REICHSTAG GUTTED

Rotorua Morning Post, 1 March 1933, Page 5

REICHSTAG GUTTED

(Pressr, Assn.-

COMMUNIST SUSPECT ARRESTED BY POLICE. INCENDIARISM SUSPECTED.

— By Telegraph — Convrle"hr» .

Rec. Fehruary 28. Berlin, Feb. 27. Fire, attributed to incendiarism, heavily damaged the Reichstag tonight. The blaze was observed at 9 o'clock in the main hall, in which the 'Deputies meet. All Berlin's brigades were rushed to the scene. Flames and smoke were soon pouring from the hugh glass cupola surmounting the hall, carrying masses of sparlcs over a wide area. The flames were visible for miles. Crowds which flocked to the scene from all over Berlin were controlled by strong forces of mounted and f oot police, as they watched the thrilling spectacle. Brigades surrounded the vast building, which was illuminated with search lights. High ladders were erected and streams .of water poured in the seat of the fire. * Half Gutted. The outbreak was subdued at 10.45 p.m., but the building was half gutted. All the Deputies' seats, and the public galleries were destroyed. The iron pillars supporting the golden dome, were twisted out of shape. Firemen state that the first started in six heaps of documents ignited in different places. A man clad in trousers only was found in the building and arrested. It is alleged that he is a Dutch Communist. Herr Hitler, von Papen, Captain Goering, and Prince August Wilheim entered the Reichstag during the fire, Captain Goering assumed command of the police. It is thought the outbreak may be connected with the suspected arson .of the former Imperial Palace earlier in the day, when a blaze originating in an attic was quickly subdued.