REICHSTAG FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1933, Page 5

REICHSTAG FIRE

HEAVY DAMAGE ARRESTED MAN’S CONFESSION. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) BERLIN, February 28. Fort ion', of the] ReicVstag Cupola lias- fallen into the desolated hall. The Reichstag lobbies, library, restaurant and party rooms escaped, though damaged by water. The damage' to the Reichstag is estimated a several hundred thousand marks. A Communist Party meeting was held in the building earlier in the evening. '*

Armoured cars patrolled tlie vicinity throughout the night. The police are also strongly guarding the Prussian Parliament Building.

COMMUNIST ADMITS OFFENCE

TWENTY ATTEMPTS MADE

BERLIN, February 28

In connection with the Reichstag fire, an' arrest has been made. The arrested man is a! Dutchman, named Van Der Lueqbbe, aged 24, who lias confessed to starting the fire, Luehbe was born at Leyden, Hol» land, whore lie was well-known, as a Communist. He said he had acted independently, and had used a petrolsoaked; shirt.

Traces were found of twenty attemps to start fires round the building, Rags, wood and chips soaked in petrol were used. • Just before the outbreak, a policeman) saw two suspects running from the building. He fired several shots but missed.

A RETALIATORY MEASURE.

COMMUNIST DEPUTIES . ARRESTED.

BERLIN, February 28. It .is suggested that the Reichstag fire was a Communist act in revenge for the closing of Karl Liebnecht House on February 27. The Communist leaders disclaim any guilt, declaring their party has always disapproved of incendarism.

The Minister, Goering, however, has ordered the arrest of all of the Communist Reichstag Deputies, numbering about one hundred.

Both the ordinary and the political police have been fully mobilized, and the possibility of the proclamation or martial law to-day in Berlin is being openly discussed.