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Economic Warfare.
5
14. During the week 1,821 tons of cargo destined for Germany were seized in prize. The main items include 336 tons of base metals, 122 tons of non-metallic minerals, 348 tons of food-stuffs, 414 tons of hides and leather, and 469 tons of wood pulp.
On the 20th February there were 26 neutral ships in the Contraband Control bases in the United Kingdom, of which 23 had been there for five days or less. This total included 14 Dutch, 3 Norwegian, 2 Italian, 2 Swedish, 2 Danish and 1 Greek.
283
Western Front.
MILITARY SITUATION.
15. There was a slight increase in German activity during the week. Several minor attacks, usually preceded by artillery and mortar fire, were launched on French posts without success.
Germany.
16. No information has been received of major rail or road movements during the week. Reports have, however, been received relating to the period the 1st-9th February. They indicate a general westward trend, mainly towards Aachen. It is reported that considerable quantities of heavy artillery have been transferred to Aachen and also to Eifel and the Saar.
The distribution of German divisions is now believed to be as follows:—
Area.
Western Theatre
Central Germany
Baltic Coast including Corridor·
and East Prussia
Poland (excluding Corridor)
1
Bohemia-Moravia ...
1
Austria
1
Cav.
1
Armd.
Lt.
Mot.*
5
3
5
Inf. Min. 86
Total.
Min. 100
Max. 96
Max. 110
2
Min. 5
Min.
7
Max. 15
Max. 17
10
10
19
20
6
7
2
3
Slovakia
Totals
**
2
6
4
Including three Police and S.S. Divisions.
7
138
157
Slovakia.
17. Malacky training camp, north of Bratislava, is the only locality where a concentration of German troops is reported, the number being given as the equivalent of a division. It is also reported that preparations are being made for billeting German troops on the Hungarian border and for accommodating a German Staff south-east of Zilinia.
Hungary.
18. The strength of the Hungarian Army remains at 200,000-250,000, compared with approximately 330,000 during the mobilization in August- September 1939. This is considerably in excess of the peace strength, which normally totals 130,000 all ranks, including aviation, gendarmerie and River Guards.
Soviet Union.
19. Further reports reflect the unsatisfactory morale and discipline of troops not engaged on the Finnish fronts and mention serious trouble among the Estonian garrisons. It is said that the morale of the officer corps in Trans- Caucasia is low, and that officers fear that a drastic purge will follow the failures in Finland. It is also reported that fortification work in Trans-Caucasia has been stopped, and that mechanised equipment is being sent to the Finnish front from units in Western Russia and Lithuania.
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