Current Events and Comment, 29 July 1941
This report tells of location of German material
and forces at Ostia, Africa, Naples, and the activities
of a German convoy about July 22. Report also points
out Italian anxiety over shipping losses. (3-4)
DIS (c)
German Planes in Sicily, August 1941
400 German planes reported to have arrived in
Sicily to control Sicily Channel to protect passage
of troops to Africa.
DIS (c)
Shipment German Tanks to Africa Reported, August 1941
Germans said to be shipping tanks and armored
equipment to Africa on Italian cruisers and destroyers.
DIS (c)
Guerrilla Warfare in Yugoslavia, August 1941
Guerrilla warfare in Tugoslavia increasing and
beginning to assume disquieting proportions. Three
divisions and four blackshirt battalions sent to
control situation.
D-2-78
Conversation with Italian Official, 5 August 1941
This report reveals: recognition that Malta will
not succumb, admission that theory on which Italian
Navy built was wrong, and difficulties of Italians
getting men and supplies to North Africa due to
British operations in Mediterranean.
D-2-79
Miscellaneous Aviation Information, 5 August 1941
This report reveals German mistrust for Italians,
plus the extent of German control of A.A. defenses in
Naples. Included also is the source and number of
German planes sent to Sicily. (1-2)
-17-
D-2-80
Current Events and Comment, 5 August 1941
This report states types of Italian ships
delivering material to North Africa; the presence of
Italian troops on Russian front; and the existence
of guerrilla warfare in Croatia. (3)
D-2-81
Estimate of Italian Military Aircraft Production,
5 August 1941
This report tells the number of military. aircraft
produced per month and reasons for the shortage.
DIS (c)
Tanks Going to Cyrenaica, August 1941
Large quantities of tanks and munitions going
to Cyrenaica from Algeria and Tunisia.
DIS (c)
Italian Fleet Keeping to Port, August 1941
Italian fleet keeping to port as result of
British submarine operations.
DIS (c)
Convoys Leaving Genoa for Tripoli, August 1941
Details on convoys scheduled to leave Genoa for
Tripoli.
DIS (c)
Naval Movements, August 1941
Details of naval movements. German submarines
at Valona.
DIS (c)
Convoy - North Africa, August 1941
Details of convoy movements to North Africa.
DIS (c)
Naval Movements, August 1941
Battleship ROMA, under construction, ready to
be towed from Genoa. Details of other naval movements.
DIS (c)
BOLZANO (CA) Reported Sunk, September 1941
The heavy cruiser BOLZANO reported sunk by
submarine near Messina.
-18-
DIS (c)
Information on BOLZANO (CA), September 1941
One source states BOLZANO sunk, another source
states BOLZANO damaged and towed to an Italian port
heavily down by the stern.
DIS (c)
Warships - German Troops, at Naples, September 1941
A number of warships of all types, including some
heavy units, were in Naples harbor on 5th and 6th of
September. German troops were in Naples camped at
Bagnoli.
DIS (c)
Report on Contemplated Movements Italian Submarines,
September 1941
Report rated "C" states five Italian submarines
will attempt by submerging under outgoing merchant
ships, to pass during September into Atlantic.
DIS (c)
Mussolini's Reaction to Visit with Hitler, September 1941
Mussolini, on return from last visit with Hitler,
is reported to have told the King that he had made a
great mistake but he could see no way out of the bad
position in which he found himself.
DIS (c)
Italian Submarines Reported Carrying Munitions to
Africa, September 1941
Commander of Italian submarine told contact that
Italian submarines are carrying munitions to Africa.
He said the Navy is short of submarines, having sent
far too many into the Atlantic.
DIS (c)
Italian Cruiser hit by Torpedoes, September 1941
A Petty Officer serving on board the DUCA D'AOSTA
(6 inch cruiser) stated the vessel as hit by two tor-
pedoes on August 4 near Palermo. One torpedo hit under
bridge, the other between 3rd and 4th turrets. Ship
was able to make port, but with heavy list and down
at stern.
-19-
DIS (c)
Infantry Units Leaving Italy for Africa. BB's
VITTORIO VENETO and LITTORIO at Naples, September 1941
Nine motorized infantry units of 5,000 men each
left Italy for Africa since 14 July. Three units have
German motorized equipment, drivers, technicians and
mechanics; the others are Italian. All infantry
personnel are Italian.
Both VITTORIO VENETO and LITTORIO were at Naples
on evening of 11 September. One moored alongside Mole
south of Stazione Marittima with about 7,000-ton
merchant ship outboard; other moored north side of
Mole San Vincenzo surrounded by special torpedo nets.
Both camouflaged and have been at Naples more than
10 days.
D-2-82
Naval Operations, 16 September 1941
This report tells of shuttle submarine service
carrying supplies and munitions to North Africa, and
also mentions status of BB CAVOUR. (2)
DIS (c)
Conversion Italian Liners to Aircraft Carriers,
September 1941
Report received today that liner ROMA and one
other merchant ship being converted to aircraft
carriers at docks west side harbor Genoa.
DIS (c)
Lack of Fuel Prevents Fleet Operations, September 1941
Italian submarines and surface ships in consider-
able numbers are unable to operate due to lack of fuel
oil and large combined fleet operations now considered
impracticable.
DIS (c)
Naval Vessels at Naples, September 1941
At Naples 18 September: BB's VENETO, LITTORIO,
eight submarines, some destroyers, no cruisers.
DIS (c)
Shortage Merchant Tonnage, Mediterranean, September 1941
Operating shortage of merchant tonnage exists in
Mediterranean. There are enough to supply Axis troops
in North Africa but not sufficient to conduct other
transport tasks of any magnitude.
-20-
DIS (c)
Ship Construction, Italian Yards, September 1941
One battleship, probably DUILIO, still under-
going overhaul at San Marco yards, Trieste.
Confirmed two small submarines launched monthly
at Monfalcone.
One small submarine under construction at Spezia.
One destroyer probably launched and three others
ready for launching at the Cantiere Quarnaro Yards,
Fiume.
One destroyer named LEGIONARIO nearly ready at
Livorno.
At O.T.O. Yards, Spezia, five merchant vessels
under construction.
DIS (c)
Information on Italian Submarines, September 1941
Consider best estimate of number Italian sub-
marines sunk as 40. Following Italian submarines based
at Bordeaux: Nine MARCELLO Type, three GALVANI, three
CALVI, one ARCHIMEDE, two CAPPELLINI, four LUIZZI,
two ARGO, two GLAUCO, five MARCONI excluding DA VINCI.
Two others, probably PERIA Class. Total 33. One
contact reports only about seven submarines operate
in Mediterranean at any one time. About 40 others
available but restricted due to reported lack of oil
and other reasons.
D-2-83
Aviation Information, 23 September 1941
This report gives the names and descriptions of
three important airfields in Adriatic Zone and name
of only plant producing aircraft in this Zone. There
is also additional information on pilots' services
and aircraft losses. (2)
D-2-84
Army Operations, 23 September 1941
This report describes conditions of A.A. defenses
at Spezia; gives exact location of German G.H.Q. in
Naples; states number of Italian troops on Russian
front. (2)
DIS (c)
Location Italian Naval Units, September 1941
Reliably reported that six oceanic submarines
-21-
returned to Italy from Bordeaux. Four at Naples,
two at Taranto.
Also reported that large part of Italian sub-
marine force in Atlantic is soon returning. ARCHIMEDE
in next batch.
BB's VENETO, LITTORIO, no cruisers, 12 destroyers,
6 submarines present at Naples 26 September.
DIS (c)
BB's at Naples, September 1941
VITTORIO VENETO only battleship at Naple 8
25 October.
D-2-85
Brief Resume of Italian Naval Strength, 30 September 1941
This report gives statistical data as to the
number of: Italian battleships, heavy cruisers, light
cruisers, destroyers, "torpedo boats, and submarines
now in the Italian Navy.
It also contains general information regarding
low Italian Naval morale; misplaced belief in submarine
strength; lack of cooperation between air and naval
units; and lack of port aircraft defense and detection.
D-2-86
Italian Aviation Situation as of 30 September 1941,
4 October 1941
This report contains estimates of Italy's strength
at entry into war and monthly plane production; gives
the speed of fastest plane; points out importance of
torpedo planes and conversion of planes to that type;
reports Italian Navy converting their passenger ships
to aircraft carriers.
DIS (c)
Italian Convoy Leaving Naples for Africa, October 1941
Convoy, including SATURNIA, carrying troops leaves
Naples 7 October for Africa. Possibly stopping Sicily
en route.
DIS (c)
Overhaul of Italian Vessels, October 1941
BANDE NERE and three submarines undergoing over-
haul at Spezia.
ROMA still under conversion to aircraft carrier
at Genoa 5 October. Will be experimental carrier with
four catapults in bow.
-22-
DIS (c)
Yugoslav Vessels at Teodo, Soon to Operate Under Italian
Command, October 1941
Following Yugoslav naval vessels at Teodo, north-
west of Citinje and will soon be ready for operations
under Italian command:
Destroyer - DUBROVNIK
old light cruiser - DAIMACIJA
Submarines - OSVETNIK, HRABRI, NEBOJSA
Submarine tender - HVAR
Tug - SILNI
2 MTB's
DIS (c)
Italian Vessels at Naples, October 1941
Eyewitness reports VENETO, LITTORIO, 10 to 15
destroyers or torpedo boats and many merchant ships
at Naples. Much activity in and out of port.
DIS (c)
BOLZANO, Damaged, at Messina, October 1941
BOLZANO reported at Messina 10 October, still
damaged condition. Believed ready to leave soon for
drydock in another port.
DIS (c)
Airdrome at Foggia a German Aviation Center, October 1941
The airdrome at Foggia is a very large German
aviation center with German planes arriving, servicing
and leaving daily. Planes for Africa take off here.
Machine shops and barracks much expanded.
Hotel Bopcadile, Rome, now headquarters of German
submarines entering Mediterranean.
DIS (c)
Reported Agreements Between Italy and France Regarding
Exchange of Food, October 1941
Trevisani, High Commissioner for supplies in
Libya, recently signed agreement with Weygand in
Tunisia whereby Weygand will furnish Libya 80,000
quintals wheat supposedly coming from U. S. Different
contact reports agreement between two governments
whereby Italy will deliver food to continental France
in exchange for delivery of food to Libya from French
North Africa thus reducing Italian convoy requirements.
-23-
DIS (c)
Assembly Bases for Small Submarines, November 1941
LITTORIO, VENETO still at Naples 4 November.
Italian technicians leaving to establish assembly
bases for small submarines in Eastern Mediterranean.
DIS (c)
Italian Battleships, November 1941
Badly damaged battleship CAVOUR at Trieste.
Battleship ROMA in water.
DIS (c)
Italian Submarines, November 1941
Total Italian submarines 78. Six in Atlantic
and 72 Mediterranean. Damaged or otherwise unavail-
able: 35; under overhaul 35; leaving three in
Atlantic and 40 in Mediterranean available. 17
various types under construction or projected.
Operating at any one time in the Mediterranean not
more than 8.
DIS (c)
Repairs to BOLZANO, November 1941
The BOLZANO is definitely undergoing repairs
at Ansaldo, Genoa.
DIS (c)
Large German Airport near Foggia, November 1941
Large German airport is located in valley
approximately one kilometer due west of Foggia.
Airport personnel and operations exclusively
German. Exceptionally complete facilities major
overhaul of motors and planes.
D-2-87
Relations Between Army and Fascist Party,
15 November 1941
This report gives evidence of growing weaknesses
of Fascist party, refusal of Italian Regular Army
Officers to join, and compulsion of Reserve Officers
to do 80.
DIS (c)
German Aviation and Submarine Activities, Italy
and Mediterranean, November 1941
Further reports indicate pronounced increase
-24-
German aviation and submarine activities in Italy and
Mediterranean designed for greater control that area.
Large concentration of German combat planes in
Sicily tends to be confirmed from several sources.
Heavy air attacks on Malta and British Fleet contem-
plated.
DIS (c)
Italian Cruisers, November 1941
Unconfirmed report states five REGOLO Class
cruisers in service.
DIS (c)
TRIESTE Damaged, November 1941
The heavy cruiser TRIESTE reported damaged and under
repair at Genoa 20 November.
DIS (c)
German Aircraft in Sicily - German Control of Italian
Air Force, November 1941
Young General Staff Air Lieutenant made special
visit to member of Embassy Staff to advise 1,500 German
aircraft, mostly fighters, coming to Sicily thin
two weeks to attempt control of central Mediterranean.
Reports Germans have taken over complete control and
command of Italian Air Force. Demanded control after
sinking of big convoy and drowning of many German
soldiers 8 November. Mussolini granted command and
rather than submit General Pricolo resigned. New Air
Minister is General Fougier who is a figurehead and
not respected by Air Force. Fougier was protege and
stooge of Italo Balbo and advanced to rank in few
years.
DIS (c)
GORIZIA Reported under Repair, November 1941
Eyewitness claims GORIZIA (CA) under rapair
Spezia 20 November. No sign of activity aboard.
-25-
SUMMARY
of
ESTIMATE of POTENTIAL
MILITARY STRENGTH
B
NAVAL ATTACHE, BERLIN
ESTIMATES OF POTENTIAL MILITARY STRENGTH
(Reports received from Naval Attache, Berlin)
E-1-1
GERMANY - Submarines - New Construction, 30 March, 1937
Recently an opportunity was afforded to pass the
waterfront of the Krupp Germania Werft in Kiel. It
was noted that six new submarines were on the ways.
Two submarines were on each of No. 1, 2 and 3 glassed
in ways. All six vessels were identical and being
built as though on EL quantity production system. The
vessels appear to be of the 500 ton type, although
possibly of 750 tons.
The U-18 was on a floating drydock and apparently
fairly well along on its way to complete repair. With
the U-18 again in service after its accident, and with
the above six new vessels, the German Navy will have
forty (40) submarines. It is further understood from
good authority that still other submarines of 1000
tons are building for the German Navy at Bremen in the
Deutsche Schiff-und Maschinenbau Gesellschaft. This
rumor has not been definitely substantiated.
E-1-2
GERMANY - Naval Construction, 16 April, 1937
In the summer of 1935, the German Naval Direction
announced the following building program:
2 battleships
of 26,500 tons
2 cruisers
of 10,000 tons
16 destroyers
of 1,625 tons
20 submarines
of
250 tons
6 submarines
of 500 tons
2 submarines
of
750 tons
10 Fleet Escorts
of
600 tons.
Since a two year period has passed since this announce-
ment, it appears that certain conclusions can now be
drawn relative to the present trend. The above two
battleships were launched after two and one half years
on the ways. One of the cruisers has been launched.
The normal building period for such ships in Germany
is two and one half years. This time will not be
bettered. All 16 destroyers have been launched and
-1-
are in varying stages of completion but only one is
in commission. These vessels are normally built in
just a little less than two years. It appears that
these vessels will not meet the normal building times.
Of the submarines, the 250 ton class were literally
built over night on a mass production basis. The
500 ton and 750 ton class came along more slowly, but
were in commission by the end of nine months. The same
is true of the 600 ton F-class vessels.
In the early part of 1936, an additional four 250
ton submarines and four 500 ton submarines were laid
down. These vessels were in service in six months.
Again a mass production system was used on submarine
construction. At the same time, the third 10,000 ton
cruiser was laid down. It has not yet been launched.
In the summer of 1936, the German Naval Direction
announced the building of one 35,000 ton battleship,
two 21,000 ton aircraft carriers, and six 1850 ton
destroyers None of these vessels have been launched.
It has been observed that six additional submarines
of between 500 and 750 tons are under construction at
the Krupp Germania plant in Kiel. It is assumed they
are for Germany. Construction appears to be progressing
rapidly as in the case of other submarines.
E-1-3
GERMANY - Aviation - New Flying Organization, 21 April, 1937
It has been noted in the Berlin newspaper "Völkischer
Beobachter" of 20 April 1937 that on 19 April 1937, the
German Chancellor, Adolph Hitler, promulgated the founding
of a new flying organization to be known as the "National-
sozialistische Fliegerkorps" (N.S.F.K.) (The National
Socialist Flying Corps), which will be under the leadership
of Major General Christiansen. The purpose of this or-
ganization, in the words of the Fuhrer, is "to imbue and
perpetuate the thought of flying in the German people,
to carry out a course of flying instruction for young men
prior to their compulsory military service, and to unite
the various sport flying groups into one organization."
The "N.S.F.K." will supplant the present "Deutsche
Luftsportverband" (D.L.V.) (The German Air Sport Association)
and its various branches. The "N.S.F.K." is a legally in-
corporated organization whose leader is responsible to the
-2-
Reich Minister for Air Defense. Membership in this
organization is voluntary, and members of the "N.S.F.K."
pay not at the sate time be members of the "S.A.",
"S.S.", or "N.S.K.K."
Since membership is voluntary, reservists in the
Air Force who have served as flying personnel, German
citizens who have been trained as pilots, observers,
balloonists or glider pilots, members in the sport
flying courses of the Hitler Youth Organization over 18
years, as well no members of the flight and glider groups
of the "D.L.V." who were a part of that organization be-
fore 1 April 1937, are entitled to membership in the
"N.S.F.K."
E-1-4
GERMANY - Practice in manufacture of naval guns, 16 June, 1937
The following information obtained from engineers
of the Rheinmetall-Borsig Company and from actual observation
during a recent visit to that plant in Düsseldorf is
quoted herewith as being reliable and of interest to the
Navy Department:
a) The present 6" guns built by this company for the
German Navy are mounted in twin mount turrets and have
the following characteristicas 44 lands and grooves.
The width of B. land and groove together are in such pro-
portion that the land measures 2/5 and the groove 3/5
of the total space of the pair. The depth of the groove
is 1/100 of the caliber of the gun, or .060 inches. This
rule is followed almost religiously in the manufacture of
all guns produced by Rheinmetall-Borsig.
b) The twist of the rifling varies with the caliber
of the gun. In the 6" gun, the twist begins with a 4°
angle at the murzle. The rifling is produced by 6. tool
having 11 cutters with a michromoter feed. The feed is
so arranged that each cut is .005 of an inch. It was
noted that the grooves have fillets and not right angles.
c) In guns up to 4.2", a completely welded carriage,
slide and recoil cylinder is employed. In guns of
larger caliber, cast carriages and mounts are used.
d) It may be stated in general that all turret
structures which are classed as heavier than ordinary
gun shields are bolted structures. All gun shields are
welded structures.
-3-
o) The proof pressure of the 6" naval gun is
2600 atm., or converting this figure, approximately
17.37 tons per square inch.
f) The greatest angle of twist of the rifling is
used on a howtzer which also has a varying twist.
E-1-5
GERMANY - Naval Vessels, 29 June,1937
It is felt that the rate of construction on
German naval vessels has been considerably slowed.
One hears various reasons for delays, such as boiler
trouble, lack of materials and lack of skilled labor,
with the probability that the first reason is the
principal cause of delay.
E-1-6
GERMANY - Naval Building Program, 9 July, 1937
According to an article appearing in the "Boerseh
Zeitung" on 6 July 1937, the building program started
in 1935 to bring the German Navy up to the strength
permitted by the terms of the Anglo-German agreement
will be completed in 1941. The German Fleet will then
consist of:
5 Battleships
3 Panzerschiffe of "DEUTSCHLAND" Class
2 Aircraft Carriers
14 Cruisers
40 Destroyers
23,000 tons of Submarines.
Two 26,000 ton battleships have already been launched
(GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST), and two 35,000 ton battle-
ships are on the building ways. The keel of the fifth
battleship is yet to be laid.
Of the 14 Cruisers mentioned above, five of 6,000
tons are in commission (NURNBERG - LEIPZIG -KOLN -
KARLSRUHE - KONIGSBERG), two of the 10,000 ton cruisers
have been launched (BLUCHER and VON HIPPER), and one of
the 10,000 ton truisers is on the building ways. A
start has been made on one 19,500 ton Aircarft Carrier.
The three ships of the DEUTSCHLAND class (DEUTSCH-
LAND - ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE - ADMIRAL SCHEER) are of course
in commission.
As previously reported by the Naval Attache after a
-4-
recent visit to Kiel, the five destroyers, one cruiser
and one battleship being built there appear to be pro-
gressing very slowly.
E-1-7
GERMANY - Training of Naval Aviators, 9 Aug., 1937
Germany is divided into six air districts of which
one, the sixth, is devoted in major part to the air arm
of the Navy. This district includes the German coasts
of the North and Baltic Seas. Since the Navy has cogni-
zance of coast defense in all of its ramifications, this
allocation of the sixth district to the Navy appears
logical.
Within the 6th district the Air Ministry maintains
four schools for the training of Navy pilots. There are
three primary flying schools located at (a) Warnemünde,
(b) Ribnitz and (c) Stettin. The fourth school is
located at Parow, is designated as an Observers School
and is, in effect, an advance training school. All
schools are under the command of a Colonel of the Air
Corps.
Each of these primary schools is equipped to provide
elementary flight training from a minimum of 80 to a
maximum of 150 students per year. Upon completion of
the preliminary course, each student has had approxi-
mately 200 hours in the air. The course lasts for one
year. Students for elementary flight training are drawn
from both officer and enlisted personnel of the Navy.
Before acceptance in the school, an enlisted man must
isgn up for twelve years including the time he has spent
in the Navy prior to his entrance into the school.
Officers are selected from midshipmen who have made
their final training cruise, or from ensigns.
The preliminary course consists of twelve hours
duel instruction in land planes (Heinkel Cadet). The
landing fields are very small and I was informed pur-
posely, since students who can land on these fields are
safe at all other fields. After soloing the "Cadet",
the students are trained in the two-seat Arado-66 and
later in the single-seat training plane, Focke-Wulf
"Stosser". I was informed by several officers that
no student ever fails to complete the course.
Upon completion of the primary course, students
are disposed of in four ways as follows:
-5-
a) A certain number, this year 36, is selected
as Naval Aviation Pilots and sent to the Observers
School at Parow. This group, although aviators, does
not wear the Air Ministry uniform but the Navy uniform.
These students remain distinctly an integral part of
the Navy and go to battleships and cruisers as ships
aviators.
b) A second group is selected as const defense
aviators. This group wears the Air Force uniform and
some of them (notall) go through the Observers School
at Parow. Any furhter training which this group re-
ceives, except those who go to Parow, is from the
operating squadrons which they join an pilots.
e) A third group is absorbed into the Air Force
proper and thus severs all connection with the Navy.
d) The fourth group is returned to the Navy for
regular naval duties and unless recalled for flight
service, either for the Navy or for the Air Corps,
severs all connection with flying. This group forms
a reserve pool of pilots. In view of the well known
shortage of pilots in Germany at this time, it is rea-
sonable to assume that members of this group are not
too good as pilots and will be called upon to perform
piloting duty only in time of emergency.
At all four training stations, commanding officers
and other officers in charge, although now belonging
to the Air Force, have been naval personnel at one time
or another. Some were naval officers or naval flying
officers during the World War, had retired and have been
recalled to active service. Others have been regular
naval officers until their transfer to the Air Corps.
All, however, are pilots.
At the three elementary schools, most of the time
in the air is devoted to the mere mechanics of flying,
both in land and sea planes. A considerable amount
of three-plane formation work is included in the course.
Each student is required to do a small amount of fixed
and free gun firing, dive bombing, photography and radio.
No blind flying or navigational flights are undertaken
at these schools. Ground school work, of which there is
a great amount due to unfavorable flying conditions
during many months of the year, consists of the theoretical
-6=
treatment of the various subjects relating to aviation
matters. Practical instruction is given in engines and
plane structures. Radio qualification consists of taking
and sending 18 five letter groups of letters per minute.
Considerable practical instruction is given in the
operation, disassembly and repair of machine guns. Each
student is required to make one solo catapult shot.
