-2-  #523, December 8, 8 p.m. (SECTION FIVE) from Moscow
     
chances that are always a concomitance of bold and successful military operations.
     The Commissars were in many instances almost completely without military training or
experience.  The system resulted in the control of the Red Army by Commissars and the
weakening of essential military leadership.
     All this has recently ben changed.  The Military Commissar system was abolished as of
October 10, 1942.  The need for single command has always been recognized, but a slow
transition is necessary.
     The Commissars are now subordinate to the Military Commanders.  Although they are
being given military rank they are designated assistants to the Military Commanders. The Military
Commanders now exercise fins (?) (*) in the execution of military missions.
     We were told that the unification of command has contributed greatly to the efficiency of
the military leadership of the Red Army.  Many of the former Military Commissars have had
experience in battle, had become effective military leaders, and have been commissioned as
officers in the Army.  In these cases the political duties have been transferred to newly appointed
Commissars, all of whom are subordinate to Military Commanders.