THE GERMAN GENERALS' GUILT
S1R,—Referring to Field-Marshal von Rundstedt's alleged remarks about Germany's surrender, mentioned by " Janus." Attempts by German generals to exonerate the Army at the expense of the politicians are to be expected. But who then is mainly responsible for putting these politicians into the saddle? In the years before Hitler's .advent actual power was in the hands of the Army Commanders. Above all in those of Field-Marshal von• Ilindenburg, C.-m-C. of the Army, and of General von Rundstedt, Commander-in-Chief of Group Command I, responsible for Berlin.
It was to the Army and in the first place to Generals von Hindenburg and Rundstedt that all democratic and pacifist elements in Germany looked for the salvation of the country. Yet, in July, 1932, under a flagrant breach of the constitution, the legal, democratic Government of Prussia was arrested by General von Rundstedt. After a brief period Field-Marshal von Hindenburg opened the door wide to Adolf Hitler.
Moreover, the German generals have little to complain of Hitler, since in 1941 he gave them the greatest war insrument ever known, surpassing the Russians in tanks, aircraft and experience. It was com- manded by the best military leaders in Germany, including von Rundstedt himself, yet they lost the war in Russia, and their armies were afterwards cut to pieces in the West—Yours faithfully,
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