At the Advanced (Observation) School at Parow,
students are graduated at the end of one year after
approximately 135 hours in the air. Most of the time
in the air is put in in a twin engined, twin float
training bomber (Focke-Wulf FW-58), and in single or
two-seat fighters. Training in the twin engine plane
consists of:
(a) Navigational hope to as far as the coast
of Scotland.
(b) Horizontal bombing.
(c) Blind flying. Ten or twelve hops of
approximately 15 minutes each.
(d) Advanced radio, including use of direction
finder and other radio navigational
aides.
(e) Free machine guns.
(f) Night flying and night formation flying.
(g) Photography.
Training in the single and two seat fighters consists
of:
(a) Radio.
(b) Dive bombing.
(a) Fixed machine gunnery.
(d) Free machine gunnery.
(a) Camera gun.
(f) Formation flying.
Since all schools are new except Warnemunde, a
complete syllabus has not yet been worked out for any
of the schools. Apparently weather is a deciding factor
between hours in the air and hours devoted to ground
school.
E-1-8
GERMANY - Political and Military Conditions, 17 Sept., 1937
All Air and Assistant Air Attaches accredited to
Germany (who are actually pilots) were invited to visit
-7-
Nurnberg by the German Air Ministry, to attend three
days of the 9th Annual Nazi Party Congress.
General impressions gained during this visit,
through conversation and observations, are as follows:
Political
a) German populace is very susceptible to
spectacles, and officials of the Nazi Party are using
this characteristic overtime in influencing public
opinion.
b) Although much enthusiasm on the part of the
crowds was displayed upon the appearance of Hitler,
Hess and Goering, this enthusiasm appeared less spon-
taneous and of considerably less volume than was
observed last year. This year there were far fewer
people on the streets through which Hitler was going
to Pass than last year, and although he always ob-
tained cheers, there WE.S nothing prolonged about them.
Cheering ceased as soon as he had left the immediate
vicinity.
c) Without exception, the German populace is
extremely proud of their armed forces.
Military
a) German military organization is excellent.
b) Military forces of all branches are well
trained.
e) Old type airplanes are being rapidly re-
placed by new types.
d) Authorities are well satisfied with present
army and anti-aircraft weapons.
o) Infantry is being stinted for money in favor
of Artillery and Air Force (including anti-aircraft
force).
E-1-9
GERMANY - Armament German Navy, 26 Oct., 1937
Opportunity was recently had to visit the German
cruiser "LEIPZIG" in the Navy Yard at Wilhelmshaven
as well as to see from close aboard the new 26,000 ton
battleship "SCHARNHORST", now about 70% completed, and
the Panzerschiff "ADMIRAL SCHEER", both alongside the
seawall in Wilhelmshaven.
-8-
LEIPZIG after 3-Gun turret (15 cm guns). The
distance between guns in this ship appears to be
unusually great. It is estimated that the distance
between turret guns is about six (6) feet. The three
guns appear to be rigidly cross-connected. The
breech mechanisms are of the "drop-plug" type, hand
operated, similar to our 3" and 5"/25 anti-aircraft
guns. The gas ejection is done by air suction rather
than by air pressure as in our service. For this
purpose there is a pipe or trunk of rectangular cross-
section immediately over and above the breach of each
turret gun. Each pipe or trunk is hooked up with an
electrically operated suction blower. This suction
pipe moves up and down with the gun, being pivoted
at about the trunnions. When the plug is opened
this suction draws the gases from the bores of the
guns and discharges them outside the turret. At no
time is the turret under pressure. Using semi-fixed
ammumition, there is less chance of accident from
"flare-backs" than when using separate ammunition.
Semi-fixed ammunition is used. Electric con-
veyor hoists, supplemented by handoperated hoists,
are used for both powder cases and shell. Both
hoists are flame proof. Loading is by hand - also
hand ramming. Shell and powder (loading) trays
are similar to ours.
The floor plating of the turret is metal and is
made "skid" proof by irregularly arranged projections.
There is no turret officer's booth and apparently
no method of or instruments for local control. No
periscope or director.
The empty powder cases are cleared out of the
turret to the deck through a door in the rear of the
turret. This door is about 3-1/2' X 5'.
There is a hood on each side of the turret with
large openings, about 12" X 24" to enable the turret
officer to see outside. No range-finders in the
turret.
The turret is said to be unusually quiet with
motors, blowers, hoists, etc. running.
-9-
PANZERSCHIFF "ADMIRAL SCHEER", was seen from close
aboard but not visited. Her 28 cm turret guns were
being elevated and depressed as we passed. The maxi-
mum elevation for her turret guns is estimated to be
35° with a depression of from 3 to 50. This is con-
firmed by the size and shape of her turret gun ports.
E-1-10
GERMANY - Underground Aircraft Hangars, 14 Jan., 1938
For the past two or three years there have been
persistent rumors of, and occasional newspaper and
magazine references made, to Germany's underground
hangars for the stowage of military airplanes. Ger-
man Air Ministry officials have consistently denied the
existence or building of such hangars, usually stating
that such a project was desirable but too expensive.
Until this time the writer has neither seen nor heard
anything during his stay in Germany which would indi-
cate that there is nay truth to the rumors.
However, the writer has been informed (authen-
tically, it is believed) that a large German corporation
which manufactures paint, has been requested by the
Air Ministry to bid on supplying paint to cover the
cork (?) ceilings of seven (7) underground hangars,
with an opinion to provide paint for five (5) more
hangars at a later date. Due to the fact that the
order is one of considerable size, and to the curiosity
of the president of the paint company, he asked and
obtained permission to visit one of the hangars. The
one visited is located in Läneberger Heide, near the
city of Lüneberg. The hangars are of two sizes. The
ceiling of the larger ones contains 15,000 square
meters. The hangars are located on a line starting
roughly at Stettin and ending at Munster and passing
through the cities of Strelitz, Lineberg, Bremen,
Osnabruck.
E-1-11
GERMANY - New Airplanes for German Navy, 15 Jan., 1938
A so-called competition has been held for the
purpose of providing the naval arm of the German Air
Force with a suitable airplane, to be based ashore but
to operate over the water for short range bombing,
torpedo and scouting purposes.
-10-
Three companies participated in the competition:
a) ARADO, producing the Ar-95, a single engine,
twin float seaplane,
b) HEINKEL, producing the HE-114, 8. twin float,
twin engine seaplane,
c) DORNIER, producing the Do-22, the character-
istics of which are unknown at this time.
Both the He-114 and the Do-22 have been accepted
by the Air Ministry for production.
The Ar-95 has been turned down by the Air Ministry
and released for export. Yugoslavia has purchased some
of this type and Sweden is considering the purchase of
manufacturing rights.
Since the three planes were designed to perform the
same job, it is reasonable to assume that the performance
of the Do-22 and the He-114 approximates that of the
Ar-95.
E-1-12
GERMANY - Aircraft Industry - Expansion of, 27 Jan., 1938
The Heinkel Werke GmbH, located at Oranienburg,
near Berlin, has just increased its capital from five to
twelve million Reichamarks. This company was formed
approximately one year ago and has started production
within the past two months in a completely new and very
fine factory. This factory is to be enlarged. Note:
The Heinkel Werke GmbH is not the same company as the
Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugwerke located at Rostock and
Warnemünde.
The Bucher Flugzeugbau GmbH, located at Rangsdorf,
near Berlin, has recently increased its capital from
thirty thousand to one million two hundred thousand
Reichsmarks. This factory, which manufactures sport
and training planes, within the Past year has been
tripled in size and now has a capacity of four planes
per day. In flying over the factory on 25 January
1938, it was noted that additional buildings are being
constructed.
E-1-13
GERMANY - Joint Army, Navy, Air Force Exercises, Sept. 1937,
28 Feb., 1938
The following report of the German joint Army, Navy,
Air Force exercises held the latter part of September
1937 is forwarded as of interest. These are the first
-11-
exercises of this characterheld in Germany in recent
years. They were attended by Mussolini and high
Italian staff officers who were in Germany at the time
and by the British Chief of the Army General Staff.
The routine maneuvers and exercises in the German Navy
have, since the Spanish Civil War, been somewhat cur-
tailed due to the necessity of having ships in the
Mediterranean.
One of the primary lessons learned from these
joint exercises in September appears to be the lack
of complete cooperation between the Air Force and the
others engaged. It is not believed that the German
Navy or the Army is completely satisfied with an
unified and independent Air Force and that finally
the Navy will have its own aviation. However, the
present time with the rapid expansion of the Air
Force under Field Marshal Goring, is not considered
the propitious moment for the Navy to press their
claims for a separate Air Force. It is felt that
Field Marshal Goring with his vast amount of energy,
coupled with the fact that he has tremendous influence
with Herr Hitler and in the Party, can do more about
aviation now than he could have obtained if the Navy
had its separate Air Force.
Experiences and Lessons of the War Maneuvers:
Preliminary studies in the staff organizations furnished
the basis for the maneuvers. Nothing is known regarding
the extent of the actual experience applied in the
maneuvers but from what could be determined from a con-
versation with an officer in the war Ministry, the con-
duct of the maneuvers did not function entirely satis-
factorily. Disagreements are supposed to have arisen
between the air and other commands regarding the use of
the air forces. For example, the command of the Blue
naval forces claims that on the day of the 21st they
demanded pursuit planes for the protection of convoys
but it was impossible to obtain them for the reason that
the air forces necessary for this work were occupied with
other duties. The convoys therefore had no air pro-
tection, a circumstance which probably contributed to the
heavy losses.
The aforesaid high naval command in Germany desired
that the naval air forces, like those in England and
France, work in close cooperation with the Fleet. Maybe
-12-
SECRET
the experiences gained in the annual maneuvers will
contribute to thatrealization in the future when
Germany's air force is increased to full strength.
That the centralization of the air force command at
set periods would be to the advantage of the navy,
also was conditionally admitted by naval circles.
Blue's naval command was faced by a much more
difficult problem. The land forces demanded the
immediate transfer of all troops from East Prussia,
for instance, one infantry regiment with an artillery
division and a field artillery division. The Blue naval
command had to see that direct connections were estab-
lished as well as providing the convoys, setting the
time of departure, and settle the question of size of
the convoys. In the meantime the naval forces had no
provisions for transporting somany troops. The general
situation was such that at the time in question it
involved an extraordinary great risk to send troops
by water. Blue did not command the sea routes between
East Prussia and the Reich. The Red naval forces were
almost completely intact and had stronger armament than
the Blue Forces. This did not prevent the Red forces
from being considerably restricted in their freedom
of movement through the activities of a Blue submarine
or eventually by Blue mines laid out on the route of
the Red forces. In view of the restricted territory
of the operations and the circumstances that Blue's
command was limited to Konigsberg and Pillau for the
embarkation of troops, there was very little prospect
of properly preparing the enterprise and keeping it,
and the time of the convoys departure secret.
The maneuvers had confirmed the correctness of the
above viewpoint. Experiences regarding the submarines
and air forces showed that there W&S a great possibility
of success even if the convoy had no air escort. The
press praised the submarines very highly for their con-
tribution to the maneuvers and for fulfilling all de-
mands placed on them. There participated in the maneuvers
the first and second submarine flotillas, the first
consisting of twelve 250 ton submarines and the latter
of twelve 700 and 500 ton vessels. The development of
the German submarine weapon within the relatively short
space of two years was considered a notable performance.
The naval air forces were also warmly praised for
-13-
the fine manner in which they accomplished their tasks
in the maneuvers. This year saw the participating of
the intelligence corps consisting of naval officers
and of those holding the highest positions in the Air
Force (VI Air Corps). In recapitulation it can be said
that the experiences gained in the maneuvers largely
refuted the idea that troop transport within the Baltic
was combined with high risk in the event of insufficient
protection. According to what an officer in the Ober-
kommando expressly said to me, even the German military
command already drew this conclusion from the maneuvers.
The situation visualized by the 1937 maneuvers was
that which would arise in a war between Russia and
Germany in which Poland was neutral. In the event that
Estonia and other Baltic states had an alliance with
Germany, the premises would remain the same though
cutting off of the sea connections would render them
liable to enemy attack, and troop movements would be
very complicated and combined with very great risks.
It is true that the German Navy, in the future, will
be considerably superior to the Russian, but on the
other hand, Germany must reckon with a two front war at
sea which would divide the naval strength.
The naval forces which would be at disposition
to convoy and protect commercial shipping, etc., in
the Baltic would be very limited under these circum-
stances, though the German military authorities would
probably endeaver to neutralize this condition by
laying a blockade across the outlet of the Finnish Gulf.
Experiences in the World War have shown, however, that
such blockades can never be fully effective against sub-
marines, of which type of vessel the Russian Fleet, for
example, could place not less than sixty units in the
Baltic. The prospects of crippling the Russian Fleet
would therefore be very slight and the transport of troops
to East Prussia or the Baltic states would be combined
with serious risks. The transport of troops, for various
reasons, would be better by land than by sea, and as
far as Germany is concerned, in the case of war or the
danger of war, it would be obliged sooner or later to
transport such troops through the Polish corridor.
E-1-14
GERMANY - Increased Military and Naval Activities, 22 July, 1938
The work on the counter-Maginot line along the French
-14-
border is being pushed to the upmost. Ten thousnad
masons and concrete workers have been sent recently
to this work, together with Autobahn laborers and
others from all parts of Germany. A large number of
Pioneer (Engineer) divisions have been detailed there.
At Kiel. Day and night shifts were observed on
the aircraft carrier, at present about half completed.
Day and night shifts observed on one large cruiser in
the floating dock, name not known. One 10,000 ton
cruiser, not named - probably "I" - on ways, ready
for launching.
Navy, general. Destroyers are going into com-
mission more frequently, than in the past.
Rumors of a large reserve of submarine machinery
and periscopes on hand, for which the necessary hulls
could be built in a very short time.
Reserve divisions being called to active duty
15 August, after harvest is over, presumably for
Fall maneuvers.
It has been breathed that in event of war with
England, Germany will establish a submarine and sea-
plane base at the northwest corner of Spain, (Corunna
or Vigo), to operate against British commerce.
With her back secured by the counter-Maginot line,
Germany will feel safer about a push to the East, in
the belief that France and England will not consider
Czechoslovakia worth the lives, time and money required
to break through the lines of fortifications.
It is not believed that Germany, Governement or
people, want war. The building up of the armed forces
is primarily for a show of German strength at diplo-
matic conferences, either to force the Czechs to
grant very favorable terms to the Sudeten Germans or
to hold the British and French back if and when the
Germans take forcible measures in Czechoslovakia.
E-1-15
GERMANY - onse'Demonstration at Nuremberg, 30 Sept., 1938
The following is submitted to record the "first
impressions" of the writer on the first occasion to
wittness a demonstration of the state of development
of German air and military forces.
-15-
The flight of the latest models of airplanes
past the reviewing stand was 80 brief and in such
rapid succession that none except very general ob-
servations was possible. No opportunity was offered
for inspection of any of the airplanes on the ground.
The model designations were unknown to the writer.
From a technical viewpoint, the outstanding items
of interest were: (a) the twin-fuselage, twin-engine
scout, (Focke-Wulf 189); (b) the unsymmetrical scout
having its single engine in line with a very narrow
fuselage and an off-center nacelle for the pilot,
observer and gunner, (Blohm &Voss Bv141) - both of
these designs representing the unusual experiments
being tried to obtain better vision, accomodation and
arrangement for pilot and crew than is usually obtain-
able in the smaller models with conventional "in-line"
lay-out; (c) the two heavy fighters, Messerschmidt
BF 110, and Focke-Wulf 187, both of which appeared
very fast and clean; (d) the Heinkel single seat
fighter He 112, similar to the Messerschmidt BF 109
which is alleged to be capable of a top speed of
700 Km/hr (437 m.p.h.), though admission was obtained
from a very reliable source that German performance
figures are based on a 1-minute rating of the engine;
and (a) the Focke-Wulf helikopter, the characteristics
of which have by now been widely publicized, but which
when seen for the first time presents a convincing de-
monstration that a development hitherto never attained
either by airplanes or auto-gyro is already well under-
way and gives great future promise for the special pur-
poses for which this type is intended.
From an operating viewpoint, it was apparent that
the flying, both as regards individual pilot technique
and as regards the training in section, squadron and wing
operations of the kind which normally are presented at
demonstrations and parades, was of a better-than-average
order. The low ceiling prevailing during the show
effectively limited the extent and variety of the maneuvers
which could be attempted. In consequence, it was not
possible for example, to draw any valid conclusions re-
garding service tactics from the simulated dive-bombing
attacks which generally consisted of shallow dives from
a push-over approach with only an occasional individual
exception of short dives of about a 60°angle. The timing
and precision with which individual airplanes, sections
and squadrons executed their various parts of the program
-16-
indicated not only a meticulously planned but also a
faultlessly executed schedule. In this connection, it
should be noted that the total number of airplanes
involved in all of the exercises was between 250 and
300, and that, of necessity, they were based at several
outlying fields, making the coordinated operations on
a crowded program especially noteworthy.
The air items of the program, after the parade of
the new models, weres
(a) a stunting demonstration of nine training
planest
(b) an exhibition of stunting over, and pre-
cision landing on, the field by 3 sail
planes towed to the starting point by
airplanes;
(c) landing on the field of a section of 4
Fieseler Storch planes, led by General
Udet - these planes have slow landing,
short take-off and rapid climb character-
istics, similar to the American McDonald
airplane, demonstrated and tested at the
N.A.C.A. Langley Field laboratory a few
years ago;
(d) attack of dive-bombers and attack-planes re-
stricted by anti-aircraft ground batt-
eries in the course of which there was
much firing from the ground and stream-
ing of blue smoke from the airplanes -
the rapidity with which anti-aircraft
batteries were placed, made ready for
action and fired was very impressive;-
(e) take-off of the Dieseler Storches within the
bowl of the grandstand with unusually
short run and very steep climb after
take-off.
E-1-16
GERMANY - The German Army in the Czech Crisis, 23 Nov., 1938
Germany commenced concentrating troops on the Czecho-
slovakian frontier about September 22 in anticipation of
a general attack scheduled for October 1.
These troop concentrations consisted of active units
only, assembled to form the framework around which the
Army would have been built upon general mobilization.
For the attack against Czechoslovakia, the German Army
-17-
-
was organized into 5 Army Groups which involved 10
Corps and 30 Divisions.
For this operation Germany expected to mobilize
both for protection of her western frontier and for
the attack against Czechoslovakia her entire avail-
able trained man power.
It was stated that mobilization would have taken
from two to three days after the general mobilization
order was published, when the framework of the army
concentrated on the Czechoslovakian frontier whould
have been filled out.
In her mobilization plans, Germany contemplated
a radical departure from the traditional army of active,
reserve and Landwehr divisions. In general each active
division, except mechanized divisions, would have con-
sisted of two active regiments and one reserve regiment
and each reserve division of one active regiment and
two reserve regiments, while each active regiment would
have one active battalion. In this manner, the active
army would be doubled. The old distinction between
first and second line divisions abolished, and all
troops brought to comparative combat equality.
The strength of the army which Germany could have
mobilized WAS approximately 91 divisions or about 1,700,000
men, exclusive of Air Corps and Navy.
E-1-17
EUROPE - Recent Naval Agreements, 10 Jan., 1939
British Naval Delegation visited the Navy
Ministry, Berlin during the last days of December in
response to a German official announcement that Germany
would avail herself of the 1935 and 1937 treaty pro-
visions to build submarines up to 100% of British sub-
marine tonnage. Britain interposed no objections. So
much of the discussions have been made public. There
are strong rumors that Germany also announced intentions
of building two additional 10,000 ton cruisers (HIPPER
class) to offset two reported additional Soviet cruisers.
The total tonnage will not exceed 35% of British total
tonnage nor class tonnage except in submarines. At present
the German Foreign Office is drawing up a written note
covering the new agreement, which will be transmitted
shortly to the British Foreign Office.
-18-
E-1-18
GERMANY - Navy Personnel, 12 Jan., 1939
It has been heard from a reliable source that
the next class of midshipment entering the naval
school at Murwik will consist of 850 Fuhnriche which
will mark a big increase over the past few classes.
It has also been learned that the shortage of
technical officers in engineering and construction
work is rather acute. An article has recently ap-
peared in the local press offering opportunities for
trained technical mechanical men to be taken up in
the "Erganzungsoffizier" branch of the officer corps.
The designation "(E)" after the names of retired
officers recalled to active duty has been abolished as
is shown in the following translation taken from the
local press:
ABOLITION OF (E) DESIGNATION, THE ERGÄNZUNG-
SOFFIZIERE (RETIRED OFFICERS) RECALIED TO ACTIVE
DUTY OF OUR ARMED FORCES
"The Fuhrer has decreed, 8.8 announced in the Marine-
Verordungsblatt, that although the use and employment of
the EngEnzungsoffiziere will be continued, the practice
of designating them as (E) officers will be abolished.
"No one in the armed forces will regret the doing
away with this designation as it was never popular. The
rapid and sudden building of the Navy and Army and the
creation of the Air Force with its enormous officer demand,
made it necessary to recall to active duty the thousands
of former officers who, due to the limitations placed
upon the armed forces, had had to relinquish their officer
status and return to civilian life.
"At the beginning of the building up of the armed
forces the officers who were recalled were designated
'Landesverteidigungsoffiziere" or 'national defense
officers'. This designation was soon changed to 'E-
Offiziere' and now that they have fulfilled the ori-
ginal purpose, this designation has also disappeared.
The development of the armed forces has made the
designation unnecessary. It will never be necessary to
try to find out who had the larger share in the work of
rebuilding the armed forces - whether it was the active
-19-
officers who had to contend with the limitations of a
small army and the political confusions of the transition
period, or to the quiet working recalled officers, since
there has always been only one German officer corps.
This proud corps is a unit as it has but one root and
one future."
E-1-19
GERMANY - Espionage Activities, 18 Jan., 1939
The Naval Attache has been informed that the
espionage school established at Dobeln (35 km. WNW
of Dresden), has four hundred (400) officer students.
My informant is of the opinion that none of these stu-
dents are particularly adapted for this work inasmuch
as their foreign language qualifications have been ac-
quired inside Germany.
E-1-20
GERMANY - Air Force - Organization Changes and Present
Status, 12 Feb., 1939
Introduction: Soon after the Munich conference it
became known that an extensive reorganization of the
German Air Force was about to be effected. The need
for this was found in the broader operating require-
ments imposed on the Air Force for future, presumably
larger scale tasks, as opposed to the previous specific
task of preparation for possible action against Austria
and Crechoslovakia. The developments have finally reached
the stage where general indications of the principal
brackets of the new organization have just now been re-
leased to the press. While not stated in any press re-
leases, the indications are that the principle underlying
the new step is one of general correspondence with the
GHQ idea in the U. S. Army Air Corps, that is the in-
corporation of all operating units into a tactical
organization which will be related to territorial factors,
only to the necessary extent of peace-time considerations ,
but, chiefly, will be immediately assignable for the
most flexible employment in any probable future sphere
of action. In this connection, it should also be noted
that, especially in the Air Force, the German tendency
is predominatly to shape its organization around its
leading individuals and their individual capabilities
with frequent revisions as dictated by personal factors,
rather than attempting to set up a formal ideal or-
ganization and then seeking to assort its individuals to
suit the organization.
-20=
Conclusions: The principal conclusions derived by
the writer in his first six months contact with the
German Air Force are that a remarkable structure has
been set up, well and numerously implemented with air-
planes, not yet adequately filled with pilots, backed
by an industry capable of higher production at this
moment than probably any other in the world, and with
a reserve and training organization which is remarkable
both for its immediate and future capabilities. The
present air status in Germany is such that it can only
be met either by a marked increase in pace of production,
expansion, and training on the part of its possible
opposers or by an effective air limitation agreement at
a not-too-distant date.
