Berlin, Nov. 1. that General Gerd von Rundstedt, General Ludwig Beck, Chief of the German General Staff, had retired at his own request, stated an official announcement by Herr Hitler yesterday.
Recently, there had been persistent rumours that General Beck had either resigned or been relieved of his duties, and it was stated that he had opposed the plan for the military occupation of Czechoslovakia. These rumours, however, were officially denied.
It was also announced yesterday Commander-in-Chief of the Ist Army Corps, had been placed on the retired list at his own request.
General Balder will succeed General Beck, while General von Bock succeeds General von Rundstedt.
Herr Hitler has sent General Beck a personal letter of thanks for his devoted services during a long and honourable career, adding that the present high standard of the German Army has been due largely to the efforts of the retiring Chief.
Other military appointments include that of General Eberhardt
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.