Hitler 's Army Chief resigns . Hidden conflict between Hitler and the German Army Chief is said to be behind the resignation of General von Hammerstein head of the German Reichswehr , a struggle between the Prussian aristocracy who are mainly officers in the Reichswenr and the Nazi chiefs . General von Hammerstein was a close personal friend of ex - Chancellor General von Schleicher who was turned out by the Nazi leaders . Photo shows ; General von Hammerstein shaking hands with an athlete . 28 December 1933