E-1-21
GERMANY - Navy, 21 March, 1939
The following article, appearing in the German
publication "Die Rdder" of 16 February 1939, was written
by a Lieutenant M.A. Giese of the German Navy. It is
submitted as a matter of interest in that it presents
a concise picture of the organization of the German Navy,
showing jurisdiction of the Supreme Commander (Admiral
Raeder), Navy Department, Commander in Chief of the
Fleet, Commanding Admirals of the Baltic and North Sea
districts, etc. It also details the present status of
the German fleet by types and numbers, and also the new
construction building and projected.
THE GERMAN NAVY
With the renaissance of German armaments through
the Fuhrer, Adolph Hitler, the time came for a new and
free development of the German Navy. The foundation of
the rebuilding of the Navy is the German/English Naval
Treaty of 18 July 1935, which was supplemented by the
Treaty of July 1937. According to this, the ratio of
the British Navy to the German, is 100 # 35, except that
Germany has the right to parity in submarine tonnage
with England.
The organization of the German Navy today, is as
follows:
At the head of the German Navy is the Supreme
Commander, General Admiral Dr. h.c. Raeder. Directly
under him are:
-21-
The Navy Department in Berlin;
The Navy Group Commander East, in Kiel;
The Commander in Chief of the Fleet, with
administration headquarters in Kiel;
The Commanding Admiral of the Baltic district,
with headquarters in Kiel;
The Commanding Admiral of the North Sea district,
with headquarters at Wilhelmshaven;
The Naval Arsenal, Kiel;
The Navy Yard at Wilhelmshaven; as well as
A number of Naval Units in various localities.
The Navy Department, 88 the directing head, is
divided into numerous departments for the administration
of the many tasks imposed. Some of these are: the
Navy Personnel Office, Operations Office, Defense Section,
General Office, Ordnance Office, Supply Office, and Naval
Construction Office.
The center of gravity of the Navy is always the Fleet.
The German fleet consists of units which are indispensable
for modern naval operations. The Commander in Chief of
the Fleet has directly under him:
First,
The Commander of the Armored Ships, with the armored
vessels ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE, ADMIRAL SCHEER, and
DEUTSCHLAND;
The battleships GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST.
Second,
The Commander of the Scouting Forces, with the cruisers
NUERNBERG, LEIPZIG and KOELN;
The Leader of Torpedoboats;
The Leader of Minesweepers;
The Destroyer Flotillas, Torpedoboat Flotillas, High
Speed Motor Torpedoboat Flotillas, Escort Flotillas,
Minesweeper Flotillas and Raumboote Flotillas which
come under the Leader of Torpedoboats and Leader
of Minesweepers.
and finally,
The Leader of Submarines with the Submarine Flotillas
attached thereto.
-22-
In detail, these are:
1st to 4th Destroyer Flotillas;
5th Destroyer Division;
4th, 5th and 6th Torpedoboat Flotillas;
1st and 2nd High Speed Motor Torpedoboat Flotillas;
Escort Flotillas;
1st and 2nd Minesweeper Flotillas;
1st and 2nd Rqumboote Flotillas;
The Submarine Flotillas: WEDDIGEN (1st Submarine Flotilla)
SALEWEDEL (2nd
=
=
)
LOHS
(3rd
=
=
)
(5th
=
=
EMSMANN
)
HUNDIUS
(6th
=
=
)
(7th
=
WEGENER
)
While the seagoing forces are under the command of
the Fleet Commander, the command of all Coastal and Lend
Forces of the Navy rests in the hands of the Commanding
Admirals of the geographical divisions, North Sea and
Baltic, located at Wilhelmshaven and Kiel, respectively.
The Commanding Admiral of the Baltic district, with
headquarters in Kiel, has under him:
The Coast Defenses of the Western Baltic, with the
First Naval Gunnery Division in Kiel;
The Coast Defenses of the Pommeranian Coast, with the
Third Naval Gunnery Division in SwinemUnde;
The Coast Defenses of Pillau, with the 5th Naval
Gunnary Division in Pillau;
Further, the Commander for the Security of the
Baltic and the 2nd Admiral of the Baltic, along
with the:
1st Ships' Base Regiment, Kiel;
3rd
=
=
=
,
Kiel;
5th
=
=
=
,
Eckernförde;
1st
#
=
#
,
Stralsund;
7th
#
.
=
,
Stralsund;
9th
=
=
=
,
Stralsund;
11th
=
=
=
,
Stralsund;
13th
=
=
#
Sassnits.
In the Baltic, as well as in the North Sea area, there
are a number of inspection groups and main offices of the
Navy which come under the Commanding Admirals of the Baltic
or North Sea.
-23-
The Commanding Admiral of the Baltic has under him:
The Training Division, with headquarters in Kiel;
The Naval Academy, the Steersman School and the
Navy Athletic School, in Murwik;
The Naval Specialty and Experimental Schools in
various localities;
The three Navy Petty Officers' Schools in Fried-
richsort, Wesermunde, and Pl8n;
The Line School Training Ships SCHLESIEN, SCHLESWIG-
HOLSTEIN and cruiser EMDEN;
The Sailing Schoolships GORCH FOCK, HORST WESSEL
and ALBERT LEO SCHLAGETER;
Further,
The Torpedo Division at Kiel, with the Torpedo
School and Torpedo Training Flotilla in
Mirwik;
The Submarine School and Submarine Training Flotilla
and Anti-Aircraft Section at Neustadt;
The Naval Gas Defense School in Kiel;
The Torpedo Experimental Station in Eckernförde;
The Naval Physics and Chemistry Experimental Station
in Kiel;
The Naval Communication Section in Kiel, with the
Communication Experimental Section at Kiel, and
the Communication Schools at Murwik and Aurich;
The Blockade Division in Kiel, with the Blockade School
and Experimental Blockading Station and the
various Blockading Offices;
Finally,
The Headquarters for Naval Gunnery at Kiel, with the
cruiser KOENIGSBERG;
The Naval Gunnery School and the Gunnery Schoolship
BREMSE as well as the Gunnery Boats JAGUAR,
DRACHE, EDUARD JUNGMANN and FUCHS; and
The Naval Anti-Aircraft and Coast Artillery School,
and the Gunnery Schoolship BRUMMER and the
Gunnery School Boat DELPHIN.
The jurisdictional scope of the Commanding Admiral
of the North Sea district, headquarters at Wilhelmshaven,
is similarly organized. He has command of:
The Coast Defense of the North Sea;
Defenses of East Friesland with the 2nd and 6th
Naval Gunnery Divisions in Wilhelmshaven and
Emden, respectively;
-24-
Defenses of North Friesland, with headquarters in
Cuxhaven, with the 4th Naval Gunnery Division
in Cuxhaven, and
The Commandant at Wesermünde.
Further, the Commanding Admiral of the North Sea
has a similar number of headquarters and main offices
under him, such as the
Ships' Machinery Section at Wilhelmshaven, with the
Navy Schools in Kiel and Wesermünde, and the
Apprentice Shops in Kiel and Wilhelmshaven;
The Naval Ordnance at Wilhelmshaven, with the
Naval Ordnance Offices in Borkum, Wilhelmshaven,
Pillau, Swinemunde, Kiel-Dietrichsdorf, Jessenitz
and Cuxhaven;
The Auxiliary Ordnance Offices in Sylt, Wesermunde,
Brünsbuttelkoog, Wilhelmshaven, Helgoland,
Segeberg and Nordenrey; and
Finally,
The Buoyage and Pilot system of the Jade, and
The Naval Observatory in Wilhelmshaven.
STATUS OF THE GERMAN FLEET
There is given herewith the present status of the
German fleet and its projected building for the coming
years:
At present, the fleet consists of:
2 Battleships, each of 26,000 tons, with 11
inch guns.
3 Pocket Battleships, each of 10,000 tons, with
six 11 inch guns.
6 Light Cruisers, each of 6,000 tons, with nine
6 inch guns. (except EMDEN which is of 5,400
tons, with 8-6 inch guns.)
19 Destroyers of 1811 and 1625 tons.
12 Torpedoboats, each of 600 tons.
41 Submarines of between 250 and 700 tons.
24 Minesweepers.
32 Raumboote.
14 High Speed Motor Torpedoboats,
as well as a number of additional minor fighting
craft, schoolships and experimental vessels of
various types and uses.
-25-
Building or projected are:
2 Battleships, each of 35,000 tons ( a third
is planned), with eight 15 inch guns.
2 Aircraft Carriers, each of 19,250 tons
(the first was launched on 8 December 1938
and christened "GRAF ZEPPELIN").
5 Heavy Cruisers, each of 10,000 tons, with
eight 8 inch guns (Four of these have, in the
meantime, been launched:BLUCHER - ADMIRAL
HIPPER - PRINZ EUGEN - SEYDLITZ).
4 Light Cruisers, each of 7,000 tons (projected).
7 Destroyers of 1625 and 1811 tons.
27 Submarines, between 250 and 700 tons.
11 High Speed Motor Torpedoboats.
18 Torpedoboats, each of 600 tons.
22 Minesweepers.
10 Raumboote, as well as
Various Escort Ships and Experimental Vessels.
E-1-22
GERMANY - Battleship "TIRPITZ" - Launching of, 3 April, 1939
The German battleship "G" was launched at the
Wilhelmshaven Yard, 1 April 1939 and christened "TIRPITZ"
in honor of the builder of theSecond Reich's Navy. The
ship is & sister of the "BISMARCK", recently launched.
Dimensions are:
Tonnage - 35,000
Length - 241 meters (790.5 feet)
Beam - 36 meters (118.1 feet)
Draft - 7.9 meters (25.9 feet)
Main Battery - eight 38 cm (15.0")
four twin-mounts.
E-1-23
GERMANY - Navy, 10 June, 1939
It was learned from a reliable source that the
German financial system which is already sailing very
close to the wind, is on the point of being further
strained by & very extensive demand of the Navy for
nine billion Reichmarks (three billion, six hundred
million dollars) for a four year building program,
the bulk of which is to be spent on the construction
of naval bases. This demand was apparently made after
the budget had already been worked out and, if acceded
to, may do considerable damage to the country's finan-
cial structure.
-26-
It was learned from the same source that the city
of Emshafen at the mouth of the Ems River has increased
in population from 20,000 to 90,000 inhabitants in the
course of the past year. There are indications that
an increase in the size of Wilhelmshaven was to be
expected. It is probable that some of the money will
be spent in enlarging the navy yard facilities at Kiel.
Whether or not part of this money will be used to pay
for new coast fortifications such as underway at Memel
in not known.
It was learned from a reliable informant, who
had just returned from a Whitsun vacation at Rugen,
that condiserable activity has just started there to
build a submarine base. A channel about one kilometer
(1100 yards) long is to be cut through the low sand
spit at the northwest corner of Jasmund and the Grosser
Jasmunder Badden is being dredged out to the depth of
8 meters (26.24 feet). The Schiffsstammabteilung
XIII has its barracks just southwest of the ferry harbor.
A summer resort with a cpapcity of 20,000 Kraft durch
Freude (Strength through Joy) tourists is being erected
on the east beach of Rugen.
The Naval Attache and Assistant Naval Attache
intend to visit Kiel on 17 June in connection with
the annual meeting of the Hamburg Society of Ship-
builders and Marine Engineers. Later in the month the
Assistant Naval Attache also plans to visit various
naval activities on the Baltic. The Assistant Naval
Attache for Air will Pass through this area on 17 June,
en route to Sweden.
E-1-24
GERMANY - New German Battleships, 14 July, 1939
It was at first stated and then contradicted, that
the machinery installation for the two new 35,000 ton
German battleships would be Diesel engines. When the
original report was submitted, the writer was reasonably
certain that the information was correct. It now
appears that it was partially correct, for although
the information was given as said to apply to the
35,000 ton ships then on the ways, it has now been
heard from a most reliable source that it really applies
to the two new battleships "H" and "J" which will
shortly be laid down. These ships will be of 40,000
tons and the main engines will be Diesels of 100,000
-27-
horsepower. A speed of 28 knots is expected. The
informant did not know whether the installation would
be Diesel electric or not, or what firm would supply
the engines.
It was further stated that these ships will carry
eight 16 inch guns.
E-1-25
GERMANY - Navy, 18 July, 1939
Work is progressing rather rapidly on the battle-
ship "BISMARCK" which was launched on 14 February 1939.
It was recently seen fitting out and it is the opinion
that the armor belt will extend up to the top deck.
There were two turrets aft, one of them on the quarter-
deck. It has been heard that this ship will have four
two-gun turrets.
E-1-26
GERMANY - Navy Guns, 18 July, 1939
A Naval Attache of another country has informed the
writer that his office has heard from several sources that
in time of war the Germans will replace the nine 11 inch
guns on the "GNEISENAU" and "SCHARNHORST" with nine 13
inch guns and the six 11 inch guns of the "DEUTSCHLAND"
class with four 13 inch guns. This Attache claimed
that in view of the structural changes necessary, he was
loath to believe this information but that it had been
heard from several sources and, as yet, they had been un-
able to ascertain anything to contradict the report.
E-1-27
GERMANY - Navy - Commissionings and Conversions, 18 Aug., 1939
Two submarines were placed in commission in Kiel
on 12 August 1939 - the U-49 and U-61. According to
the records of this office, this makes a total of 55
submarines known to be in commission.
E-1-28
GERMANY - Navy Depot Ships, 18 Aug., 1939
According to recent information Germany is to have
17 depot ships for submerines. Based on the information
gathered and submitted by this office, these figures
appear entirely reasonable.
Two submarine tenders recently launched are the
Wilhelm Bauer and Waldemar Kophamel.
-28-
Two more submarine tenders are projected and are
probably already on the building ways.
It has also been heard from good authority that
in time of war several whaling shipe are destined to
be converted into submarine tanders. Two already
mentioned are the "Walter Rau" and the "Jan Wellem".
Another large whaling ship recently observed in Ham-
burg was the "Unitas", a ship of 21,846 G.R.T. No
rumors have been previously heard about this ship as
a potential submarine tender but the fact that she
is undergoing overhaul in Hamburg at this particular
time has induced this office to keep it under observation.
There are three motor torpedoboat tenders in com-
mission.
The three known Raumboat tenders are old converted
war-time minesweepors.
It is more than likely that several merchant ships
are in the process of being converted into tenders of
some description. Some of the ships recently purchased
may be slated for that purpose.
DIS (c)
GERMANY - Mine:Field North Sea, Sept., 1939
A mine field was reported in the North Sea by
Embassy telegram. It is believed that two nine fields
exist in southwestern end of the Baltic.
E-1-29
GERMANY - Navy - Submerines in Commission, 18 Sept., 1939
It WLS reported by a reliable source that the Ger-
man submarine U-71 vas seen in Wornemünde this past
week-end. The source of information claimed that there
was no doubt as to the number seen. If this is true,
and unless German submerines have been renumbered, it
indicated that there are many more submarines in com-
mission than the 55 previously definitely known about.
E-1-30
GERMANY - Submarine Building Capacity, 22 Sept., 1939
During the World War - in the period between March
1916 and October 1918, inclusive - Germany constructed
272 submarines, which represents an average of 8.5 per
month. It is believed that after Germany hite her stride
-29-
with present facilities, who will be able to exceed
that figure by far. At the moment, it is estimated
that there are about 111 building ways and drydocks
which could be used for submarine construction. It
maybe reasonably assumed that no new merchant ships
will be laid down and that the construction of cruisers
and battleships will not be pushed beyond the launch-
ing stage. It is believed that these ways will be
used mainly for destroyers, torpedoboats, minesweepers
and submarines, principally the latter.
During the World War, all submarines, delivered
prior to the end of hostilities, were built in six
shipyards. These were as follows:
Vulcan, Hamburg (Now Howaldt, Hamburg),
Krupp - Germania, Kiel,
Blohm and Voss, Hamburg,
A. G. Weser, Bremen (Deschimag),
Imperial Dockyard, Danzig (Now Danziger Werft),
Bremer, Vulkan, Vegesack.
There were also 41 submarines under construction
in smaller shipyards.
All of these yerds are still in operation and might
also be said to be in a healthy condition, so that ex-
pansion to wartime operation can be accomplished in a
minimum of time. It is also believed that in the future
building program, the item "smaller shipyards" will play
a much bigger role. It is further to be considered
that Germany seems to have settled on a standard type
submarine and thus can turn them out at a more acceler-
ated rate than if & wide diversification of types were
built. While during the course of the last war, sub-
marines were built in tonnages from 127 to 2160 tons,
it is noteworthy that of the last 118 boats ordered,
74 of them were in the neighborhood of 810 to 900 tons,
all with four bow tubes and two stern tubes. These
types were, in general, very similar to the 500 and
700 ton boats which Germany is now building.
In the last war it was reputed that it took on
the average of about 18 months to build one of these
medium sized boats. It is now believed that with the
advancement in engineering processes, this time can
be reduced. It W&S announced in March that the U-48
-30-
had been launched, and subsequently it was noticed
that it was commissioned on 22 April. It is prob-
able that the actually launching was prior to the
month of March, but even so, it can be accepted
as an indication that construction work proceeded
at a rapid rate.
It is believed that the greatest difficulty to
be overcome by Germany is the lack of shipyard
workers. In visiting various shipyards, both large
and small, the common complaint was that they did not
have enough men to accomplish all the work they had
ahead of them. In wartime, with men being called
to the front and the demand for construction being
increased, it can be appreciated that this problem
will be considerably aggravated. It is not believed
that a lack of material will be felt at first.
The following is a list of shipyards which could
be used for submarine construction, with the building
facilities of each:
(Shipyard)
(Building Ways)
(Notes)
Howaldt, Hamburg
4
This yard has been
(formerly Vulkan)
erecting new buildings
and expanding in general
for the past year.
Blohm & Voss, Hamburg
5 large
Probably only the
4 small
smaller ways would be
used for submarines
as this yard has only
built large ships since
the war.
Krupp-Germania, Kiel
8
Four (4) of the ways
1 drydock
are housed over for
all-weather work.
Deschimag, Wesermunde
11 drydocks This firm has built many
and Bremerhaven
of the new boats since
the war. No information
can be obtained as to
the number of building
slips. It may be that
all of the construction
work is done in the
drydocks.
-31-
(Shipyard)
(Building Ways)
(Notes)
Danziger Werft, Danzig
3
This yard has room for
expansion on an island
that lies in the river
just opposite.
Bremer, Vulkan, Vegesack
7
This yard is erecting
new ways. It still has
room for expansion.
Wilhelmshaven
??
This yard built no
submarines during the
war, or since, but its
building facilities are
believed to be ample.
Kiel Navy Yard
9 or 11
Not listed as having
(formerly Howaldt's)
built any submarines.
Deutsche Werke, Kiel
6 drydocks
This yard has built many
of the present 250 ton
boats. No information is
available as to number
of building slips so
it is probable that the
constructionwork is done
in the drydocks.
Deschimag, Bremen
6
Four (4) of these ways
are smaller and could
be devoted to submarine
construction.
The following smaller yards are estimated as the
ones which could be most advantageously used for
construction of submarines:
(Shipyards)
(Building Ways)
(Notes)
Stettiner Oderwerke
3
This yard is undergoing
a tremendous expansion.
Schichau Werft, Danzig
4
This plant is adjacent
to the Danziger Werft
and also owns property
on the same island
which is opposite both
yards.
-32-
(Shipyard)
(Building Ways)
(Notes)
Lubecker Flenderwerke
4
A.G.
Deutsche Werft, Hamburg
It is believed that there
(Finkenwärder
6
are more than two ways
(Reiherstieg
2
at the Reiherstieg yard.
H.C. Stukcken, Hamburg
3
Neptun Werft, Rostock
4
Lindenau, Memel
2
Recently acquired.
There are other yards which have ways that could
be used for submarine construction. The two (2) Schichau
Werfts at Elbing and Koenigsberg have a total of seven
(7) building ways, but the one at Elbing will probably
still concentrate on "M"-boats, and the other on repair
work. The Vulkan Werft at Stettin been recently put
into operation. It has only one building way now, but
it has ample space for four or five more. The other
possible yards are the Rickmers Yard in Wesermunde (2),
Norderwerft A.G., Hamburg (1), Libecker Maschinenbau
A.G., Libeck (3), the Atlas Werke, Bremen (2), and the
Norderwerke, Emden (4).
The present seventy-one (71) submarines built or
building consist of thirty-two (32) 250 tonners, of which
twenty-four (24) were built by Deutsche Werft, Kiel,
and eight (8) by Krupp-Germania Werft; twenty-four (24)
500 tonners of which eighteen (18) were built by Krupp-
Germania Werft, and six (6) by Deschimag, Bremen; fifteen
(15) 740 tonners, all built by Deschimag, Bremen. The
two (2) 1000 ton Turkish submarines, which undoubtedly
have been commandeered, were built by Krupp-Germania.
As in the last war, once the British anti-sub-
marine measures have become effective, and although
Germany will still be able to build submarines faster
than the British can sink them, Germany's greater
deficiency will be in providing experienced submarine
crews.
E-1-31
GERMANY - Test of Anti-Submarine Measures, 26 Sept., 1939
It was learned in conversation with a reliable source
-33-
that the German Navy had sent out the experimental
listening device ship "STRAHL" with divers and special
gear to locate three British submarines which had been
reported sunk by German depth charges. These sub-
marines were not found after a long search.
A German minesweeper depth-charged a Polish
submarine at Gdynia early in September and at the
same time the Air Force bombed another in the same port.
Both were firmly believed to have been sunk at the time.
Both submarines later interned at SANDHAMM (Sweden).
The British radio occasionally reports the sinking
of another German submarine, total bag to date at least
seven (7). Only one (1) German submarine is at present
overdue and unreported.
Based on the above, the German Navy has doubts as
to the effectiveness of depth charges versus submarines.
Their opinion of British anti-submarine listening gear
is very poor.
E-1-32
GERMANY - Submarines, 3 Oct., 1939
While enroute to Copenhagen, the submarine U-43
was seen at Warnemünde. While on the ferry, four sub-
marines and what was apparently a tender, were observed
to the westward, about off Heiligendamm. The tender was
towing a target raft and the submarines appeared to be
making runs at the target. There was no firing. On
returning from Copenhagen, the submarines U-56, 43, 57,
58, 59, 61 and one unnumbered one were tied up at
Warnemünde. There was also a submarine tender and
three old torpedo boats. The name of the tender could
not be made out and the only one of the torpedo boats
that could be identified was the T-123. This boat is
listed as a salvage and rescue ship for the Weddingen
Flotilla, but the submarines seen are listed as be-
longing to the Emsmann Flotilla.
It was heard from a good source in Copenhagen that
well before hostilities had "commenced, Germany had planned
to lay down 28 additional submarines, bringing the total
built and projected at that time to 99 boats.
The German Navy Ministry claims that there are
only two submarines unaccounted for at this time.
-34-
English and French sources in Copenhagen claim that
anywhere between 7 and 15 have been sunk. The English
source states that the British Government has paid
prize money on the destruction of 12 submarines.
E-1-33
GERMANY - Submarines - Construction of, 26 Oct., 1939
It has been heard from a reliable source that the
German opinion has been expressed that after Germany
has settled down seriously to the task, they can
build submarines at the rate of 20 a month. It is
believed that this figure is E. little too high.
The same source states that Germany will soon
start the construction of larger submarines, ie., of
about 1000 tons. In this connection it is worth
noting that the so-called German 500-517-ton sub-
marines have approximately the same length and
breadth dimensions as our S-18 type (about 800 tons
surface displacement) and that the so-called German
740-ton boats have dimensions about midway between
the S-42 class (850 tons) and the S-48 as rebuilt
(about 1000 tons surface). The point is that it is
believed that the actual tonnage of the German sub-
marines far exceeds the given figures. Since being
in Germany the writer has only seen the German sub-
marines at a distance and in pictures, but every view
obtained of them has only confirmed the impression that
the actual tonnage would greatly exceed their given
tonnage.
