POMP AND CEREMONY

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 348, 1 February 1937, Page 5

POMP AND CEREMONY

, CARNIVAL SPIRIT. Germany Was Honoured By Fuhrer’s Speech. Press Association—Copyright. Berlin, January 30. There was almost a carnival atmosphere in the frosLbound centre of the city for Herr Hitler’s appearance at the Reichstag. Evergreens and gilded emblems were everywhere. Even coke braziers were dotted along the kerbs to .keep the spectators warm. The route was lined with unbroken ranks of Black Guards and police, and secret police were posted on the roof of the Reichstag to keep watch for the Fuhrer’s safety.

Clad in a leather coat Herr Hitler began the day standing sphinx'ike in a motor-car and reviewing his 3000 six-footer bodyguard goose-stepping along the Wilhemstrasse, while scores of loud-speakers blared martial music.

School children left their beds early to have the importance of the occasion impressed on their minds. Dr. Goebbels, Minister of Propaganda, told them in a radio address that to be German is again to be honoured. Field-Marsha! Blomberg in a broadcast said: “What Herr Hitler has done for the armed forces places him in line with the greatest army creators in history.” Herr von Ribbentrop, Ambassador at London, contrasted the Anglo-Ger-man naval agreement with the Fran-co-Soviet pact. “We ask ourselves who has done the more for the stabilisation of peace,” he said. "We unhesitatingly continue on the road of amicable agreements with every nation willing to come to an understanding.” The Reichstag opened at 12.5 p.m. and re-elected General Goering President and extended Herr Hitler’s plenary powers for four years.