7.   GENERAL NYE states "There was a general feeling of confidence in MOSCOW and morale
of the army was high.  MARSHAL SHAPODHNIKOV (CGS) appeared to be clear headed,
capable staff officer with all the qualities of a commander whereas GENERALS TIMOSHENKO
and VOROSHILOV although they had great drive and energy did not repeat not impress him as
having much intellect or general ability.  STALIN'S confidence struck a more sober note and in
private conversation he stated that Russia's strength would be so improved that he thought it
impossible that war might be over by autumn 1942.  GENERAL NYE felt that the Russians were
inclined to over estimate not so much their resources as their military skill vis-a-vis the Germans
and that they are only likely to obtain striking successes offensively if the morale of the German
army cracks.
 
     Following is a summary of GENERAL MASON MACFARLANE's report on his visit to
16 th Division of 5th Army on the MOZHAISK sector 26th to 28 th January.
 
     General Situation-   5th Army attacking on 37 mile front astride MOSCOW SMOLESK
Road 6 miles east of GZATSK.  Considerable resistance especially in centre where Germans hold
positions in considerable depth which they clearly intended holding.  5th Army apparently intend
to maintain pressure on centre while right wing conforms to southerly movement by next army on
right.
 
     Climatic Conditions- Temperature minus 40 degrees Farenheit and snow 2 feet 6 inches in
open country and from 3 to 5 feet in forests.  Medium and heavy tanks can get across country
slowly and with difficulty.  Calvary, Artillery and Infantry largely confined to proximity of roads.
 
     German Defensive Tactics- Germans hold towns and villages linke up by small defended
localities.  In retirement Germans empoly tanks and anti-tank guns on all roads leading to their
positions.  Before withdrawing everything in scorched.  On front of 5th Army are five infantry and
one Panzer divisions, latter's tanks being distributed among all divisions.
 
     Russian Offensive Tactics- Consist chiefly of infiltration of Infantry and Ski Troops. 
Latter work round defended localities and pin down garison while infantry attack.  Russians do lot
of night fighting at which they excel.  Russian Artillery was deployed in depth along main road.
 
     Air- German activity on this front almost negligible while Russians showed considerable
activity.
     
     Russian Commissariat- Troops had not blankets but their clothing provided adequate
protection.  All troops wear felt not leather boots.  Endeavors made always to provide two hot
meals a day also have haversack ration.
 
     Miscellaneous- All German light tanks have been withdrawn.  Prisoners interrogated by
GENERAL MACFARLANE were ill-clad and depressed.  GENERAL MACFARLANE much
impressed by senior Commanders and Commissars, also by group of partisans he met.