Another source reports that as yet no submarine
building activity is discernible in Hamburg. This
may be due to several reasons. German Naval officers
have informed the writer that the war could be over
by Christmas. If such is the actual impression it may
be that they consider there is no use in starting
an extensive building program if peace is going to
come 80 soon. It is considered more likely however
that there will necessarily be a time lag before in-
tensive submarine building can be started. One factor
being that work on the merchant ships already on the
ways will have to continue until they have reached
the launching stage. It has been noted in local
shipping publications that orders given for the con-
struction of merchant ships have dropped to practi-
cally nothing.
-35-
A reliable source in Hamburg claims that a mutual
friend was informed by a submarine commanding officer
that it was possible that an unrestricted submarine
warfare might be launched at any time.
E-1-34
GERMANY - Bomber aircraft, 31 Oct., 1939
It is reported from a semi-official source that
the present air operations directed against England
will comprise three phases: (1) bombing attacks on
units of the British fleet, (2) bombing attacks on
fleet bases and navy yards, and (3) bombing attacks
on industrial centers. The operations to date can be
considered the first phase, but represent in general
more of an experimental approach to the phase, in that
attempts are being made to determine the best models
of bombers, the most effective calibers of bombs, and
the best forms of bombing attacks to be used for the
full-scale execution of the phase, if and when it is
undertaken.
From a reliable source, and from numerous other
indications and rumors in Berlin, one is given to under-
stand that an active air offensive against England
will not be undertaken, preferably, until about 2000
bombers of the Junkers Ju88 model or its equivalent are
available. The informant estimates that about 200
Junkers Ju 88's were available at the beginning of the
war, which also checks with the estimates presented
by this office in the Annual Joint Air Report. He
further estimates that a production rate of about 200
airplanes of this model has been maintained by Junkers
since the outbreak of the war. Accordingly, not more
than about 600 Ju 88's are now available, but of these
it can be safely estimated that not more than 500 are
ready for immediate service use and the special train-
ing of pilots. It is stated that 11 pilots of the
standard service model Heinkel He 111 bomber are at
present undergoing, or about to undergo training in
the Ju 88.
From the same source it is reported that a new
Dornier bomber has been released for production in
large quantities. The number of this model is not
known, but it is said that it is not the model Dornier
Do 215 which WES described in the Annual Report as a
further development of the well known Dornier Do 17.
-36-
It is said that the latest Dornier model is an exact
counterpart of the Ju 88 but with a slightly higher
top speed. It is reported that it has been released
for manufacture in three large plants in Germany, not
in Friedrichshafen. Presumably one of these plants
is the large Henschel plant at Schonefeld, just
south of Berlin, which formerly manufactured Do 17's
in large production. According to this source there
should be four large plants in Germany engaged in
production of the required 2000 bombers at an average
rate of about 200 bombers per month for each plant.
In disagreement with the Annual Report from this
office, it is stated that the Junkers Ju 88 will carry
a total of only 2200 lbs of bombs, but that it can
also carry an aerial torpedo ( of which one hears many
rumors, but no authentic data) which can be released at
a speed of over 100 km. per hour (62 miles per hour).
As mentioned in previous digest of press reports, the
Junkers Ju 88 is also called a dive bomber. This arises
from the fact that no distinction is made in press or
technical reports in Germany between glide bombing
(that is, angles up to 45°) and dive bombing (that is,
angles considerably greater than 45°) The writer has
repeatedly questioned air force personnel on this
point, and feels fairly certain that the Ju 88 ,in its
present form, is not intended to be used at angles ex-
ceeding 45° to the horizontal. Even for glide bombing,
however, it is understood that the airplane has been
fitted with a bomb-displacing gear and the automatic
putout arrangement similar to that used on the standard
true dive bomber, the Junders Ju 87, which gear was
described in previous reports.
It is understood that the present mass production
in Germany is concentrated on the following models:
The Heinkel He 111 in its latest refined version, which
is still the backbone of the bomber strength; the fast
Junkers Ju 88 and the Dornier equivalent to the Ju 88;
the Messerschmitt Me 110 2-engine 2-place pursuit or
so-called destroyer, which was separately reported on,
October 1939; and the Messerschmitt Me 109, which is
still the standard single-seat pursuit. As previously
reported, it is understood that the Heinkel He 112 U is
about to enter large-scale production for service as 8.
complementary model for the Me 109.
-37-
DIS (c)
GERMANY - Possible Transfer of Soviet Submarines, Nov., 1939
Foreign Attaches strongly suspect that ten
and perhaps fourteen Soviet submarines of the
Baltic Fleet have been transferred to the Germans.
The above suspicion cannot be confirmed.
E-1-35
Estimates of Germany's Submarine Building Capacity,
20 Nov., 1939
It has been heard from various sources inside
Germany, and also noted in the English press, that
Germany is credited with commissioning submarines at
present at the rate of two a week. In view of the
information previously submitted, it is believed at
this time that this is too high a figure. Rumors
are also current to the effect that Germany will be
able to construct submarines in a total building
period of three months - from laying of keel to
commissioning. This is also believed to be too
optimistic. This office estimates the average initial
building period as ten months, possibly shortening to
eight months after a while.
In further analyzing the submarine question the
following observations are made. Germany, at the
beginning of the war, had 111 building ways which
could be used for submarine construction. Some of
the ways are very large and it is possible that two
submarines could be built on some of them in tandem.
The capacity of the drydocks is not known, and it is
undoubtedly the case that more than one submarine
will be built in each one. It is also assumed that
new ways will be constructed as soon as possible.
Considering that some ways will still be used for
destroyers, minesweepers, etc., it is estimated
that by 1 March 1940 there will be about 150 places
available for submarine construction. It is con-
ceded that all the original program of 71 submarines
will have been put in commission by this time, and
that additional 128 have been laid down and well
started.
The rumors have been heard from various sources
that Germany has purchased ten submarines from Russia.
Although there are factors casting some doubt upon
this story - one being, "How would Germany pay for them?",
-38-
still it must be considered as a possibility. It
is also assumed that the Turkish submarines "Bal-
diray" and "Yildiray" have been taken over by the
German Navy. It is estimated that the first is
already in commission and the latter will be ready
by about 1 December 1939. Such being the case,
German submarine strength at that date - not counting
losses - would be eighty-three (83) boats.
It has also been heard that Germany has some
prefabricated submarines, spare parts, etc., which
could be put together in less than the customary
building time. The source of that unconfirmed rumor
stated that he estimated seventeen (17) submarines
in such a status. Assuming this to be true and that
their building time will be less than for normal
construction, it is conceded that these boats may
be in commission by 1 April 1940, and that the submar-
ines strength at that date - again not counting losses -
would be one hundred (100) boats.
By 1 July 1940 it is estimated that the twenty-
eight (28) additional submarines, as planned just
before the outbreak of war will be in service. The
submarine strength will be one hundred and twenty-
eight (128) boats, losses excluded.
As some submarine building activity has been
reported in Hamburg, it may be assumed that it has
also started in other shipyards and that by January
1940, in addition to the above mentioned estimates,
fifty (50) more boats will have been laid down, and
figuring on the ten months building period, they should
all be in commission by 1 November 1940, thus raising
the number in commission at that time- excluding losses -
to one hundred and seventy-eight (178).
By 1 March 1940 it is estimated that enough
building ways will have been cleared of submarines
and merchant ships, and that enough additional ways
erected, 80 that eighty (80) more submarines can be
laid down which should be commissioned by 1 January
1941, thus making the submarine strength at the end
of next year - excluding losses - two hundred and
fifty-eight (258) boats.
In regard to the losses of German submarines,
-39-
there have also been many conflicting reports.
As an illustration of the information available, the
following is submitted. One of our colleagues here,
known to be on very friendly terms with the German
Attache Group, claims that the number of submarines
lost to date (as of 14 November) is five (5). How-
ever, about three weeks ago one of the Attache Group
admitted at that time that there were about five or
six boats that had not been heard from. Conversations
between German officers have been overheard in which
they were talking of the eleven (11) submarines lost
to date. (About two weeks ago). The French Naval
Attache at Copenhagen sets the figure at twelve (two
weeks ago), and English sources stated that to date
there have been twenty (20) boats sunk, (two weeks
ago). The general opinion here among the foriegn
attaches seems to be that so far about twelve (12)
submarines have been lost. This office also sets
the losses at that number. This would make the
average losses to date about five and a half (5)
per month, and it is naturally supposed that as the
anti-submarine measures are improved, this average
will rise to at least six (6) or seven (7) a month.
If the above estimates are anywhere near accurate,
it will mean that the number of submarines commissioned
in 1940 will be about 175, or about 15 a month. When
the program is in full swing, that figure may be
slightly exceeded. The Germans claim that they will
build them at the rate of twenty (20) a month. The
actual number, providing there are no labor troubles
or shortage of raw materials, will probably be some-
where between the two estimates. If the building
time is reduced below the estimated ten months, the
number of submarines completed will be correspondingly
increased.
E-1-36
GERMANY - Long-Range Dive Bomber Ju 88, 1 Dec., 1939
A relaible informant who has had opportunity to
inspect the Junkers Ju 88 dive bomber and has made a
recent visit to one of the plants where it is now in
mass production has furnished much of the following
informations
It was understood that production, night's and day,
was underway in four large German aircraft factories on
-40-
the Junkers Ju 88 and a new Dornier model which is
either a counterpart of it or a development of it
under license. It is now heard that 5 large fact-
ories are thus occupied. The informant had been
allowed to make a very recent inspection of the
large Heinkel plant at Oranienburg which for the
last couple of years has been steadily producing
the Heinkel He 111 bomber. He stated that the
Junkers Ju 88 has now gotten well underway in this
plant and that it probably will not be long before
the last of the He 111's has gone out the door and
the plant will be solid with Ju 88's. Accordingly,
it appears that the Junkers plant in Dessau and the
Heinkel plant in Oranienburg are two identical plants
of the 5 rumored. Incidentally, both of these are
outstanding large scale production plants, on which
data has already been presented to the Department.
The plane has been specially designed in all of
its features for use as an attack weapon against naval
surface craft. The bomb-fuel flexibility permits a
wide choice of loading combination to suit the con-
ditions reported in the contact reports of the surface
or airplane scouts as regards composition of the
objectives, weather conditions in the theater of action,
especially as to ceiling, and the radius of action
corresponding to the location of the target relative
to the home base.
A rear gunners' cockpit is not being provided
for German air force use. Rearward fields of fire
are presented by the upper rearward, flexible gun
manned by the radio man, located just behind the
pilot, and the rear flexible tunnel gun manned by
the bomber-gunner, who also has a flexible gun in
the nose.
E-1-37
DENMARK - Visit to Copenhagen Observations during,
14 Dec., 1939
With regard to the number of German submarines
sunk thus far in the course of the war, I received
the following information. Captain Diggle, the
British naval attache, informed me that they have
bagged a total of 32 German submarines, and that
they have 245 U-boat prisoners taken from 23 differ-
ent submarines. I got the impression that Captain
-41-
Diggle is unreliable for information, not well
informed, and full of wishful-thinking. In fact,
Captain Diggle is a retired naval officer and is
being relieved by an active officer. Captain
Tricou, the French naval attache, gave us his est-
imates a German loss of 25-30 submarines; he said
they had over 200 U-boat prisoners - the number
indicating that they had come from at least 3
submarines. Captain Pontoppidan gave a more con-
servative estimate of 20 German submarines lost.
E-1-38
GERMANY/RUSSIA - Russian Submarines acquired by
Germany, 15 Dec., 1939
This office has in several previous reports
transmitted information to the effect that Germany
has acquired some submarines from Russia. This
rumor keeps recurring, and last night the writer
was informed by colleague that he definitely knows
that 10 Russian submarines were recently seen in
Stettin. Another colleague states that he has
learned from fairly good authority that the number
of Russian submarines acquired by Germany is
thirty (30). It is most difficult to obtain precise
information on this subject, but in view of the pre-
valent and persistency of the rumors, it is con-
sidered that there must be some substantial foundation
for them.
Whenever this matter is discussed, there arises
the allied topic of "How will Germany pay for the sub-
marines delivered", if the report is true? In this
connection the rumor persists that in return for sub-
marines and raw materials, Germany will turn over the
two battleships "TIRPITZ" and "BIRMARCK", the heavy
cruiser "LEUTZOW" and the aircraft carrier "GRAF
ZEPPELIN". The same source who informed the writer
that ten (10) Russian submarines had been seen in
Stettin also claimed that this report concerning
method of payment therefor, was also true. He claims
to have had it direct from Russian sources.
A civilian source of information claims that he
has heard that the German Navy has acquired some Russian
submarines, and that complaints had followed to the
effect that their diving time was considerably longer
than is customary for German submarines.
-42-
E-1-39
GERMANY - Navy - Submarine Strength and Building
Capacity, 30 Jan., 1940
An article in the January 1940 issue of "Motor-
ship" is of interest in that it affords a comparison
with similar estimate made by this office. The
article gives the building berths available for sub-
marine construction as 95; the estimate made by this
office was somewhat higher - 111 - or, calculating
doubling up on the larger ways and in the drydocks,
150 building places were estimated available. The
article estimates nine months to construct a sub-
marine, while the estimate of this office was ten
months at first, with a possible reduction to eight
months if the program proceeded smoothly. As a matter
of clarification, the article speaks of the "Deutsche
Werft" which was not in existence during the world war.
It is believed that the author had reference to the
"Deutsche Worke" at Kiel, which is not one of the main
submarine construction sites. The "Deutsche Werft" is
in Hamburg and is in two divisions - one at Finken-
wärder and the other at Reiherstieg.
It is believed however, that constuction will lag
behind the original estimate of this office and also
that set forth in the article, the reason being that
if Germany is to build to capacity she will have to
utilize the 24 ways that are available in the Hamburg
area, and as yet, according to a very good informant,
there is no evidence of any submarine construction in
the Hamburg shipyards, i.e., Blohm & Voss, Deutsche
Werft (both Reiherstieg and Finkenwärder), Howaldts
and Stülcken.
This office also included 10 Russian submarines
as having been reported taken over by Germany. This
rumor rises and falls, sometimes being denied as en-
tirely false and sometimes as fact. The latest in-
formation available to this office is that 20 sub-
marines were taken over by Germany, but that they
have not put into use as yet due to their poor material
conditions and because of their slow diving character-
istics.
The same source who furnished the above information
on Russian submarines also stated that he had it from a
good source that the Germans now had about 10 submarines
-43-
less, not counting Russian, than when they entered
the war. Estimating that Germany, at outbreak of war,
had about 65 submarines, this would make their strength
at this time to be in the neighborhood of 55 boats,
which figure, including new construction, checks
fairly well with the estimated German submarine losses
to date of about thirty (30) boats.
E-1-40
GERMANY - Air Force and Aircraft Industry - Semi-
Annual Report on, 17 Feb., 1940
Digest A: Appropriations.
Upon the declaration of war all budgets and all
estimates were figuratively thrown out of the window
and at the same time the secret status of the monetary
situation was removed to the ultra secret status. The
printing of money will not stand in the way of ex-
penditure for the Air Force, the only question being
that of obtaining labor and the raw materials with
which to work. Money is just so much paper and ink
with a standard value upheld by law, regardless of
what substance exists to back the money.
DIGEST B: Production and Procurement.
For a variety of reasons, chief among which is
an apparent indecision at the break of war with re-
gard to the final design of certain types which the
air force wishes to concentrate on, it is felt that the
ample maximum production rate of all types attained
at the beginning of the sixth month of the war does not
exceed 1800 to 2000 planes per month. On that basis
the total number produced since 1 September would
not exceed 7800 airplanes if a straight line pro-
gression from the September 1 to March 1 production
rates is assumed. This compares with a total of
12,400 to the estimates of the Annual Report. In
fact, it is entirely conceivable and probably that
the total production in September 1939 is even less -
in the neighborhood of 5000 planes.
As W&B pointed out in the Annual Report, an
acute shortage of labor actually existed in Germany
and even before war was declared between Germany and
the Allies, Germany was on a war time production
status. War exaggerated this labor shortage. As to
-44-
raw materials for the manufacture of airplanes, as
was pointed out in the annual Air Report 1939, im-
mense stock piles of raw material had been accumu-
lated before the war, but it is always dangerous to
completely deplete this stock, unless replacements
are within sight. Everywhere in Germany exists evi-
dence of the shortage of raw materials.
With regard to the proportion of the various
models in manufacture under this total it is im-
possible to present detailed estimates. All that
can be said is that it is believed that the present
wartime manufacture is concentrated on the models
hereafter named.
The principal models of bombers are the Junkers
Ju 88 and a Dornier equivalent. The equivalent is
believed to be a further development of the Dornier
Do 215, which was intended to be the modern export
version of the Do 17. It is rumored that the de-
signation of the model intended for the Air Force
is known as the Dornier Do 217.
Among the single-engine, single-seat fighters,
the Messerschmitt Me 109 is still the mainstay of the
Air Force. One hears rumors that improvements on
this model, based on war experiences thus far gained,
are being incorporated, and that the revised model
will be soon known in the service as the Messerschmitt
Me 113. Similarly there are unconfirmed indications
that some production of the Heinkel He 112 U is under-
way. This is difficult to believe unless this model
is to incorporate specific features such as unusual
climb or unusual ceiling, adapting it possible for
interceptor use, which would distinguish it more
sharply from the Messerschmitt Me 109.
In the heavy fighter class the Messerschmitt
Me 110 is still believed to be the sole service type.
Again there are indefinite indications of modifications
being incorporated and that a revised model might be
designated the Messerschmitt Me 210. -A recent British
press report claims that there is "in hand, but not
yet in production, two-motor fighter, the Dornier 29.
This may be compared with the Messerschmitt 110, but
is likely to prove somewhat faster at about 380 m.p.h."
No evidence has yet been found to substantiate this
account.
-45-
As a scout, it has been heard that the Focke
Wulf FW 189 is in service on the west front. In
view of the absolescence of the other models, such
as the Henschel He 126, Heinkel He 70, and Arado 95 L,
listed in this class in the Annual Report, it would
not be surprising if present manufacture were being
concentrated on this one model, the FW 189. The
Fieseler Storch F1 156, which can be used as an ob-
servation type, but for which a variety of other
importan utility functions was found in the Polish
campaign, is undoubtedly also continuing under pro-
duction.
Among the seaplanes it is fairly well known that
the Heinkel He 114 and He 116 are being produced both
for export and for own service use. No definite in-
dication whatever is available on the flying boats
which may now be under manufacture.
It is conceivable but not authenticated, that some
manufacture is continuing in the 4-engine land plane
class, represented by the Junkers Ju 89 and the Focke-
Wulf FW 200. Manufacture of the foregoing for commer-
cial purposes (for which the Junkers model is known
as the Ju 90) was underway at the time the war broke
out. It would be a simple matter to convert existing
stocks of commercial airplanes of this kind to their
military counterparts, if such were considered desirable
for long-range heavy bombing missions.
As far as could be observed, the transfer from
peace to war time basis in the Air Ministry took place
as planned. No new bureaus were created and no change
in method of procurement was evidenced. Control re-
mained as before and it was necessary in any way to
modify the organization materially.
It is felt that the motor production is in peace
with the airplane production but it has been found that
a shortage of accessories exists and might possibly
be a bottle neck. This assumption is based on the
evidence of new accessory factories coming into being.
Digest C: Bases.
With regard to bases it is understood that a large
number of new operating, or auxiliary fields were being
-46-
established until heavy winter shows interrupted the
program. These fields, in general, are located to
back up the west front and in the Schleswig-Holetein
area in the north. Presumably the program will be
continued in the spring when weather and ground con-
ditions permit.
Digest D: Organization.
It is known that the Corps (Fliegerkorps) has
appeared as an organization entity, but it is not known
where it fits into the organization scheme, for ex-
ample, whether above or below the air divisions
(Fliegerdivisionen) or the air fleets (Luftflotte).
It is believed that the air organization today
has 480 squadrons, totalling approximately 7000 active
front line airplanes in the active and active reserve
status, and as stated, it is not believed that many more
squadrone will be organized unless the situation changes
materially and it is felt that a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or
5th depot reserve of airplanes will be formed from
current production and that all pilots trained will
be used for replacement of casualties.
Digest E: Training.
The training in the Air Force was practically
on a war basis in September, but it is believed that
the facilities have been expanded and the personnel
of extreme ages, especially in youger brackets, are
being trained in great numbers. It is known that
youths of 17 are well along in their flying training.
Endeavors have been made to obtain information re-
garding the time and nature of the training under war
conditions, but this information is in the secret status
and no information has been obtained except that the
ground training course is of three months duration and
that a student who started flying training around
January 1st, had on February 15 made 35 solo flights,
was almost finished with what can be called his pri-
mary training, and was practically ready for his
training on service types of airplanes. Whether or
not this is an exceptional case is not known and whether
the progress depends on the individual or whether all
students are given the same number of hours in the air
and are in school the same elapsed time is not known.
-47-
The principal source of recruits is the
National Socialist Flying Corps (NSFK).
Digest G: Operations.
It is believed that it has been found that high
altitude horizontal bombing, under conditions that
obtain in Europe, or due to absence of a satis-
factory bomb sight, will not produce the necessary re-
sults and it has therefore been decided that dive
bombing should be utilized. It is believed that the
Ju 88 was originally designed for horizontal bombing
and that it has been adapted and possibly partly re-
designed in order to produce a dive bomber with suffi-
cient range to reach England. It appears that the
German Air Force was never fully designed for a war
against England and that this war was never contem-
plated by Germany. This observation is based on the
inability of most of the models of German airplanes to
operate successfully against England with sufficient
factor of safety as to range.
It is believed that in operations against enemy
aircraft the 20 mm automatic cannon has proved to be
an outstanding weapon.
The operations that have taken place to date by
the German Air Force against the Western Powers are
not of such a nature or extensive enough to enable the
Air Attaches to discuss in detail methods of operations.
This, of course, is coupled with the lack of information
that obtains in Berlin, but it is believed that all of
the operations that have taken place can be classi-
fied largely as training and reconnaissance.
Digest Ht Lighter than Air.
No further information on lighter than air has
become available.
Digest I: War Use of Commercial Airplanes.
Practically all reserve airplanes of the Deutsche
Lufthansa have become military property for use in trans-
port of personnel and for training. Most of the com-
mercial airplanes that were privately owned have been
commandeered by the military and are being used for
training purposes.
-48-
SECRET
E-1-41
GERMANY Navy Submarine Construction, 15 March, 1940
It has just been heard from a good source that
there are twelve (12) submarines under construction
at the Blohm and Voss shipyard in Hamburg. They are
being built on three of the larger ways and are being
built two abreast in tandem. They are said to be 500
ton boats. The infomant had no information how ad-
vanced they were or when they would be launched.
The statement was made that this yard expected to
launch four submarines a month after the submarine
program was in full swing. It is probable that this
figure will not be attained until some more of the ways
at this yard, of which there are nine or ten, are
available for submarine construction.
According to an article in the October 1939 issue
of "Motorship" the number of submarines in commission
at the beginning of the war was forty-three (43).
That figure is too low. It is known that there are
fifty-six (56) definitely in commission, and it is
probable that the actual number was around sixty-
five (65).
E-1-42
GERMANY - Navy Destroyers and Heavy Cruisers, 29 Mar. 1940
It is rumored that the latest German destroyers
are to be equipped with 15 cm. (5.9 inch) instead of
12.7 cm (5.0 inch) guns, and that their heavy cruisers
were being changed from eight 8-inch to six 10-inch guns.
