GERMAN AFFAIRS

Southland Times, Issue 21930, 3 February 1933, Page 7

GERMAN AFFAIRS

REICHSTAG DISSOLVED NAZIS AND COMMUNISTS IN CONFLICT ' MANY CASUALTIES (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Berlin, February 1. President Hindenburg has signed a decree dissolving the Reichstag. An election will be held on March 5. Fighting occurred between the Nazis and Communists in most German cities last night. Several were killed and many injured. Many Communist newspapers have been suppressed for advocating a general strike. General von Schleicher vigorously denies that he contemplated a military coup d’etat and explains that he merelywarned the President that the return of Herr von Papen to the Chancellorship would mean virtually a declaration of war on nine-tenths of the population and would lead to struggles and the disintegration of the Army and the police.

HITLER AND CENTRE PARTY STREET FIGHTING CONTINUES. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Berlin, February 1. The best proof that Herr Hitler is wooing the Centre Party and is unsuccessful is the announcement that Herr Guertner retains the portfolio of Justice, which he held in the last Ministry. The gap had been left in the hope that a Centreist would take office. At the election an March 5 the Nazis and Nationalists will strive to gain sufficient seats to be independent of the Centreists. The police were powerless to quell the street fighting at Wernigerode, where Communist woodsmen, armed with axes, roughly handled the Nazis. The situation is critical. MUCH POLITICAL CRIME SIX MORE KILLED. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7.0 p.m.) Berlin, February 2. Hitler’s failure followed on the Centre Party’s refusal to approve of the Bill empowering the Government to “take measures regarded as necessary and urgent in view of the distress of the nation and people.” A considerable increase in political crimes has been reported throughout Germany during the last 24 hours. Rioting occurred in several towns, the Nazis in several instances assisting the police to restore order. There was a shooting affray at Homberg where two Nazis, two Communists and a policeman were killed. Another Nazi was stabbed to death in a street brawl at Lubeck between a Socialist Reichstag deputy and a Hitlerite. In consequence of the clashes the Nationalist newspapers are urging strong measures against the Reas, whom they accuse of working for a civil war.

PRUSSIAN DIET DISSOLVED

HITLER’S CONFIDENCE.

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7.30 p.m.) Berlin, February 1. Hindenburg’s order announcing the German general election was accompanied by a decision to dissolve the Prussian Diet. Both elections will take place on March 5. This drastic course suggests that Hitler is confident he will succeed in the bid for complete power. _ Simultaneously with the dissolution the chief of police at Berlin prohibited all Communist meetings and parades m the open air, allegedly in consequence of the Communist incitment to a general strike.