FIGHTING IN GERMANY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 188, 11 August 1931, Page 7

FIGHTING IN GERMANY

A WARLIKE SITUATION

POLICE AND COMMUNISTS MANY CASUALTIES RESULT RIOTING NOW WELL IN HAND

[By Tplesraph—Press Association— Copyrigh'_.J Received Aug. 10. 6.20 p.m. BERLIN. Aug. 9. The plebiscite on the proposal to dissolve the Prussian Met has been marked bv an outbreak of violence in Berlin, which may even be termed open revolt. The police have been engaged in some serious fighting with Commun ists and many casualties arc reported The police believe that the outbreaks are the work of specially trained street fighting corps of Communists. The police have been ordered to fire at any open windows. They cleared the Bue low Platz bv midnight and stood guard with a red cross detachment behind them and searchlights playing on the approaches to the square. Dissolution Rejected It appears certain that the plebiscite for the dissolution of the Prussian Diet has failed. The figures thus far indi cate that only in a few districts in East Prussia. Pomerania, and Holstein more than 50 per cent, voted. Else uh rp the majority refrained. The plebiscite passed off most quietly, particularly in Berlin. Communists set fire to several advertising pillars in the streets. Other wise the dav passed without incident Throughout the day 70 arrests were made for obstruction and the distribution of forbidden leaflets. Reminiscent of Revolution. Although the day was quiet, late in the evening a serious situation develop ed and there were scenes reminiscent of the revolution. Four police are already reported killed by bullets of Communist demonstrator-/ At least eight demonstrators have been killed, but many were wound- »■ 1, and the number of dead rioters may be considerably more. The district around Bulow Platz, where the offices of the Red Flag and Communists have their headquarters, has been cut off, and armoured cars, machine guns and searchlights are guarding approaches. The police are breaking up all Communist meetings, but considerable firing can still be heard. Alexandra Platz is also the scene of sharp fighting, which continues in complete darkness. The Communists are tiring volley after volley from th** houses adjacent to Bulow Platz, which the police occupy. . Police searchlights are playing or suspected houses in order to ascertain where to attack.’ The police, with drawn revolvers, cleared Bulow Platz by marching out more than 1000 Communists with their hands raised. Latest reports state that 15 Communists are dead, but the casualties are doubtful, because most have been carried away to a secret first aid depot. Communists ferociously assaulted the Daily Express correspondent, believing him to be a Fascist. A later message states that the final figures show that out of 26,500,000 pos siblc votes, only 37 per cent, favoured the N rionalist referendum for a dis solution. The rioting in Berlin is now well ii hand and the police are making a house to-house search in the neighbourhood ol the Bulow Platz for armed Communists There is general relief in Germany at the news that the referendum had failed. It was felt if it succeeded foreign confidence in German stability would be shaken and the country plunged into chaos. EXPRESS DERAILMENT THE WORK OF FANATICS BERLIN. Aug. 9. Investigation reveals that the Bash express explosion hurled up severa The criminals connected the explo she by means of 200 yards of win with a buttery hidden in the bushes They also laid iron sleepers on the rail: in the event of the explosion failing The outrage is attributed to fanatics Although Nazi newspapers wen found fixed to neighbouring telegrapl pules, the Nazi officials deny complicity