There is no evidence of the latter on the "PRINZ
EUGEN" or "BLUCHER", as observed by the Assistant Naval
Attache on his recent visit to Kiel, and it is not be-
lieved that this rumor rests on very firm foundation,
especially that much of it pertaining to the gun changes
being made to the heavy cruisers. However, efforts to
confirm or deny the rumor will be made as opportunity
permits.
E-1-43
GERMANY - Navy - Recent Losses and Present Locations
of Ships, 16 April 1940
The German official communique of 10 April admitted
the loss of the "BLUCHER" (CA) and the "KARLSRUHE" (CL).
-49-
In addition, there are persistent stories and
some circumstantial evidence that the "LUTZOW" (ex-
"DEUTSCHLAND") was badly damaged in the fighting in
the Eastern SKAGERRAK and has been towed to KIEL.
The "KOEN IGSBERG" (CL) has been reported sunk. Ten
(10) destroyers, names unknown, have been reported
sunk off NARVIK, which checks fairly closely with the
British claim of eleven (11) sunk.
The "SCHARNHORST" "GNEISENAU" and "HIPPER" are
reported at Wilhelmshaven. The first were variously
reported damaged by "RENOWN", coastal batteries, mines
and torpedoes. There is no report of damage to "HIPPER".
The "EMDEN" has been reported sunk by the Norwegian
gunboat "TRYGGVASON", by shore batteries and torpedoes.
The British radio reports the R.A.F. sinking two
German cruisers at Bergen.
Recapitulation of ships now in commission:
"SCHARNHORST"
one or both
)
"GNEISENAU"
)
"HIPPER"
damaged
)
at Wilhelmshaven
)
"BLUCHER"
sunk off Norway
"ADMIRAL SCHEER
no report
"LUTZOW"
badly damaged --at Kiel
"KARLSRUHE"
sunk off Norway
"KOENIGSBERG"
reported sunk off Norway
"KOELN"
reported sunk off Elbe,
December 1939
"LEIPZIG"
no report ) reported R.A.F. sank
"NEURNBERG"
no report 0 two CL at Bergen
"EMDEN"
reported sunk off Norway
"DD" (1 - 30)
2 admitted lost in first 6
months of war, 10 reported
sunk off Narvik
"TORPEDOBOATS (42)
no report
SS (74)
11 admitted lost in first
six months of war. No
further admissions, al-
though B.B.C. frequently
reports additional sinkings.
E-1-44
GERMANY - Officer Pilot Training, 25 April, 1940
The following information was obtained from a
-50-
reliable and well informed neutral observer closely
associated with the German Air Force.
Whereas at the outbreak of war there were about
nine (9) primary flight training schools for new
officer pilots for the Air Force, there are now
supposed to be sixteen (16), each with an assign-
ment of 150-200 students. Two of these schools
are in Austria and one is in occupied Polish
territory.
The course at first extended over a period of
about 6-7 months, but this is in process of being
reduced to 3-4 months as more youngsters (age 16
and above) come in who have just had previous
basic glider, motor glider, and even some airplane
instruction in the youth organization of the
National Socialist Flying Corps (NSFK).
On this basis, it is safe to assume that about
6000 new officer (or officer-candidate) pilots will
have been trained in the first 12 months of the war,
since the foregoing represents at present a maximum
possible annual rate of about 12,000 pilots when
the program becomes fully effective.
E-1-45
GERMANY - Air Force Organization, 15 May, 1940
The"Fliegerkorps" is believed to be the striking
force unit drawn from available sources in the Air Force
and organized for a specific task under a specially
selected commander. Its size and composition are
suited to the mission. Several "Fliegerkorps" may
be organized, if several simultaneous missions BO
require. A specially large "Fliegerkorps", or
more than one, may be called the Air Fleet, but it
is not to be confused with the territorial Air
Fleets 1, 2, 3 and 4.
To date no authentic infromation has been ob-
tainable, but it appears advisable to present the
writer's personal conclusions regarding the Air Force
organization which have been reached after extensive
observations and several discussions with those
attaches who are in the best position to know more
about the subject, chiefly the Spanish, Swedish, and
Italian, and with various German air officers (who how-
ever, reveal very little except by inference and in-
neundo). In the meantime, also, the operations in
Norway have taken place.
-51-
The principal questions in regard to the or-
ganization are: What is an Air Corps (Fliegerkorps)?
Where does it stand in relation to the Air Fleets and
the Commander in Chief of the Air Forces: How is it
organized? How is it employed, and in what relation
to Army and Navy forces?
As it is now well known, the German Air assistance
in Spain eventually resulted in the organization of
the Condor Legion whose last commander was Major
General von Richthofen. This, it appears now, can
be regarded as the birth of the "Fliegerkorps" concept.
By the end of the Spanish War, the air units embraced
in the Condor Legion consisted of all necessary types
(bombing, pursuit, soucting, liaison, and transport)
for the operations at hand. The commander of these
forces operated in the closest coordination with the
Army command. Soon after the Polish campaign got
underway, it appears that General von Richtohofen
was again assigned command of a similar mixed force
of bombers, scouts, fighters, and transports, to-
gether with air signal service, and the idea of a
"Fliegerkorps" was again tested in service. This
corps is reported to have operated in the south of
Poland, Krakow and Lemberg, and eventually up to
Warsaw. Again the "Fliegerkorps" commander op-
erated in closest coordination with the Army commander
in this area and his missions, at least toward the
end of the campaign, were essentially those signed to
him in conformance with the general and immediate
operating plans of the latter.
Questioning of the liaison officers of the
Department of Defense regarding the press accounts
of the activities of General Milch, the Secretary of
the State for Air, in Norway and his decoration by
Hitler therefor have been brought forth the following
comment:
"General Milch commanded the new "Luftflotte"
which he recently organized for Norway and Denmark. He
did this for experience and to make First-hand ob-
servations. His rank entitled him to a high command.
He bore the same relation to the commanding generals
in Norway and Denmark that Field Marshal Goring bore
to the commanders of army groups in the Polish campaign.
-52-
He had nothing to do with land operations beyond
facilitating cooperation. Air forces assigned to
land forces operated directly under army commanders.
General Milch assumed the mission of attacking the
English Fleet, air force, and lines of communication."
Based on the foregoing historical background
and other indications an attempt can be made to de-
duce the probable Air Force organization. As basis
for this, three fundamental phases of air activities
must be kept in minds
(a) Pure air offensive missions
(striking force).
(b) Cooperation with surface forces.
(c) Defensive missions.
It is in connection with pure air offensive
missions that the "Fliegerkorps" is considered to have
its real application. Such missions would be attack
on enemy air bases, aircraft, and establishment in
the effort to achieve air supremacy, and bombing
attacks on naval forces, ground establishments of
naval or military importance, and industrial lay-
outs. It is believed that for such missions the
German Air Force is prepared to set up one or more
"Fliegerkorps" for any situation as the situation
may demand and assign them as B. striking force to a
single commander. If more than one "Fliegerkorps"
is set up, or for prestige reasons, the force may
be called an Air Fleet ("Luftflotte") as apparently
was the case in Norway and Denmark, - but such an
Air Fleetiis not to be confused with, or considered
the same as, the four territorial Air Fleets in
Germany. The "Fliegerkorps" may consist of one or
more Air Divisions, composition of each division is
shaped to the actual needs. Wings or Groups of the
Division can be drawn from any of the four territorial
Air Fleets in Germany. In this sense, it is the
writer's opinion that the "Fliegerkorps" and the
"Fliegerkorps Commander" correspond with our naval
concept of a "Task Group" and "Task Group Commander".
Cooperation with surface forces is obtained by
the assignment of squadrons, groups, or wings to the
Army as the needs of a campaign for joint action may
-53-
require and to a much lesser extent, almost exclusively
for scouting purposes, of smaller units or individual
airplanes to the Navy. Airplanes thus assigned to the
Army or Navy come directly under the command and op-
erating controlof the services for the duration of
the assignment. Technical, maintenance and some
administrative matters apparently remain with the
Air Force. Coordinating officers of high rank from
the Air Force are assigned to the Army and Navy to
act as technical advisers for air operations to the
high command of these services. Junior assistants
may also be assigned as circumstances require to
the operating staffs of principal commanders in the
field.
The defensive missions of the Air Force are
assigned to the territorial organization, that is,
to the home Air Fleets 1, 2, 3 and 4, divided into
the various air districts, and equipped with most
of the pursuit strength, A.A. batteries, airplane
warning service, transportation, communications,
schools, reserves, etc., not directly related to
the offensive operating forces. This defensive
organization is headed by the Four Fleet Commanders
who are responsible to the Commander in Chief of
the Air Force and who are administratively assisted
by the Air ministry with its various branches for
all general material and personnel matters. In all
major respects, save one, the organization chart
submitted with the Annual Report appears still
applicable and illustrates the inter-relation of
the territorial defense commands with all other
branches of the Air Force.
Chiefly in the matter of command of the war
time tactical forces does the foregoing chart require
modification. Whereas it shows these froces as Air
Divisions 1 to 7 (now undoubtedly more) distributed
among the four Air Fleets (which is still considered
pertinent in principle for general administrative
purposes and for tactical training purposes up to the
point where actual offensive operations require their
employment), it appears now that the real striking unit
is the "Fliegerkorps". When and as it is formed it is
removed from the home of the Air Fleet Command. The
new commander may be drawn from any of the officers of
-54-
the officers of the Air Force without regard for
seniority and based solely on individual qualifi-
cations, in keeping with the well known German
characteristic of picking the man and building the
organization around him, rather than erecting a
theoretically ideal organization and then attempting
to fill its billets.
E-1-46
GERMANY - Air Force Organization, 15 May, 1940
The information presented herein has been
found in the hands of several of the foreign attaches
resident in Berlin. It may accordingly have been
"planted" by the Air Ministry. On the other hand the
Greek Military, Naval and Air Attache, who volunteered
the information to the writer, is known as one of the
attaches who gets around in Germany probably more than
any other in view of his capacity as inspector for
numerous Greek contracts being executed in Germany.
It is also known that the Swedish Air Attache has
submitted this information to his government without
qualification.
In view of the German propensity for organization
changes, a note of caution is considered advisable.
During the entire period of the writer's presence in
Germany it is known that the Air Force organization
has been almost continually in a state of flux. The
organization had not crystallized in September at
the outbreak of the war with Poland. Undoubtedly
the experiences from the Polish campaign led to
some organization revisions and equally certainly the
present situation of warfare against the western
powers indtoduces new factors different from those
pertaining to the war in Poland. It has been found
by personal experience that when news of Air Force
organization becomes fairly common knowledge among
the foreign attaches it represents, generally, a
situation already several months old and possibly
currently undergoing entirely new revisions. The
information presented herein, however, appears
plausible, coincides with some other known or assumed
factors and constitutes at least an enlargement of
the information thus far available to this office re-
garding the organization structure.
-55-
SECRET
So far as is known the German Air Force is
still divided into 4 major units. It appears,
however, that the Air Fleet is becoming more and
more of a geographical and less of an operating
entity. The commanders of the Air Fleets in this
respect therefore are increasingly to be regarded
as comparable with our naval district commandants.
The major operating entity is the "Fliegerkorps",
that is, the Air Corps or Flying Corps. It now
appears that the Air Corps falls directly under the
Air Fleet as to geographic-administrative relation-
ships, but otherwise is the supreme independent
mobile operating unit, directly under the Commander-
in-Chief of the Air Force.
There are supposed to be 6 Air Corps, of which one
is a naval unit. Each Air Corps is understood to com-
prise at least two Air Divisions. There may be an
occasional exception comprising 3 Divisions. Accord-
ingly, the combined total of operating Air Divisions
is at least 12. In addition to these there are supposed
to be two Parachute or Air Infantry Divisions and one
Expert (so-called "Lehr") Division, the experimental
and instructional functions of which have been pre-
viously described in the Annual and other reports.
Of the 6 Air Corps, 4 are supposed to be assigned
in the northwest with headquarters at Kassel and two
in the Southeast. Over and above the foregoing there
are supposed to be two complete Fighter or Pursuit
Divisions, the assignment of which is not known.
There are reputed to be three categories of Air
Divisions:
(a) the "Kampfdivision", that is, a bomber
or so-called "combat" division;
(b) the "Schwerkampfdivision", or a heavier
bomber division;
(c) the Pursuit or Fighter Division.
The composition of an ordinary bomber division is
approximately the following:
(a) At least two bomber wings, each composed
of three bomber groups. In some in-
stances a third bomber wing is included.
-56-
(b) One dive bomber wing, comprising three
groups.
(c) One scouting wing consisting of one
large-range scouting group and one
battle reconnaissance or observation
group.
(d) One fighter, or heavy fighter (so-called
"destroyer"), unit. It is not known
whether this unit is the size of a wing
or a group and its organization is
likowise not given.
(e) One anti-aircraft regiment comprising
three battalions.
(f) One transport section, combining both
air transport units and the ground
supply train.
In the foregoing every air group consists of three
squadrons and each squadron numbers nine operating air-
planes and three spares.
There are reputed to be two Air Infantry Divisions
or Landing Force Divisions.
The total airplane strength of an Air Division
falls between 650 and 850 airplanes. Accordingly the
total operating Air Force strength for six Air Corps
and two Fighter Divisions, that is a total of 14
Divisions, using an average strength of 700 planes
per division, would be 9800 airplanes.
Diary p.116
EUROPE - War Diary-Continuation of, 10 May, 1940
In discussing separate Air Forces, Captain Mirow
said that their Air Force had vexed them often in
peacetime, but that they are all firmly convinced that
the air arm could never have accomplished what it has
had it not been for its unity under Goering. There
seems to be no jealousy or friction, only the closest
cooperation between the arms of the services in Ger-
many. This has been demonstrated time and again
throughout the war.
E-1-47
EUROPE - Conduct of the War - Norwegian Campaign -
Official German losses sustained in the
Norwegian operations, 9 April to 10 June 1940,
14 June, 1940
-57-
German personnel losses believed greatly
minimized; German naval losses considered fairly
accurate; enemy losses, especially those inflicted
by air force, believed exaggerated.
Official German figures on the Norwegian op-
erations. Allied Losses:
(a) Sunk by German Navy - 1 aircraft
carrier, 1 cruiser, 10 destroyers,
1 sub-chaser, 19 submarines, 1 trans-
port and 1 tanker.
Norwegian Losses;
(b) Sunk by German Navy - 11 Norwegian
warships, 2 coastal gunboats, 3
destroyers, 7 minelayers, 2 mine-
sweepers, 14 torpedoboats, and
several submarines, also numerous
smaller fishery vessels.
(c) Destroyed by German Air Force:
1 English battleship, 28 warships and
auxiliaries of some 90,000 tons, 71
merchantships of about 280,000 tons,
87 enemy aircraft, exclusive of those
aboard two aircraft carriers sunk on
25 May and 8 June.
German Losses:
(d) 1317 killed, 1604 wounded, 2375 missing.
(e) Navy losses: 3 cruisers, 10 destroyers, 1
torpedoboat, 6 submarines, and about 15
smaller warships and auxiliary vessels.
(f) Air Force Lossest 90 aircraft as result
of enemy action and forced landings in
the sea; 27 aircraft damaged.
Regarding the three (3) German cruisers now
admitted lost, they are the "BLUCHER" and "KARLSRUHE",
previously admitted sunk by official German communiques,
and, most likely, the "KONIGSBERG", reported sunk by
R.A.F. bombing attack on 10 April.
-58-
It is also strongly suspected that the German
pocket battleship "LUTZOW" was sunk during the
Norwegian campaign, about which no mention is
contained in the German final report.
Information as to the names of the German
destroyers sunk during the campaign is not yet
available to this office.
The German torpedoboat sunk in the "JAGUAR" -
she was bombed by R.A.F. at BERGEN - r "ALBATROS",
sunk at Oslo, 9 April.
DIS (s)
GERMANY Zeppelin, July, 1940
There is no reason to believe that the "ZEPPELIN"
has been used since the outbreak of hostilities. Cer-
tain rumors existed six months ago but were not be-
lieved.
Diary p.140
EUROPE - War Diary - Continuation of, 27 June, 1940
It is also rumored that the battleship BISMARCK
was commissioned in the latter part of June and trials
are now being held.
E-1-48
GERMANY - Supplies, 3 July,1940
From & generally well informed and reliable
source the following notes on the present situation of
available stocks of certain important materials have
been gathered:
Iron and Steel: It is asserted that large stocks
are available even before the commencement of the
war. These have since been appreciably increased and
no danger of a shortage exists.
Motor Fuels The situation with respect to motor
fuels has appreciably improved through the occupation
of the various countries, especially Holland. Large
stocks were also taken over in Belgium and France. It
is asserted that the available stocks are now sufficient
for one year of intensive motorized warfare. In the
meantime the production of synthetic fuels has greatly
increased. It was stated that the requirements of the
Army, but not of the Air Force, could be covered entirely
-59-
by synthetic production. Synthetic diesel oil
for submarines is also being produced in quantity.
Rubber: There have been some setbacks in the
rubber situation, but these were rescued by the
occupation of the Western States. Buna has not
proved entirely satisfactory or reliable. Large
tire stocks have been accumulated by salvage from
captured and abandoned motorized equipment of the
Allies.
Food Fats: The situation here is entirely
secure. Twenty-five percent of total requirements
is now covered by synthetic production. Large stocks
of fats were acquired in Holland.
E-1-49
GERMANY - Air Force Pilot Training, 6 July, 1940
A high officer of the Air Force in commenting
on B.B.C. propaganda that German pilots are sent to
the front with as little as eight hours of flight
training stated emphatically that the waiting lists
of volunteers for flight training are Bo large as to
be troublesome to the officials and a discouragement
to the candidates concerned. As illustration, he
stated that a waiting list of 5,000 applicants exists
for the Air District 3 (Berlin district) alone, and
that between 3,000 and 4,000 students were constantly
in training in the schools of this one district.
Further, he asserted that no appreciable reduction
in total training time had been applied because of
war demands, that the basic flight training still
comprised 150 hours of flying, and that the time re-
quired for this plus the subsequent advanced training
in pursuit, bombing, or scouting schools took a total
of eight to nine months before & candidate was ready
for entry into a service unit.
E-1-50
GERMANY - Air Force Organization, 3 Aug., 1940
The Air Force brackets are Air Fleets, Air Corps,
Air Divisions, Wings, Groups and Squadrons. Three
Air Fleets are now available and employed in op-
erations against England from bases in occupied
territories bordering the Channel and North Sea.
-60-
Two Air Fleets are attending to home defense and
problems in the East. Flexibility of organization
structure - task forces constituted for, and ac-
cording to needs of, special missions - and unhesita-
ting use of individuals, according to qualifications
as higher commanders, regardless of seniority, are
outstanding characteristics of the German Air Force.
Parachutist and Air Infantry troops are also said to
have been formed in Corps, on which some additional
details have become available. Reliable confirmation
has been obtained on use of gliders by such units.
Further information, rumors, and press accounts,
(especially the Air Force promotions announced by
Hitler on 19 July 1940) tend to shed additional light
on the Air Force organization and the apparent princi-
ples on which it is based.
The first immediate indication of the existence
of a 5th Air Fleet, over and above the 4 Air Fleets
in Germany, has been officially confirmed by the
promotion list announced on 19 July 1940. This
contains the promotion of General of Aviators Stumpff
to Colonel General and mentions his present post
as "Commanding General of Air Fleet 5 and Commander,
North". The writer has been able to determine since
this announcement that General Stumpff was relieved
of this former command (Air Fleet 1, Headquarters
Berlin) by General Wimmer and has been at his new
post in Norway for about a couple of months.
Two other Air Fleet Commanders were mentioned
in the promotion list with naming of their posts:
General Field Marshal Sperrle, Commanding General
of Air Fleet 3 and Commander, West; and
General Field Marshal Kessalring, Commanding
General of Air Fleet 2 and Commander, North
West.
It is according safe to assume the existence of
5 Air Fleets, as follows:
Fleet No.
Territorial Assignment
Commander
1
Germany, East
General of Aviators
Wimmer
-61-
Fleet No.
Territorial Assignment
Commander
2
Germany, Northwest (plus
Holland and Belgium)
General Field
Marshal
Kesselring
3
Germany, West (plus
General Field
France)
Marshal
Sperrle
4
Germany, South
General of
Aviators
L5hr.*
5
North (Denmark &
Col. General
Norway)
Stumpff
* The continuance of General L8hr in this
position is assumed in the absence of
information regarding his relief.
For the first time official mention was made of
the Air Corps (Fliegerkorps) and Anti-Aircraft Corps
(Flakkorps) in the promotion list of 19 July 1940.
The following units and commanders (with new ranks)
were included therein:
Unit
Commander
I Air Corps
Col. General Grauert
II Air Corps
General of Aviators Loerzer
IV Air Corps
Col. General Keller
V Air Corps
General of Aviators Ritter von Greim
VIII Air Corps
General of Aviators von Richthofen
X Air Corps
General of Aviators Geisler
I A.A. Corps
Col. General Weise
II. A.A. Corps
Lieut. General Dessloch
In connection with the foregoing, it is interesting
to note that the X Air Corps was previously listed as
one of the units operating in Norway, and, as is known
from the press accounts of the last few months, General
of Aviators Geisler (formerly Lieut. General) has
commanded Air Force units in Norway, first under General
Milch and then under General Stumpff.
The promotion list contains mention of only one
-62-
Air Division - Lieut. General Coeler, Commanding
the IX Air division -- but the existence of Air
Divisions as an organizational bracket has been
80 long established as to need no further con-
firmation.
It is now clear that the operating brackets of
the Air Force organization, in order of seniority,
are:
Air Fleet
(Luftflotte)
Air Corps, or
(Fliegerkorps or
AA Corps
Flakkorps)
Air Division
(Fliegerdivision)
Wing
(Geschwader)
Group
(Gruppe)
Squadron
(Staffel)
In conversation with Air Force officers, the
writer has occasionally heard the term Air Brigade
(Gliegerbrigade) used. The reference thereto have
left the impression that the Air Brigade is hardly
yet a fixed concept, but rather a temporary task
force of a size intermediate between the wing and
the Air Division.
As regards the Air Fleets, present information
(partially confirmed by the new fleet titles listed
above) indicates that 3 Air Fleets, namely 2, 3 and 5,
are now 80 organized and emplaced that they are to be
regarded as the offensive operating force for use
against England. One rumor current in Berlin had it
that 1 Air Fleet (No. 1) had taken over all for the
home defense, including the East, thereby releasing
the other 3 Air Fleets for offensive missions against
England. This rumor however took no cognizance of the
existence of a 5th Air Fleet, consequently the writer
is inclined to believe the assignment is rather as
given above with Air Fleets 1 and 4 possibly taking
over the home defense temporarily so as to permit
Fleets 2, 3, and 5 to base in the occupied countries
and concentrate from there on offensive operations
against England.
Unconfirmed information indicated that the 3
Air Fleets for use against England have at their dis-
position the following combined forces:
-63-
(a) 5 Air Corps, together consisting of
5 Air Divisions, Heavy Combat (Schwerer Kampf)
5 Air Divisions, Medium Combat (Mittelerer Kampf)
The Divisions designated as "heavy" consist
of the Heinkel He 111, Dornier Do 17 (Do215),
etc. Those designated as "medium" comprise the
Junkers Ju 87, Ju 88, and the latest models of
dive bombers (Heinkel? and Henschel?)
(b) 1 Air Corps Light Pursuit
(c) 1 Air Corps Heavy Pursuit
The total of (b) and (c) together is
supposed to be at least 4 divisions.
(d) 1 Parachutist Corps
(e) 1 Air Infantry Corps
The rumor mentioned above had it that the Air
Fleet for home defense comprised, among others:
1 Air Corps, Heavy Combat
1 Air Division, Light Pursuit, and
8 light units of the various local Air Defense
District Commands.
