DANZIG CALL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20032, 2 September 1939, Page 5

DANZIG CALL

BACK TO REICH SWASTIKA FLOWN FOERSTER’S DECLARATION REALISATION OP HOPES WELCOME BY FUEHRER IMMEDIATE REUNION (Eloc. Tel. Copyright—United Proll Assn.) (Reed. Sept. 2, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 1. The Exchange company reports that the Nazi leader in Danzig, Herr Foerster, proclaimed that Danzig has returned to the Reich. The Berlin radio announces that Herr Foerster communicated the following proclamation to Herr Hitler: “My Fuehrer. I have just signed the constitutional law concerning the reunion of Danzig with the Reich as from September 1 and have put it in force. I express the need of the people of the SUite of the Free City in the following constitutional law:

“Article I.—The constitution of the Free City of Danzig is cancelled with immediate effect.

“Article ll.—All legislative and executive power is in the hands o| the head of the State,

“Article lll.—The Free City, with its territory and pcpu.ation, shall immediately form part of the terri;ory of the German Reich.

“Article IV. —Until the Fuehrer makes a definite decision about the introduction of German law, all legal provisions of th.e constitution remain in force as at present.

“I ask you, my Fuehrer, in the name of Danzig and its population to agree to this constitutional law and to carry out the incorporation. The eternal gratitude and everlasting faith of Danzig is devotedly pledged to you.” Accepted Into Reich. The Berlin correspondent of the i Associated Press of America says that Herr Hitler has accepted Danzig into the Reich. ■The Berlin correspondent of the United Press of America says that Herr Hitler announced that the Reich law i? effective in Danzig immediately. Herr Hitler replied to Herr Foerster: "I acknowledge your proclamation of the return of the Free City to the Reich. I thank you, my gautleiter, and all Danzigers for the loyalty which you have displayed for so many years. Greater Germany welcomes you with joy in her heart. The law of reunion will be enacted forthwith. I appoint you Herr Foerster, chief of the civil administration of the Danzig territory.” Herr Foerster issued the following proclamation to the people of Danzig:—

“Men and women of Danzig. The hour you have been longing for for 20 years has come. This day Danzig has returned to the Reich. Our Fuehrer has freed us. Swastika Flying

“The swastika flag is flying for the first time from public buildings in Danzig. It also flies from former Polish buildings and everywhere m the harbour, the towers, of the ancient town hall and Saint Mary s Church.

“Danzig’s bells ring the hour of liberation. We thank God that he gave the Fuehrer the power and opportunity of freeing us from the evil of 'the Versailles dictate. We Danzigers are happy to be able to become citizens of the Reich. We wish to stand together in this solemn hour and stretch 'out the hand to take the solemn oath to the Fuehrer to do everything in our power for the glorious Greater Germany. Long live German Danzig. Long live the German Fatherland.

The German radio announcer states that Herr Foerster called on the League Commissioner, Dr. Burck-hardt, who later left Danzig with hi s staff. The swastika flag was hoisted over the League Commission’s office.