For some time now there have been various rumors
that a Naval Aviation Corps exists as an outgrowth of
the previous Seefliegerstreitkrfte (Naval Aviation
Combat Forces) and more recently, the Luftwaffen-
verbände in Operationsgebiet der Nordseeküste (Air
Force Units in the Operating Areas on the North Sea
Coast). This Naval Aviation Corps is supposed to
comprise 2 seaplane Air Divisions.
Although previous reports indicate a rumored
total of 6 Air Corps, the foregoing paragraphs plus
other recent information indicate that the total
number of Air Corps is more like 10. The promotion
list of 19 July 1940 identifies 6 of them, I, II,
IV, v, VIII and X.
In view of the foregoing, the estimates and
rumors 8.8 to numbers of "Fliegerkorps" could be set
up, it is believed, rather than as representing what
has existed to date. Briefly, the estimates in
question gave 6 Air Corps of about 14 Divisions,
making a total of about 9800 combatant airplanes on
-64-
the basis on an average strength of about 700 airplanes
per Division. On the basis of unconfirmed information,
it might be estimated that this strength, roughly
10,000 airplanes, is available in the 3 Air Fleets
facing England, alone, and the total combatant strength
of the 5 Air Fleets would be appreciably greater -
by 30-40%.
From its origin as a task group, of more of less
temporary nature, the Air Corps is now to be regarded
as an accepted component of the organization structure,
but its employment and composition is by no means in-
variable. In these characteristics it is still a task
group whose composition may vary from time to time in
accordance with the demands of the mission assigned to
it. These characteristic of organizational flexibility
is still regarded by the writer in common with many
other observers in Berlin as the outstanding feature
of the structure of the operative German Air Force.
It appears now especially to have been applied to all
three of the higher organization brackets, the Air
Fleet, the Air Corps, and the Air Division, for
current and prospective employments against England.
The permutations in size and nature to which it is
susceptible, and the consequent variations obtainable
in the superior formation of the Air Corps and the
Air Fleet, are apparent. The predominant principle
is the shaping of these operating forces to suit the
tasks to be performed and the assignment of commanders
and equipment in accordance with their already de-
monstrated capabilities for the missions at hand.
It is said that in the attacks on Holland and
Belgium the air landing troops consisted in all of
only 2 divisions. Since then the units have been
expanded to corps, as herein listed. Reinforcement has
been effected through the recruiting of volunteers.
Each corps (Parachutist and Air Infantry) consists
of 2 divisions, together with special transport equip-
ment placed at their disposition. Each such division
numbers 6000 -7000 men, 1.e. the 4 divisions together
comprise 25,000 - 30,000 men. Each division includes
3 regiments. Each parachutist regiment has assigned
to it, in addition tothe ordinary troops, one shock
troop unit and one pioneer unit. A parachute company
consists of 114 men and each platoon numbers 36 men,
for which 3 airplanes of the Ju 52 type are assigned.
-65-
Many rumors in the past have alleged that
"transport" gliders have been used in connection
with Parachutist and the Air Infantry troops. The
writer's skepticism has recently been removed by
reliable confirmation of the existence of large-
capacity gliders, capable of carrying 12-14 men.
These gliders were already built and in use for
training under very secret circumstances about a
year ago. Three such gliders are said to be towable
behind a Ju 52-3-engine transport plane. Further
use of gliders in connection with Air Infantry and
Parachutist troops is therefore to be reckoned with.
In this connection it should be mentioned that
an air transport fleet of 800 Junkers airplanes, Ju
52, is said to have been organized. This transport
fleet has as mission, among others, the transport by
air of 8 divisions, not over 10,000 men. Further
rumor has it that one unit with especially secret
mission (Ireland? - Spain?) has been formed under the
old name "Condor Legion."
Diary p.164
EUROPE - War Diary - Continuation of, 22 Aug., 1940
There exist persistent rumors that the battle-
ship "TIRPITZ" is in commission. The "EUROPA" and
"BREMEN" are reported at Hamburg. To give the
illusion of foreshortening black and white stripes
are painted on the after end, the balance of these
two ships are painted a dull gray.
E-1-51
GERMANY - Navy - Miscellaneous Notes, 28 Aug., 1940
The light cruiser "ENDEN" is at Gotenhafen
(Gdynia), presumably just finishing overhaul. Captain
Mirow, until recently head of the Attache Group, left
Berlin Sunday last to assume command.
A reliable source reports that Kolberg, Danzig,
and Koenigsberg, were being used as submarine overhaul
yards, getting as far away as possible from British
air raids.
The heavy cruiser "Prinz Eugen", the armored ship
"LUTZOW", and the battleship "SCHARNHORST" are reported
by the same source to be at Kiel, badly damaged by
British bombs. The "PRINZ EUGEN" is said to have her
stern blown off.
-66-
Eight hundred coastal yawls have been built
at Stettin, Hamburg and Bremen, no iron having been
used in their construction. All yachts and motor-
boats have been commandeered and sent to the West,
confirming previously heard and reported accounts.
Every Army Company is required to produce seven
volunteers for the Navy or Parachutists.
E-1-52
GERMANY - Navy - Miscellaneous Ship Notes, 30 Aug., 1940
Information received from reliable sources state
that the "SCHARNHORST" and "GNEISENAU" were not badly
damaged and that the damages to "PRINZ EUGEN" are
practically completely repaired after over two months
under repair.
Work on the aircraft carrier "GRAF ZEPPELIN" is
going on at Gotenhafen. An unconfirmed report has it
that the second aircraft carrier is called the "HINDEN-
BURG", and work thereon is proceeding rapidly.
The Russian Naval Attache confirmed the transfer
of the heavy cruiser ex-"LUTZOW" to the U.S.S.R.
E-1-53
GERMANY - Navy - Submarines Ordered, 30 Aug., 1940
It has been learned in conversation with a reliable
source that the German Navy has ordered:
100 750-ton submarines,
200 500-ton submarines,
4 submarine cruisers, and
100 Telefunken radio sets for use on
submarines (this item confirmed by
another source).
E-1-54
GERMANY - Navy - Submarines and Motor Torpedoboats
in Commission, 30 Aug., 1940
Conversations with three reliable sources at
different times recently have set the number of sub-
marines at 120 and motor torpedoboats at 150, in
commission at present.
E-1-55
GERMANY - Political Forces - International Relations,
22 Oct., 1940
-67-
At the time of the recent visit by the Assistant
Naval Attache to Switzerland (mid-September), he in-
quired as to the condition and location of the French
fleet. The following memo was obtained in connection
therewith from a Free French Secret Agent in Switzer-
land, via the Military Attache:
According to secret clauses of armistice, the
totality of French Navy and Air Fleet is to be held
at the disposal of "high German authorities". All
these forces stand under permanent control and com-
manding of special German Staff Commissions, and the
French Navy and Air Fleet officers can at any time
be requested to execute orders coming from these
Commissions. This happened twice during last week:
1st - When French ships passed Gibraltar
to Dakar.
2nd - When French planes attacked Gibraltar.
Both enterprises were ordered through Germans who
have settled in all main places of Metropolitan France
and the colonies.
All French submarines are still in French and
colonial harbours. But the possibility exists for the
Germans to use them against other powers according to
armistice treaty. Most of the submarines are in Tou-
lon and Bizerte.
Also: Alle franz. Schiffs und Flug einheiten
stehen unter deutschem Kommando. Dies ist absolut
sicher. (Translation: "Therefore all French ships and
aircraft units are under German command. This is
absolutely positive").
E-1-56
GERMANY - Navy Ships - Submarines, 31 Oct., 1940
In conversation with a foreign naval attache, it
was learned that Germany has eighteen (18) submarines
under construction at Bremerhaven, eighteen (18) at
Wilhelmshaven, twenty-one (21) at Hamburg, forty-three
(43) at other places, a total of one hundred (100).
The building time is four to five months, and twenty
(20) new submarines are delivered monthly.
-68-
E-1-57
GERMANY - General Summary,- 18 Dec., 1940
Since being in Germany as military attaches
representing the United States, we are sure we have
been subject to much propaganda with the purpose of
impressing us with the strength of the German Govern-
ment and the power of the German Armed Forces. This
is being done with the idea we will transmit this
information to the United States. It is a trait of
German character to show you power with the idea that
you will be afraid of it. They think this applies to
all nations.
Discounting fully, the effect that this propaganda
may have had on us, if any, we desire tomake the follow-
ing report.
We have travelled over a great part of Germany;
have seen troops in the training areas, inspected their
army shcools, seen some of the operations at the front;
have seen some of the work in the factories and industrial
areas; and we can definitely state this is a nation at
arms. The government is so organized that when any-
one does not carry out implicity the wishes of the
Party he is immediately eliminated. We do not 800 how
it is possible for any internal trouble to arise in
Germany any time in the near future. The only way
Germany can be put under control is by a great deal of
military power and economic pressure operating against
it. No passive means will ever work against these
people.
The object of this report is to definitely ex-
press our opinion that Germany as a fighting nation is
tremendously powerful. Under no conditions should
she be underestimated.
DIS (s)
GERMANY Bismarck and Tirpitz, Jan., 1941
From a reliable source the following information
obtaineds "Early in November the battleship "BISMARCK"
joined the fleet. Early in January "Tirpitz" due to
be commissioned and is expected to join the Fleet
February 1. The Nazis are building 740 and 500 tons
submarines. Not more than 10 of 1050 tons".
-69-
E-1-58
GERMANY - Navy - Personnel - Numbers, 21 Jan., 1941
Estimates of German Navy personnel strength as
of 1 January 1941 places figure at 75,000, not in-
cluding the Coast Artillery which is part of the
German Navy, and which accounts for another 50 to
75,000 men.
There are no reliable figures available as the
personnel strength of the German Navy. The following
approximation is made of their present strengths
Crews for
2 BISMARCKS @ 2,000 each
....
4,000
#
-
2 SCHARNHORSTS © 1,500 each.. 3,000
"
-
5 heavy cruisers (including
"pocket battleships")
G 1,000 each
5,000
#
4 light cruisers @ 650 each.. 2,600
-
#
40 destroyers @ 300 each
12,000
-
⑉
30 torpedoboats @ 125 each
3,750
-
-
200 submarines G 40 each
8,000
-
#
100 minesweepers, tugs, patrol
boats, etc. @100 each
10,000
.
-
250 PT, light minesweepers,
harbor craft @20 each......
5,000
#
#
Replacements, shore est-
ablishments, sick, mis-
cellaneous
11,650
#
#
Various schoolships and
vessels of the train
10,000
TOTAL
75,000
Coast Artillery, which is part of the German
Navy, and which is stationed along the entire oc-
cupied coast from northern Norway to the Bay of
Biscay, accounts for another 50 to 75,000 men.
The crews for each type of ship are, in round
numbers, the same as given in Jane's Fighting Ships
and Weyer's Taschenbuch. The rest is pure estimate,
checked with the Russian Naval Attache.
DIS (c)
Detectors, Feb., 1941
It is thus strongly suspected that the Nazi
airforce is now equipped with aircraft detectors of
the radiation type.
-70-
DIS (s)
GERMANY - Possible Transfer of Danish Torpedo Boats, -Feb., 1941
It is believed that the Germans are pressing
the Danes for the transfer to Germany of 12 tor-
pedo boats. The Germans urgently require these
boats. The Danes acquiesce after having at first
refused the receipt of an ultimatum. They have
agreed to transfer 8 boats minus guns, torpedoes and
tubes and ammunition. The transfer has not as yet
taken place because the Danish waters are frozen.
It is believed that the Germans intend to utilize
these boats as target ships for submarines and
crews that are now in training in the Baltic.
Training has been delayed by adverse weather con-
ditions. This training is in preparation for a
mass submarine attack on England. The attack will
occur as soon as weather permits.
DIS (s)
GERMANY - New Type Motor Boat, Feb., 1941
In regard to 50-ton submarines, this is be-
lieved to be a new type motor boat with sub profile
which has been reported to be building at DESCHIMAG.
Characteristics: Speed, 50; tonnage, 50 - 100;
horsepower, 800; twin screw; 6 or 8 Maybrrh engines;
beam, 3 - 4 meters; length, 22 meters. After first
trials on 1 March expect mass production.
E-1-59
GERMANY - Nevy . - Destroyers - Torpedoboats - New
Construction, 4 March, 1941
In conversation with the Soviet Naval Attache,
he stated that Germany last year had nine (9) des-
troyers under construction, of which five (5) were
completed during the year. The five and probably
one other, constituted the "Narvik Flotilla" which
name was assigned to a flotilla of destroyers in
commemoration of the destroyers lost in action at
Narvik in April 1940,
He further stated that a few 600 ton torpedoboats
were being built at Elbing.
DIS (s)
GERMANY Operation of Italian Submarines, March, 1941
It is reliably reported that Italian submarines
are operating from the port of Bordeaux. These
-71-
Italian submarines go as far as the border of the
United States neutrality zone boundary. These
Italian submarines are capable of remaining at sea
for a period of 40 days.
The last joint estimate prepared by the com-
bined Naval and Military Attaches appears to have
been too low. According to very reliable information,
by the end of 1940 the total plane strength was in
excess of 40,000. The present monthly airplane
production is 3,000.
The next two weeks are critical for the big
offensive. The occupation troops which were formerly
established along the Channel coast have been re-
placed by special troops which have undergone in-
vasion training in central and Eastern Germany. The
troops which were formerly stationed along the
English Channel are being moved to the Eastern border.
DIS (s)
GERMANY Repairs CA Hipper, March, 1941
The following information is reliable. At Bremen
the CA HIPPER is awaiting docking to make repairs of
damage. SEYDLITZ eighth type is recently finished.
Diversion of labor to U-Boats caused delay in building.
DIS (s)
GERMANY German Submarine Strength, 4 April, 1941
Information reliable as follows: 320 subs in
commission, 1 April. 69 now being built in Hamburg
as follows: Blohm and Voss, 38 on ways, 3 in water;
Deutschwerf, 19 on ways, 2 in water; Howard, 6 on
ways, 2 in water; Stulken, 4 on ways, 0 in water;
Nordwerft, 4 on ways, 0 in water.
E-1-60
GERMANY - Organization of Armed Forces, 28 April, 1941
1. INTRODUCTION.
The modern military operations of the present year
are much wider in scope, both geographically and in the
employment of means, than any other in recent history
with the possible exception of the last year of the
World War. Germany is probably the foremost military
power in the world at the present time, and it is be-
lieved that much can be learned from the methods used
here to obtain coordination of effort.
-72-
Germany can be regarded as a powerful nation
organized in every respect, to the smallest detail,
for one purposes the prosecution of war. It is a
great machine of many parts and sections all under
coordinated control, headed up under one central
authority - Hitler.
The organization of Germany can be considered
under two general headings: the military front, the
home front. Coordination of the command and effort
of the military forces will be discussed in detail
in the report. For the home front, suffice it is
to say that it is as well organized and controlled
as the military front, largely through the several
agencies of the Nazi party. There are many dis-
satisfied elements in Germany, particularly in the
occupied territories but the German Nazi control is
so strong that they are helpless and will remain 80
until superior force from other sources can neut-
ralize the national control.
II. ORGANIZATION OF GERMAN ARMED FORCES.
The German Armed Forces are composed of an Army,
a Navy, and an Air Force. Each branch of the armed
forces has its own characteristic uniforms and in-
signias.
The German Armed Forces are commanded personally
by the Commander-in-Chief, Hitler. General Field
Marshal Keitel, is his Chief of Staff. General Jdoel
is Keitel's executive, and deals directly with Hitler
on some details.
The main purpose of the highest echelon of com-
mand and organziation is to coordinate the operations
of the three branches of the military service and
to coordinate the effort of the Armed Forces as a
whole with the other branches of the Government in
conformance with the national aims.
The outstanding characteristic of the German
military operations has been the remarkable co-
ordination of effort of the three sister services:
Army, Navy and Air Force. This coordination is in-
ternal, as well, within each of the services and
extends down to all units. Coordination is an
-73-
RET
inherent and indispensible requisite to the funct-
ioning of the German military machine.
Hitler, himself, has some background as a
soldier, but he does not usually personally command
the active operations. Nor does his own General
Staff, which, incidentally, is quite small, exercise
direct control of any operations. Hitler's principal
function is to allocate the authority to insure unity
of command and the purpose of the Armed Forces General
Staff is to insure that the three services function
smoothly together,. according to the adopted plan.
In accordance with usual General Staff procedure,
The German General Staff has prepared plans for every
possible campaign, to cover every conceivable, cap-
ability and eventuality. These plans are prepared under
directions issued or, at least, approved by the Commander-
in-Chief. The joint General Staff, headed by Keital,
coordinates the planning assigned to, and executed by,
the Staffs of the three services. The procedure can
best be illustrated by taking a hypothetical example.
Hitler, after considering the political, inter-
national, and domestic phases of a problem, assigns
a mission to Keitel, his Chief of Staff. Keitel,
collaborating with Hitler, prepares a directive and
calls a meeting of the commanders of the three services
for preliminary consultations with Hitler. Available
plans, resources, and personnel are revised with re-
ference to the situation and the opposition.
This phase is especially interesting in that it
brings out a principle which has produced exceptionally
good results. It is expressed by the following quotation
taken from a German publications
"The secret of the success of the German
Armed Forces depends on the fact that
everywhere and always, the right man is
put in the right place."
At these conferences between Hitler, Keitel, and
the three service commanders, after the directive is
announced, one of the first items of business is to
select the superior commander to accomplish the mission.
-74-
Depending on the scope, some of the principal sub-
ordinate commanders may be picked and the "team",
in its major brackets, is formed. Whether these
commanders. will come from the Army, Navy or Air
Force depends on the natures of the mission. Be-
cause most of the campaigns where all three services
have closely associated have been land campaigns,
most of the commanders have been from the Army. The
commander is selected with only one consideration:
to select the man who is most likely to succeed. It
is emphasized by the examples which can now be
historically cited that seniority, composed with
ability and experiences, has little or no influence
on the final decision.
When the commander is selected he then becomes
directly responsible to Keitel and the Commander-in-
Chief for the successful execution of the mission.
This is probably the most important step in the entire
German command and control procedure.
Another principle brought out from the German
General Staff School is to assign a mission to the
commander, give him the means to accomplish the
mission, and then allow him the widest exercise of
initiative, subject only to full utilization and
coordination of all branches to insure the most
effective operation. This principle is repeatedly
applied to the course of development of the plans
for a new cmapaign.
The new commander is ordered to report to Keitel
who informs him of his selection and issued the
directive. The new commander is then permitted to
select his personal staff. Depending on the nature
of the mission, the staff will usually be composed
of members of the General Staffs of the Army, Navy
and Air Force.
The new commander then calls his own staff to-
gether for the first time. The first instruction is
in regard to secrecy. Sometimes these staffs are
completely isolated for several weeks so that no
inkling of the contemplated plan of action will slip
out.
-75-
In conformance with the directive, which is
usually based on a previously prepared General
Staff plan, the staff studies the problem from all
angles and works out a general plan, taking into
consideration all of the latest developments.
Based on this revised plan, a list of means is
prepared. The means are the units to be used by
the commander to execute the mission.
The commander then confers with Keitel who usually
makes available the means required. In this respect
the new commander is given the greatest latitudes
in selecting the actual units which are to take part
in the operation. The commanders of these selected
units are usually personally acquited with the new
commander and control during the preparation phase
and the operation is enhanced thereby.
The units which are assigned to the command of
the new commander constiture a task force. Here again
the composition of this task force depends entirely
on the mission and the planned method of accomplishing
it.
For an explanation of the use of task forces see
Army Report No. 17,825 of 20 December 1940, Subject:
"German Command and Tactical Employment".
The task force having been formed, the staff of
the commander then prepares a training directive. The
nature of the training directive to the various ele-
ments of the task force depends on the part they are to
play in the execution of the mission. The training
directive is then issued by the missions, through
regular channels to the various units. Meanwhile,
these units are usually entiely unaware of the role
they are to play in future operations. For example,
motorized and mechanized units for Rommel's command,
now fighting in North Africa, were transferred to
East Prussia where they could be trained extensively
in sandy terrain. There was reported to have been some
dissatisfaction because they could not understand why
these were being required to undergo what considerable
unnecessary difficulties.
Having prepared and transmitted the training direct-
ive, the staff then works out the detailed plans for the
-76-
operations. This is the most laborious work of all
because every emall detail is meticulously planned.
In this respect, the German General Staff is much
more detailed than our own. As a result, the
carefully detailed planning, many difficulties which
might have been otherwise overlooked are foreseen
and the execution of the plan is thereby facilitated.
Also, one of the most important principles of war
from the German standpoint 1s that of surprise.
Surprise is accomplished by speed of execution.
Delays in execution are eliminated by careful de-
tailed planning.
The plan for the execution of the mission having
been completed, the next step is to obtain a decision
as to when the preparations are to be concluded. This
decision is made by Hitler in conference with Keitel
and the three service commanders. That having been
made the task force commander prepares 8. time sche-
dule of conferences with the commanders and the staffs
of the units which comprise the task force.
The conferences between the task force commander
and the staff and the commenders and staffs of the
subordinate units from all three branches of the
Service are extremely important. Not only is every
detail of the operation fully explained, but here is
the place where branch rivalry disappears. Hitler
himself has been known to have appeared at some of
these earlier conferences. It is in these conferences
that the elements of the task force are welded into
a united team, a team which is thoroughly and in-
doctrinated with one idea; the execution of the
assigned and planned mission. Branch jealousy over
weapons is unknown. Any weapon is used that can best
do the job. To illustrates The use of antiaricraft
and antitank weapons against land fortifications, the
use of antiaircraft against tanks; the use of pioneers
in assault roles, the use of aviation, both inde-
pendently and in conjunction with artillery on the
battlefield, and the use of the navy to support all
land operations.
The rest of the procedure is comparatively simple.
The actual date of the execution of plan is set, march
orders are issued, movements to assembly areas are made,
detailed attack orders to lowest units are issued, and
at the appointed hour, the attack jumps off.
-77-
In the manner outlined above, a German military
plan of action is conceived, ordered, planned and
executed. The description was, of course, for only
one line of action. Meanwhile, similar plans are in
process of formation to cover all other reasonable
lines of action. For instance, in 1940, while von
Falkenhorst was planning and executing the Scandi-
navian Campaign, von Brauchitsch was working on the
plans and orders fo the Western Campaign. The timing
of these two operations was under Hitler's direct
control. Another example: List is, at the time of
writing completing the Balkan Campaign, Rommel at the
time is conducting operations in North Africa, and
ton Brauchitsch is probably completing the details for
the next major German military effort. At the same
time Goring and Raeder are occupied with their separate
undertakings, especially their joint effort in the
"Battle of the Atlantic", in which it is understood
that one or the others, or their selected repre-
sentative has complete command. It is our impression
that Raeder has direct command of the naval and air
forces operating in the Atlantic.
There may be some variation in the procedure pre-
sented in this section to suit special conditions. For
instance, units which have particularly difficult
assignments are sometimes drilled under the identical
conditions of this task. This was followed by Lt.
Colonel Mikosch whose small task force captured Fort
Eben Emael, May 10 and 11, 1940, in record time.
Time of attack is issued later. In this way, ad-
vantage can be taken of favorable weather and other
transient conditions.
In particular, the idea should not be gained that
the German system is stereotyped and rigid. On the
contrary, it has never been alike in any two instances.
The composition of the task force itself provides a
great degree of flexibility. If any organization
pattern does not land itself to a particular type of
mission, the organization is changed. As an example,
note the organization of the small panzer division as being
used in Africa and the smaller light air infantry division.
III. SELECTION OF LEADERS.
Probably the most important phase of the German
system of coordination of command is the selection of
-78-
able military leaders. Germany is fortunate in
having a wealth of qualified military leaders. This
is because such a large percentage of the male
military population has combat experience. It is
also a result of an extensive system of military
education combined with & strict method of selection
at every point and in every category.
The value of leadership has long been recognized,
but not always appreciated, Jealousy and rivalry have
done much harm. In the German Armed Forces, the app-
lication of the principles of leadership is given
full play in the correct interpretation of the meaning
of the work. Select the man who is most able to do
the job, give him the means to do it, and let him do
it his own way.
An illustration is the case of Lt. General Rommel,
the Commander of the German Expeditionary Forces in
Africa. Rommel is a man of great energy for his age,
well prepared to meet and overcome new conditions of
warfare, a tried and proven commander of mechanized
and motorized forces. He speaks Italian fluently
and has many Italina friends. He has lived in Italy
and understands the Italian people and their psychology,
Although there were many officers senior to him in
the German Armed Forces, he was selected to command the
important North African Expedition.
V.
CONCLUSIONS.
From our observations of the German military
command and control system, we may deduce the following
conclusions:
1.
The German Armed Forces follow the principle
of absolute unity of command for any particular
command for any particular command of operation.
This includes elements of all the services
assigned to the task force.
2. The commander is responsible to only one
authority - the Commander-in-Chief
3. The secret of successful leadership, from the
German standpoint, is based on the selection
-79-
of a leader for a particular mission who
is the most qualified and the most likely
to carry out the assignment to a success-
ful conclusion.
4. The widest altitude is given the commander
in the selection of his staff officers,
units, and subordinate commanders.
5.
The means, when available, are always granted.
6. The commander of a task force is permitted
to use his own initiative and methods in
accomplishing his mission.
7.
The task force, a unit of all arms and ser-
vices, in the base force in the German Armed
Forces. Its composition depends on the mission,
the commander, and the method he and his staff
devise in executing the plan. The task force
will only coincidentally be the same in any
two instandes. The task force principle is
applied to all schelons of command from
the equad to any army group.
8.
Greater detail in General Staff planning
eliminates confusion and facilitates speed
and surprise.
9.
The records of German commanders should be
carefully studied to determine their quali-
fications. A knowledge of a German commander's
specialties may enable our military intelligence
to deduce the enemy's line of action.
10.
German commanders often operate in teams.
11.
There is remarkably little service or branch
rivalry in the German Armed Forces.
12.
The propaganda is carefully regulated to as
not to give individual commanders, or any
particular arm or branch of the service too
much and therefore detrimental publicity.
13.
A unified command system facilitates the making
of joint war plans and general staff planning
work, in general.
-80-
DIS (s)
GERMANY Commandeering of Danish Vessels, June, 1941
The Germans are commandeering all Danish vessels
of small tonnage. The "LUETZOW" is undergoing over-
haul and repairs at Burmeister, Copenhagen.
DIS (s)
GERMANY - Utilization of Danish Bases by German Fleet, June, 1941
It is very reliably reported that the German Fleet
is utilizing Danish bases against theprotest of the
Danish Government. The "NURNBERG" is now at Copenhagen;
the "SCHLESWIG HOLSTEIN" is now at Copenhagen Roads; the
"SCHLESIEN" is at the Great Belt; the "TIRPITZ" is
practicing gunnery off Lange Island. A new mine field
is being laid in the Great Belt. There is a concentrat-
ion of submarines at the submarine base Aarnus. The
Germans are planning on stationing 200,000 men in
northern Denmark.
E-1-61
GERMANY - Navy - Personnel - Procurement, 10 July, 1941
An announcement is in the local morning's press
publishes an appeal for condidates for officers' careers
in the German Navy as line officers, engineer officers,
ordnance officers and supply officers, for enrollment in
October 1941. While the mere fact that the German Navy
has issued another call for officer candidates is inte-
resting in the added press comment that following Germany's
victorious conclusion of the war the Navy will afford
a profession to all candidates inasmuch as Germany will
be represented on every sea, which fact will impose large
tasks on the Navy and excellent men to man the ships.
To the Naval Attache these remarks also have an added
significance in that they tend to support the U.S.
theory so often expounded by leading U. S. statesmen
that the present German Government entertains cherished
hopes of dominating world trade should a German victory
in the present war ensue. As far as the writer can
judge, the Germans are making and will continue to make
every effort to build up a powerful navy for the future,
under the assumption that it will be required once a
victorious peace has been concluded. From a German
source, considered reliable, it has been heard that all
German shipyards have been taken over by the Government
and that for the next five years, only naval ships will
be built within. The personnel for this future Navy is
being trained now to man the ships which are later to be
available.
-81-
E-1-62
GERMANY - Navy - Coast Defenses, 29 Aug., 1941
On 1 October 1941 a new officer corps will be
inaugurated in the German Navy to be called the
Naval Artillery Officers Corps. Special Order
published 15 August 1941 places this corps in effect
on 1 October 1941.
Conclusions drawn: At the present time it is
estimated that 60% of German naval personnel is 00-
cupied in manning the coastal defenses of Germany and
the occupied territorial waters held by Germany.
Advertisements in local newspapers have recently
stated that officers and men wêre imperatively needed
by the German Navy. It is logical to assume that the
formation of this new artillery corps in the Navy is to
release experienced sea officers for shipboard duties
and to build up this new officer corps from officers
of the army and air force, and from naval officers not
physically fit or experienced enough for duty aboard
ship. This action may be taken with 6. view to manning
more navel vessels under the control of the German
Navy. This may mean that German personnel may operate
all or part of the French fleet or even elements of
the Italian Navy.
E-1-63
GERMANY - Army - Casualties on Eastern Front, 7 Oct., 1941
In conversation with a member of the General
Staff of a neutral country on a recent visit to Switzer-
land, he estimated that German losses on the Eastern
Front at 20,000 daily, 5,000 of which are dead, and
that German casualties to date number 2,100,000. He
further stated that up to 15 September the following
German units had usffered losses of 30 per cent killed;
5th and 33rd Divisions, 162nd Infantry, 17th and 20th
Motorised Divisions; also, that the following units
had suffered losses of 50 per cent killed; lst Mountain
Division, 2nd and 4th Panser Divisions.
It was also learned that the German General Staff
has stated that after the Russian Front is fixed for the
winter, they will be able to release fifty divisions.
Regarding the German losses officially admitted, the
Swiss General Staff use a factor of four (4).
-82-
MOOSON "SHOVER" TVAVN
di
INVEITIN
ESTIMATE of POTENTIAL
of
SUMMARY
DIS (S)
Observation of Russian Military Equipment, October 1941
On flatcars at Vologda, Russian tanks were seen; also
noticed at this city were some freight cars which have been
bombed. About 100 kilometers below Yaroslav near the river
there was observed a camouflaged airfield on which there
were some 18 planes. At Gorki there was an armed gunboat
with 3 and 1 pounders and 6 two-motored flying boats.
DIS (c)
Disposition of U.S.S.R. fleet, November 1941
Northern Fleet: DD's 5 new, 4 old, 3 small; SS 7 King
Class; 2 Love, 7 Dog, 6 Mike, 2 Sail, SS Tender;
1 Minelayer, 4 Sweepers, 16 Netlayers, 1 Survey,
FG 3, Trawlers 8, Patrol Vessels 15, Icebreakers 12.
Baltic Fleet: BB's 2, CA's 2, DL's 4, DD's 20 new, 2 old,
7 small, Minelayer 1, SS Tender 5; SS Tujhosrep (?)
Class 3, King 13, Oil 3, Love 1, Dog 29, "SHCH" Class
30, 3 Wike, 2 Ex Esthonian, Sweepers 23, MTB's 30.
Black Sea Fleet: BB's 1, CA's 5, Icebreaker question 2,
DL's 2, DD's 11 new, 7 old, 9 small, SS Tender 1.
SS: 3 Sail Class, 5 Love, 4 Dog, 15 SHCH, 12 Mike
MTB's 50, Layer 1, Sweepers 18, PG's 2.
Pacific Fleet: DL's, DD's 3 new, 5 old, 6 small, SS 3
Prep Class, 12 Love, 35 SHCH 43 Mike, TB's 100,
Sweepers 18, Layers 5, Breakers 2 Para.
Confirmed Losses:
Baltic: 4 old DD's.
Black Sea: 1 DL, 2 new DD's badly damaged; 1 old DD sunk.
Detailed NIS position list being forwarded.
F-1-1
Disposition of Soviet Fleet, 25 October 1941
Northern Fleet:
The main base of the Northern Fleet is at Polyarnoe.
The Northern Fleet consists of 5 modern destroyers, 2 of
which have been identified at Archangel; and 4 overage
destroyers 3 of which have been identified at Archangel;
3 small destroyers, 2 of which have been identified at
Archangel; 24 to 29 submarines, one of which has been
identified at Archangel; 1 submarine tender; 4 minelay-
ers, 3 of which have been identified at Archangel; 12
-1-
minesweepers; 4 motor minesweepers; 1 netlayer, identified
at Archangel; 3 surveying ships and 8 trawlers all at Arch-
angel; 12 icebreakers, 2 of which may possibly be at Vladi-
vostok. The majority of these icebreakers are probably based
at Archangel, so far the existence of only 3 in the Northern
Fleet have been confirmed. To date no detailed information
has yet been received of minesweeping craft, motor torpedo
boats, patrol vessels, etc., at Murmansk and Polyarnoe. 2
overage battleships; 3 cruisers, 1 of which is a training
ship with no fighting value; 4 destroyer leaders; 9 des-
troyers of the one-funnel class; 8 destroyers of the two-
funnel class; and 4 other destroyers of either one or two-
funnel class; 6 overage destroyers, 4 of which were sunk
during the evacuation of Tallinn but which one they are
not known; 7 small destroyers, the confirmation of which is
required as some of them may be in the Northern Fleet; 1
minelayer; 5 submarine tenders; 89 submarines; 19 to 26 mine-
sweepers which are also fitted for minelaying; about 60 motor
torpedo boats and various icebreakers, minesweeping trawlers
and auxiliary vessels including training ships and dispatch
vessels.
Black Sea Fleet:
1 overage battleship 1 aircraft tender, although the exist-
ence of this vessel has never been fully confirmed but many
reports during the past two years state that she is in
existence; 2 heavy cruisers; 1 overage heavy cruiser and 3
overage light cruisers; 1 special icebreaker; 2 destroyer
leaders; 1 destroyer leader was sunk by a mine in July; 6
modern destroyers of the one-funnel class and 4 of the 2-
funnel class as well as 1 of an unknown class; 7 overage
destroyers, 1 overage destroyer was sunk by enemy aircraft.
At present only 5 are believed to remain but this is not
clearly confirmed as yet and it is possi ble that all of the
7 are still afloat; probably 9 small destroyers although
confirmation is required on all of them; 1 submarine tender;
39 submarines not including overage submarines being used
for training purposes; about 50 motor torpedo boats; 1 mine-
layer; about 6 fast minesweepers and 12 of a slower class;
various transports, icebreakers, tenders, and "some" gun-
boats, 2 of which are named. One gunboat was sunk by enemy
aircraft.
Pacific Fleet:
2 destroyer leaders; 3 destroyers; 5 overage destroyers;
6 small destroyers, but the existence of these required
-2-
confirmation however; 93 submarines are reported but this
number must be well over 100; about 18 minesweepers of
which 8 or more belong to the modern "T" class; about 100
motor torpedo boats and about 5 minelayers; a number of
icebreakers; tenders, etc. (1-5)
DIS (s)
Russian Morale at Sevastopol, December 1941
British observer with Soviet Black Sea Fleet reports
that morale of Soviet defenders of Sevastopol very High,
and expects the city to hold out.
DIS (c)
Possible Polish Troop Movements into Iran, February 1942
A Polish General is trying to persuade Stalin to aid
in getting 25,000 Polish troops into Iran. 6 Divisions of
Polish infantry are now in the Tashkent-Alma Ata area with
a nucleus tank division at Krasnoyarsk. All units now out
of Saratov and Buzuluk. Beginning today, the Russians are
giving the Poles 2 weeks to transfer 30,000 troops to
Persia.
DIS (s)
Radar: Murmansk Area, April 1942
It is believed that the Soviets do not have radar in
this region.
DIS (S)
British minesweepers transferred to Soviets, April 1942
British NA reports that British have provided Soviets
with 9 minesweepers, 2 of which have been lost.
DIS (c)
Small Destroyers at Baku, June 1942
A British officer who passed through Baku recently and
who was forced to remain in that city for several days
reports having seen four small destroyers of about 700 tons
each there.
Other British observers have reported that in addition to
the above, the Caspian Sea Flotilla includes 12 sloops,
about 3 gunboats and at least 1 submarine.
DIS (s)
Enemy Airfields and Equipment in Norway and Finland, June 1942
Astalusna, Murmansk, received from Soviet Naval authori-
-3-
ties location of enemy airfields in northern Norway and
Finland with information on the types and numbers of air-
planes located on these fields.
DIS (s)
Movements of Soviet Military Airplanes, July 1942
British NA Moscow reports that Soviets have sent
additional bombers and fighters to Murmansk.
DIS (s)
Soviet Shipbuilding, Archangel-läurmansk Area, July 1942
Soviet Naval Liaison Officer states that after investi-
gation he was not able to find any prospected or actual
shipbuilding underway in the Archangel-Murmansk area.
Through U.S. and British representatives in this area, it
is found that the Soviets laid down 2 destroyers at Molo-
tovsk before the outbreak of the war but no work has been
done on them since the war began.
DIS (c)
Russian Icebreakers, August 1942
Russian icebreakers are departing from Archangel for
Port Dickson at the mouth of the Yenissei River where they
will aid one Soviet destroyer leader and 3 Soviet destroyers
enroute from the Far East.
DIS (c)
Russian Icebreakers, August 1942
The Russian icebreakers KRASSIN, STALIN, LITKE, LENIN
and MONTCALM plus British Tanker HOPEMOUNT on way to Port
Dickson at mouth of Yenissei River at which point tanker
will fuel three Soviet destroyers and one leader enroute
from East. Soviet officials also informed that a convoy
of several Russian vessels will leave shortly for U.S.
via Northern Passage.
DIS (s)
Air Strength, August 1942
Advance units for a number of Hamptden torpedo-bombers are
now at Kola Inlet. These planes are scheduled to be used
against German ships.
DIS (s)
Disposition of Naval Strength, September 1942
The Soviets have given to the Astalusna, Moscow, the
following dispositions of their naval forces of the Northern
Fleet:
-4-
16 submarines, 6 destroyers, 5 motor torpedo boats, 64
minesweepers, 20 small patrol vessels, 2 minelayers, 24
auxiliary patrol vessels, (200 to 400 tons)
For the Pacific Fleet as follows:
6 minelayers, 9 destroyers, 2 net layers, 63 submarines,
12 patrol vessels (about 400 tons each), 40 minesweepers,
99 coastal motorboats and 61 motor torpedo boats.
For the Amur River Flotilla as follows:
18 river gunboats, 7 monitors, 10 minesweepers, 32 armored
motor boats. Alusna was told by the Soviets that the
above data was given to no other nation. Alusna asked
that this information be kept in strict secrecy.
DIS (c)
Russian Conditions, December 1942
It appears probable now that the German threat in the
south is diminishing with the drain on German air strength
and other branches to meet new Mediterranean requirements.
The Reds no doubt feel competent to handle the situation
there without outside military assistance which might put
them under direct military and/or political obligations.
In addition, an Allied air force in the south would weaken
the Red position in respect to Iran during the latter and
closing phases of the war.
DIS (c)
Disposition of Icebreakers, February 1943
During the winter of 1942-43, the following icebreakers
were stationed in the White Sea: MIKOYAN, KAGANOVICH,
LENIN, KRASSIN, LITKE, SEDOV.
F-1-2
Soviet Northern Fleet, 5 April 1943
A complete list of all seagoing surface vessels which
comprise the Soviet Northern Fleet was given enumerating 10
destroyers, 25 patrol vessels, 35 trawlers, 5 river trawlers,
and 5 minelayers. (2)
DIS (c)
Activity of Submarines, April 1943
Vice Admiral Golovko, Commander of Soviet Northern
Fleet, stated that he had 20 submarines operating out of Polyarnoe
and that an average of 8 were always on Station.
-5-
DIS (S)
Air Defense at Murmansk, etc., April 1943
Air defense of Murmansk Port and Kola Inlet merchant
shipping is administered by Soviet Navy at Vaenga which
is the main airfield. Two small auxiliary winter fields
are located 10 and 20 kilometers south of Vaenga. There
were observed operating from those fields the following
types of fighters: Hurricanes, P40's, P39's, Soviet twin-
engined fighters-some 65 fighters in all. Besides these,
there were 12 Hamptden torpedo bombers which have been
carrying on against the German transports and also there
were an undetermined amount of Soviet medium bombers and
6 obsolete scout biplanes. At Grasnaya were stationed 2
seaplanes of the type MBR 2. There were also facilities
there for Catalinas. Soviets stated that on Novaya Zemyla,
there were two airfields which could operate as bases for
long range fighter aircraft. There is also an army airfield
at Murmashei which plays a small part in the defense of
Murmansk. The C-in-C, Murmansk has been recently transferred
to Vladivostok. This is significant in view of the fact
that his reputation during active experience in contact
with enemy air forces in the area of Murmansk is excellent.
DIS (c)
Airfields, Moscow, Murmansk, and Archangel, April 1943
Moscow airfield had parked 15 transports, 15 single-
engined fighters, 30 twin-engined attack-bombers and 30
miscellaneous. These were massed in the pattern indicating
no fear of air raids. At Archangel there was one field
with 50 planes practically all single-engined fighters.
Another field had 15 single-engined fighters and Murmansk
Vaenga there were about 20 planes, mixed one and two-engined
fighters with several Airacobras. Planes in Archangel
and Murmansk were nearly all enclosed in earth revetments.
There was no evidence of German bombing of the airfields.
DIS (c)
Units in Russian, Baltic, and Black Seas Fleets, April 1943
Photographs in the files of TASS indicate that several
units were intact in the Baltic and Black Seas in March,
1943, and that a cruiser was apparently in full commission
in 1942 in the Black Sea; these units were enumerated.
F-1-3
Report of Travel from Seattle, Washington, to Moscow, USSR,
via Alaska & Siberia, 19 May 1943
During meals in conversation I heard that the Germans
-6-
were concentrating many tanks, 5 to 6,000, in the neighbor-
hood of Orel where a drive is expected this spring. I also
heard that the newest and best Soviet fighter plane is
about as good as our airacobra. This is interesting in
view of the fact that in answer to a point blank question
about the quality of our equipment the answer is usually,
"Oh, it's all right." (5)
DIS (c)
Silhouettes of Russian Far Eastern Fleet, May 1943
This dispatch states that a secret Recognition Book
containing silhouettes of Soviet naval units attached to
the Pacific Fleet was received; these silhouettes included
one type of light cruiser, one type of destroyer leader,
F-1-4
one type of destroyer, one type of torpedo boat, one type
of minelayer, one type of trawler, three types of patrol
vessels, one type of plane tender, one type of icebreaker,
9 types of submarines and one type of motor torpedo boat,
and stated that in addition to the above there were miscel-
laneous types of small minesweepers and patrol vessels con-
verted from fishing vessels. See photostat "Silhouettes
of Ships".
DIS (c)
Units of Russian Northern Fleet, May 1943
This dispatch gave a list of surface units attached
to the Soviet Northern Fleet stating that it was believed
that the information was reliable and enumerated them.
F-1-5
U.S.S.R. Vessels, Organization, 28 May 1943
This report corrected the descriptions of several
Soviet naval units as described in Janes Fighting Ships.
(1)
DIS (c)
Passage of Soviet Warships Through Northern Sea Route, May 1943
Soviets intend according to reliable information send
units as yet unknown of their Far Eastern Fleet through the
northern passage to augment the northern fleet.
DIS (s)
Facilities at Soviet Gavan, etc., June 1943
It has been learned from a fairly reliable conversation
with Soviet shipbuilder from SovGavan that concentra-
tion is being made of Red Navy there with harbor facilities
-7-
being rapidly improved but no rail line or motor road
leads from the port and apparently no plans being made
for building any. All ex U.S. Liberty ships are forced
to anchor in LaPerouse for Japanese inspection since in-
creasing suspicion that they are being operated by U.S.A.
A good surface road for motors to Nahodka is now open for
military use via Artem.
DIS (c)
Russian Submarine Activity of Northern Fleet, June 1943
Vice Admirals XUMASHEV Cinc Pacific and TRIBUTS Cinc
Baltic promoted Admiral today. It is reported in news-
paper that Capt. 3rd Rank Lev Shuskin Comdg. Sub northern
fleet just sank 4 enemy transports. He commanded S-55
recently transferred via Panama, and is probably in same
vessel. This dispatch also enumerated submarines which
he believed were operating with the northern fleet.
DIS (c)
Russian Submarine Strength of Northern Fleet, June 1943
This dispatch enumerates the total submarine strength
of the Soviet Northern Fleet and also states which sub-
marines were lost last year and this year.
F-1-6
USSR - NAVY - Base at Polyarnoe, 14 June 1943
This report gives the positions of Soviet coastal
batteries to the east of Cape Teriberski and in the White
Sea and approaches to it and adds that the number and cali-
ber of guns are not known. (1)
F-1-7
USSR - NAVY - Base at Polyarnoe, 14 June 1943
Polyarnoe, in Longitude 33-28-00 East and Latitude
29-11-06 North, is the administrative headquarters and sub-
marine base of the Soviet Northern Fleet. It was formerly
known as PORT ALEXANDROVSK and was declared a prohibited
zone in 1934. Here are located the Commander-in-Chief of
the Northern Floet, Vice Admiral Golovko, and his immediate
staff. Of the nine destroyers, twenty-three submarines
twenty-five patrol vessels, forty trawlers and five mine-
layers which comprise this fleet, only the submarines are
normally based at Polyarnoe, the other craft being ser-
viced, repaired, refitted and normally located at various
points along the Kola Inlet such as Vaenga Bay, the ship-
yard at Rosta, and the government salvage agency known as
-8-
E.P.R.O.N. which has fairly complete salvage equipment
and which undertakes repairs to nen-of-war. (1-2)
DIS (c)
Submarine Losses in Russian Northern Sea Fleet, June 1943
This dispatch states which submarines formerly at-
tached to the Soviet Northern Fleet were lost in 1942 and
which were lost in 1943.
F-1-8
Warships of Soviet Northern Fleet, 1 July 1943
8 destroyers, 20 submarines, 3 minelayers, 5 patrol
vessels, 30 patrol boats, 5 motor torpedo boats.
DIS (c)
Submarines in Russian Northern Sea Fleet, August 1943
This dispatch states that there are over 20 Soviet
submarines operating in northern waters and describes the
relative efficiency of one of these submarines.
DIS (c)
Soviet Naval Units, August 1943
This dispatch quotes Soviet newspaper as mentioning
several Soviet Naval units, and comments upon it.
19
Appendix Album of submarines in the USSR Navy
-9-
SUMMARY
of
ESTIMATE of POTENTIAL
MILITARY STRENGTH
G
NAVAL ATTACHE, TOKYO
G-1-1
Manufacturing Production in 1936, 18 January 1937
This report quotes excerpts from "Contemporary Opinions
on Current Topics" of 14 January 1937, describing increase
of Japan's productive power in recent years, and concluding
that "Productive power is likely to continue expanding
further, particularly in war material manufacture."
G-1-2
Third Replenishment Program, 22 January 1937
This report quotes excerpts from a pamphlet issued by
the Finance Ministry to members of the Diet, giving a
summary of expenditures for the next five years covering
warship construction, extension of naval establishments,
expansion of air forces, refitting and modernization of
ships and munitions.
G-1-3
Building Program, 21 January 1937
This report lists all Japanese Naval vessels built,
building, or authorized as of 1 January 1937.
G-1-4
Naval Activities for 1936, 28 January 1937
This is the annual report from the Naval Attache on
naval activities and organization for the operating year
of 1936.
G-1-5
Navy Budget, 28 January 1937
Analysis of Navy Budget figures, including ordinary
and extraordinary accounts, in light of information obtained
from pamphlet issued by Finance Ministry to members of the
Diet.
G-1-6
Shipbuilding Capacity, 15 February 1937
This report is a brief outline of building and docking
facilities of the various Naval and private shipbuilding
plants capable of constructing vessels of over 1000 tons.
G-1-7
Yokosuka Naval Station, 16 March 1937
This report is an account of N.A.'s tour of inspection
of Yokosuka Naval Station on 11 March 1937.
-1-
G-1-8
Yokosuka Naval Air Station, 17 March 1937
This report is an account of N.A.'s inspection of
Yokosuka Naval Air Station on 12 March 1937. Facilities
described as poor.
G-1-9
Navy Budget, 1937-1938, 12 April 1937
Summary of main items and index to Navy Budget for
1937-1938.
G-1-10
Taiwan, 21 April 1937
This report submitted to N.A. by Lt. Karrer, U.S.N.,
language officer, who spent month of March, 1937, in Taiwan.
G-1-11
Iron and Steel, 30 April 1937
This report quotes authorities in the Commerce Ministry
to the effect that Japan's iron ore demand will continue to
rise, and will by 1941 be 5,670,000 tons in excess of Japan's
domestic production.
G-1-12
Industrial Expansion, 30 April 1937
Recent industrial production activities have expanded
remarkably because of increase in national budget centered
upon giant national defense expenditure; and that the in-
dustrial production capacity of Japan at end of 1936 made
more than a 60 per cent increase over 1930, directly preceding
the Manchurian incident. Rate of expansion in Japan far
exceeds that in leading powers such as U.S., Great Britain,
France, or Germany.
G-1-13
Naval Construction, 22 May 1937
This report quotes interview between Hugh Byas, correspond-
ent for New York Times and London Times, and Navy Minister
Yonai, with comment that "opinion is gaining ground in Tokyo
that Japan does not contemplate construction of capital ships
of a size greatly in excess of present types nor mounting guns
larger than those now installed." N.A. considers that
restrictions imposed upon his visits to Kure and Yokosuka
indicate important naval construction is either under way or
contemplated at those places.
-2-
G-1-14
Expansion of Aircraft Manufacturing Industry, 21 July 1937
This report summarizes the state of Japanese aircraft
industry and its expansion, with comment that "Natural in-
aptitude in this field will always keep them (Japanese)
somewhat behind the more progressive Occidental countries,
but the difference will steadily decrease as the limits of
material and performance are more closely approached." (2)
The report also reviews organization and production of
the leading Japanese aircraft manufacturing companies.
G-1-15
Naval Personnel Figures, 5 August 1937
This report gives personnel figures provided by the
Japanese Navy.
G-1-16
Naval Aviation Shore Establishments, 6 August 1937
This report discusses expansion of naval aviation shore
establishments; gives names, locations and complements of
naval establishments; and concludes with the observation that
"the naval air arm will become an independent striking and
defense force parallelling the development of army aviation."
G-1-17
Aviation Statistics, 30 August 1937
Combined M.I.D./O.N.I. Aviation Statistics-Forms A-G,
for the year ending 1 September 1937.
G-1-18
Oil Situation, 2 September 1937
This report is a detailed tabulation of oil production
and consumption statistics for the calendar year 1936.
G-1-19
Japanese-German and Japanese-Italian Interchange of Aero-
nautical Information, 30 November 1937
This report discusses the interchange of aeronautical
information between Japan, Germany and Italy, and concludes
that it should help to overcome the weakness of Japan in
technical aeronautical matters.
G-1-20
Organization of Combined Fleet, 28 January 1938
This report gives the organization of the Combined Fleet
according to information received from a foreign N.A.
-3-
G-1-21
Naval Budget for 1938-1939, 11 February 1938
This report contains official Navy estimate for fiscal
year 1938-39, including all accounts, as derived from
pamphlet, "Navy Dep't. General Account Reference Book."
G-1-22
Naval Policy and Trends, 11 February 1938
Diet Interpellations reveal a policy of strengthening
and modernizing the Navy.
G-1-23
Naval Construction, 18 February 1938
This report contains information from the Italian N.A.
to the effect that keels have been laid down for four Japanese
battleships.
G-1-24
National Mobilization Law, 28 March 1938
This report gives the substance of the new National
Mobilization Law, with comment that "This law aims to achieve
mobilization of the entire power, resources and economy for
future warfare."
G-1-25
Naval Budget, 13 April 1938
This report gives an account of budget expenditures not
under the Navy allotment, but which are related to Naval
activity and National defense. Includes appropriations for
improvement of harbors and facilities in the South Seas.
G-1-26
Aircraft Industry Law, 2 May 1938
This report quotes Aircraft Industry Law with the comment
that "Complete government control of the entire aircraft
manufacturing industry is provided by this law." (2)
G-1-27
Naval Dockyards, 9 June 1938
This report sets forth the building capacity of Japan's
three major dockyards.
G-2-28
Oil Situation, 26 August 1938
This report is a detailed tabulation of oil production
and consumption statistics for the calendar year 1937.
-4-
G-2-29
The Mandated Islands, 29 August 1938
This report is a partial translation of a report sub-
mitted by Commander Robbe to the French Admiralty on the
subject of the Mandated Islands.
G-2-30
Annual Naval Aviation Digest, 30 August 1938
This report is a digest containing estimates of the
annual production of aircraft and aircraft engines, comments
on Japanese Naval air stations, a review of naval aviation
accounts under the budget, and a discussion of ship-based
and shore-based aircraft. "The number of naval planes on
30 June 1938, was 42 per cent greater than last year
A remarkable increase in Japan's aircraft production
facilities."
G-2-31
Aviation Statistics, 20 September 1938
Combined M.I.D./O.N.I. Aviation Statistics Forms A-G
as of 1 July 1938.
G-2-32
Far Eastern Situation, 28 November 1938
This report is an account of N.A.'s trip to Shanghai.
It includes this comment on the Japanese-Chinese situation:
"Left alone, it is almost certain (Japan) can conquer China
from a military standpoint It is my opinion that Chiang
Kai-shek's case is practically hopeless unless outside aid is
received." (3)
N.A. emphasizes that Japan's inherent strength lies in
her vast physical and temperamental "hardness", the subordination
of the individual to what he considers to be the Divine Will.
Regarding Japan's economic structure: "There is no
question in my mind but that Japanese finance will stand up for
at least two more years." (4)
Japan has gained valuable experience in the China conflict.
"No other first-class Naval power has had similar war ex-
perience or anything even approaching what Japan has enjoyed..."
(5) "Japan's announced building policy is to build a fleet
in accordance with her national traits and characteristics,
which will be able to defeat any fleet a single Power can bring
against her in the Western Pacific." (6)
-5-
G-2-33
Naval Construction, 16 January 1939
This report gives N.A.'s belief that it is possible
that four capital ships are under construction.
G-2-34
Aircraft Manufacturing Industry, 28 January 1939
This report states that major aircraft producers and
affiliated industries have virtually become Army and Navy
aircraft factories, and it discusses development and
capacities of these various factories.
G-2-35
Navy, 14 February 1939
This report quotes Admiral Yonai as urging that present
merchant marine tonnage be doubled, and that the present
mercantile marine schools and seamen's training institutes
be increased to cope with this expansion. Admiral Yonai
admitted that in the China Incident the Navy had suffered
the most damage in aircraft, adding that the loss of vessels
had been negligible.
G-2-36
Fourth Supplementary Budget, 13 March 1939
This report lists ship construction expenses, additions
and improvements to shore stations, and expansion of the air
force under the Fourth Replenishment Program.
G-2-37
Shipbuilding Expansion, 15 March 1939
This report quotes press account of Communications
Minister's telling Diet members that the government ship-
building expansion plan aims at an increase of two million
tons in national vessels.
G-2-38
Light Metal Mamufacturing Industry Law, 28 March 1939
This report gives account of new light metal manufacturing
industry law, with comment by N.A. that "It is a further step
by the Government to secure expansion of stragetic industries
and readiness for war on two fronts, China and the Soviets,
if necessary."
G-2-39
Naval Budget for 1939-1940, 12 April 1939
This report gives Official Gazette figures for Navy
Budget for the year 1939-40, including ordinary and extra-
ordinary accounts, and First and Second Supplementary Budgets.
-6-
G-2-40
Capital Ship Construction, 27 April 1939
This report gives estimate of one Naval Attache that
Japan is building 8 battleships, 4 large cruisers and 4
carriers.
G-2-41
Civil Aviation, 9 June 1939
This report lists budget appropriations for civil
aviation, which reveal the amazing growth of the civil air
transportation system in Japan.
G-2-42
Operations of Japanese Fleet, 20 June 1939
This report quotes reliable sources which reveal the
operating schedule of the Japanese Fleet.
0-2-43
Shipping in Japanese Empire for April, 1939, 20 June 1939
This report gives American Consulate's general survey
of shipping in the Japanese Empire for April, 1939. (This is
the first of a monthly series).
G-2-44
Military Resources Secret Law, 11 July 1939
This report expresses the N.A.'s opinion that the new
regulations for the enforcement of this law definitely
indicate that the Japanese are facing a shortage - perhaps
serious - in certain strategic materials. Foreign observers
are faced with increasing difficulties in securing information
regarding Japan's war machine.
G-2-45
Change in the Organization of the Japanese Fleet, 4 August 1939
This report quotes the press as saying that a new naval
fleet has been organized for the following three purposes:
(1) to prepare Japan for third power intervention. (2) to
prepare for possible "corrective measures" in case Anglo-
Japanese conference on the Tientsin question fails to achieve
satisfactory settlement. (3) To keep closer watch on N.
Saghalin because of Soviet threat to expropriate Japanese
coal and oil concessions.
G-2-46
Annual Naval Aviation Digest, 9 August 1939
This report gives a digest of naval aviation information
for fiscal year ending 30 June 1939, and includes appropriations,
production, bases, organization, operations, etc.
-7-
G-2-47
Japanese Naval Personnel, 10 August 1939
This report submits an estimate of Japanese naval
personnel as of 1 July.
G-2-48
Activities of Japanese Navy in China, 5 September 1939
This report is a brief resume of the activities of the
Japanese Navy in China as made public by the Japanese Navy
Dep't. The Navy state that they have secured command of the
Western Pacific and have prevented the United States, Great
Britain and Soviet Russia from intervention on behalf of
China.
G-2-49
Japanese Oil Situation, 11 September 1939
This report of the oil situation in Japan for the year
1938 concludes with the statement that "all oil storage
facilities in Japan are now filled to capacity."
G-2-50
General Intelligence Summary, 12 September 1939
This report is part 3 of General Intelligence Summary.
It stresses the great strain of China Incident on Japan's
economy, but also points out her increased military strength
resulting from industrial reorganization necessitated by
war.
G-2-51
Merchant Vessels, 12 September 1939
This report is an official summary of the total number
and tonnage of Japanese merchant vessels registered on 30
June 1939.
G-2-52
Civil Aviation Progress, 9 October 1939
This report quotes an article from Tokyo Gazette
summarizing civil aviation progress 1929-1939.
G-2-53
Capital Shipbuilding Program, 11 October 1939
This report submits information believed to be reliable
in regard to Japanese capital shipbuilding program. It
states that Japan now has 8 capital ships building in navy
yards. These include: four 40,000 ton vessels to be completed
in 1941; four 43,000 ton vessels to be completed in 1944.
All of these vessels carry twelve 16 inch guns.
-8-
G-2-54
Japanese Naval Aviation, 1 December 1939
This report presents a concise, authoritative summary
of Japanese Naval aviation activities, and a clear picture
of her strength.
0-2-55
Speed of Capital Ships, 16 January 1940
This report contains recent information that Japanese
ships are from five to ten per cent faster than has been
believed. Published speeds and actual speeds given.
G-3-56
General Intelligence Summary - - Electric Power Shortage,
13 February 1940
This report concerns electric power shortage and its
effect on reducing the output of war industries.
G-3-57
Annual Economic Review of Japan - 1939, 14 February 1940
This report, prepared by Commercial Attache, concludes
that no improvements can be expected in Japan's general
economic position until hostilities in China are terminated;
the shortages of daily necessities will become more acute;
the financial outlook is unfavorable, and inflation can be
expected.
G-3-58
Relative Strengths of U.S. and Japanese Navies, 15 February 1940
This report contains full translation of articles by
the best-known Japanese Naval writer, Masanori Ito, whose
articles reflect to a very great extent, the views of the
Japanese Navy. Mr. Ito says that: (a) the relative strengths
of the American and Japanese Navies are 5 and 4; (b) Japan
myst increase her building if this ratio is to be maintained.
G-3-59
Japanese Naval Program, 15 February 1940
This report states that no changes in Japanese Naval
programs will occur as a result of latest American program.
G-3-60
Japan's Growing Weakness, 16 February 1940
This report contains statement that "each month finds
Japan becoming weaker and weaker - economically, financially,
socially and militarily, - and each month finds her farther
and farther from her goal in China, provided Chinese resistance
does not collapse completely." (2)
-9-
G-3-61
General Intelligence Summary, 28 March 1940
This report mentions increase in social unrest as a
result of inflation, shortages and high prices.
G-3-62
Naval Budget 1940-1941, 4 April 1940
This report gives Official Gazette figures for Naval
Budget for the year 1940-1941. No details of the budget are
given, but it should be noted that increased funds are
appropriated for ship construction, improvements to yards,
expansion of air force, and operating expenses of ships and
stations.
G-3-63
Organization of Japanese Combined Fleet, 22 April 1940
This report summarizes fleet organization and concludes
that this organization shows no great change from previous
years, except that two additional capital ships and four
additional heavy cruisers have been added to the fleet.
G-3-64
Commercial Aviation, 22 April 1940
This report says that of an appropriation of 50 million
yen for civil aviation, the greater part is for the purpose
of developing military aviation.
G-3-65
Japan's Naval Secrecy Policy, 26 April 1940
The Japanese have adopted a "Secrecy policy" in regard
to Naval Building program. Reasons for secreoy are to keep
information from foreign powers, and to keep from the
Japanese public what sacrifices are being demanded of them
in order to build up a huge Navy.
G-3-66
Government Budget - Fiscal Year 1940-1941, 3 May 1940
This report presents budget for 1940-1941 ind uding general
and supplementary accounts.
G-3-67
Ship Construction, 13 May 1940
This report lists Japanese Naval vessels in commission,
or which have been launched.
-10-
G-3-68
Operating Schedule of Combined Fleet, 13 May 1940
The Combined Fleet is carrying out a normal operating
schedule which differs very little from that of previous
years.
G-3-69
Marshall Island Group, 5 June 1940
This report gives information obtained from reliable
British source concerning Jaluit, capital of the Marshall
group and headquarters for Japanese naval and military
operations. "It is a first class advanced base for stores
and air scouting."
G-3-70
Scarcity of Steel, 19 June 1940
N.A.'s opinion: "the Japanese Army and Navy are gravely
concerned over the present inadequate supply of steel and
special steels for production of munitions and allied
materials." (1)
G-3-71
Strategic Materials Desired from N.E.I., 20 June 1940
Japan hopes at some future time to dominate the N.E.I.,
economically and politically, "and if a good opportunity
presents itself, she will attempt to do so. The time will
be carefully chosen, and the attitude of the U.S. will be
ascertained beforehand." At present, Japan does not want any
area if this runs risk of war with U.S.
G-3-72
Industrialization of Chosen, 17 September 1940
Chosen is rapidly being industrialized with the backing
of the Japanese army.
G-3-73
Air and Naval Bases, 27 September 1940
This report is a concise compilation, with sketches, of
the defences and bombing objectives within range of Philippine
operations.
G-3-74
Morale, 30 September 1940
If the war is carried to Japan, homes and factories razed,
the over-rated prestige of the Japanese armed forces would
suffer seriously since morale is now none too high after 3 1/2
years of belt-tightening.
-11-
G-3-75
Ship and China-based Aircraft, 10 October 1940
This report tabulates the numbers and types of naval
aircraft stationed in the Japanese fleets and at all out-
lying bases as of 1 September 1940.
G-3-76
Defence of Tokyo against air attacks, 29 October 1940
This report describes the land, air and sea defences of
Tokyo against air attacks as being comparatively weak. Present
defences could not prevent air attack on Tokyo.
G-3-77
Organization of Japanese Fleet, 29 October 1940
This report gives organization of combined fleet as of
October, 1940.
G-3-78
Japanese Economic Activities in the South Saa Areas,
30 October 1940
This report is a brief of Japanese enterprises in the
South Seas Area. Japan's "Southward Advance Policy" which is
already well under way is designed to increase Japan's holdings
in this area.
G-3-79
Japanese New Order, 31 October 1940
Detailed report on Japanese "New Order" and her attempts
to set up a totalitarian state. Nation's total strength must
be mobilized because of Japan's perilous international and
domestic situation.
G-3-80
Greater East Asia Economic Policy - 10 Year Plan, 7 November 1940
The Cabinet has made public an ambitious 10 year "Greater
East Asia Economic" plan. Japan proposes to regulate industry,
labor, finance, trade and communications in the three countries
concerned. (Japan, China, Manchukuo).
DIS (s)
Fleet Organization, January, 1941
Combined Fleet Organization believed to be the same as
last year. Indications are that Mandate Island outfit has
unusual number of patrol planes, light cruisers and torpedo-
carrying ships at sea. All vessels on active list are in
commission and ready for duty, except Haruna and Akagi which
are undergoing major repairs.
-12-
G-3-81
Air Defence, 5 February 1941
This report comments that the authorities, " from the
Prime Minister down to the common people, are scared to death
of air raids, and know that Japan is totally unprepared with
AA defences."
G-3-82
Artificial Oil Industry, 7 February 1941
This report lists the artificial oil plants in operation
and under construction, commenting that they are considered
to be extremely disappointing to the Vapanese Government.
G-3-83
Airports, Landing Fields and Seadromes, 14 February 1941
This report gives a complete and verified alphabetical
list of airfields and seadromes in the Japanese Empire, (Less
China). Positions of airfields accompanied by brief
descriptions.
G-3-84
Main Steam, Hydro-electric Power Stations and Transmission
Systems, 26 February 1941
This report, together with enclosed charts, maps,
descriptions and views of the main power plants, indicates
that the bombing of power stations and reservoir dams "will
produce the most marked effect in Japanese war materials
production."
DIS (c)
Japanese Forces Available for Attack, February, 1941
This dispatch lists various Army and Navy forces available
for attack on Malaya and Netherlands East Indies, which might
total thirty divisions.
G-3-85
Naval Budget, 10 March 1941
This report presents the Naval section of the budget,
fiscal year 1941-42, indicating the following trends:
1. Amounts for ship construction have been increased 45
per cent under the ordinary account, and 18 per cent
under the extraordinary account.
2. Amounts for additions and improvements to naval
stations have been increased.
3. Amounts for expanding the naval air force have increased
only 5 per cent, but research expenses have increased
300 per cent.
4. The basic general budget has increased 20 per cent. To
this must be added supplementary and extraordinary
accounts.
-13-
T
G-3-86
National Defence Security Bill, 11 March 1941
This report contains the provisions of the National
Defence Security Bill, designed to unify national opinion
and to stop foreign propaganda and espionage.
G-3-87
Economic Mobilization, 12 March 1941
All economic resources of Japan, China, and Manchuria are
being mobilized, production of war materials and supplies is
being speeded up, labor is being regimented and re-allocated,
financial resources are being conscripted, foodstuffs are being
preserved and legislation enacted giving the Government sweeping
powers over all matters pertaining to national defence. The
greatest problem facing industry is that of finding sub-
stitutes for American scrap iron.
G-3-88
Importation of German Motors, 19 March 1941
German planes and engines checked at Harbin, enroute to
Japan, including Heinkel HE 111, Junkers J.U. 88, Messerschmidt
ME 109. Machine tools and technicians believed being carried
to Japan aboard the "Asaka" for construction of prototypes in
Japan.
G-3-89
Budget - Fiscal Year 1941-1942, 22 March 1941
This report contains the basic general budget, the
supplementary budget and extraordinary accounts; it also has
8. summary of Army and Navy budgets.
G-3-90
Civil Aviation, 24 March 1941
This report reveals that the large appropriation for civil
aviation is presumably for the purpose of training pilots and
improving the aviation facilities for the military services.
G-3-91
Shipping Protection Law, 23 April 1941
This report states that the Shipping Protection Law is
designed to: (b) Enable the Navy Dept. to issue orders
to merchant vessels in regard to navigation, anchorages,
cargo, crews, passengers, etc. (c) Place merchant shipping
under Naval control as regards shipping facilities, crews, etc.,
in time of war
-14-
G-3-92
Decline of Japanese Steel Industry, 28 May 1941
Quotes Hirao, head of the Iron and Steel Control
Association, who said "the efficiency of blast furnaces and
open hearths in Japan is on the decline, and the business of
iron and steel manufacturing is steadily becoming more
unfavorable". (3)
G-3-93
Recent Shipping Conditions in Japan, 2 June 1941
Summary by N.A. says: "Commercial shipbuilding is falling
far behind schedule, with the scrap iron and materials
shortages important factors, altho metals are being diverted to
war industries. Building maintains a fairly sound character,
with welding inferior to American. Ship repairs are being
greatly skimped."
DIS (c)
Importation of German Motors, June, 1941
Reliable reports state that seventy Daimler-Benz and fifty
Junkers-Juno aircraft engines have reached Japan via Trans-
Siberian railroad.
G-3-94
Japanese Naval Oil Storage, 27 June 1941
Indicates capacity, location and details of Japanese
Naval oil storages at major bases and lists other naval oil
storage sites whose capacities are unknown. Total stocks on
hand in Japan are stated to be in vicinity of 10,000,000 tons
with an annual consumption rate of 5,000,000 tons.
G-3-95
Military Mobilization, 29 July 1941
Eyeing European developments, Japan has mobilized 750,000
men to strike north or south when the opportunity presents
itself.
G-3-96
Communications Ministry Survey, October, 1939, 6 August 1941
Lists number of ships and gross tonnages of 10 largest
Japanese shipping companies.
G-3-97
Japanese Naval Building Program, 21 August 1941
Except in the cases of capital ships whose requirements
for 16 inch armor plate cannot be met by depleted stores of
steel ingots, naval building program is very satisfactory,
according to Masanori Ito, Counsellor of Domei News Agency and
highly respected writer on military affairs. (5)
-15-
National conference of technicians believes that Japan
has reached a point where iron and steel makers in Japan will
be able to carry on their business even if ore supplies are cut
off from Philippines and Malaya. (7)
G-3-98
Population: 1940 Census, 5 September 1941
This report presents census figures for population of
Japan, Chosen, Taiwan, Karafuto, Kwantung Leased Territory and
the Japanese Mandated Islands: a total of 105,226,101, and an
increase of 6,300,000 since 1935. Japanese Govt. has drawn
up plans for increase of birthrate to make Japanese birth-rate
highest in world.
DIS (c)
Japanese Air Strength, September, 1941
This dispatch gives summary of 1 July aviation estimates.
DIS (s)
Battleship Construction, November, 1941
It is reported that a 40,000 ton Battleship has been
recently commissioned, and another is expected to be
commissioned by the end of this year, both carrying nine 16-
inch guns. Construction of 2 Pocket Battleships also is
reported.
-16-