BRITISH SECRET SERVICE BLAMED

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20958, 10 November 1939, Page 5

BRITISH SECRET SERVICE BLAMED

TERRIFIC BOMB EXPLOSION

SIX PERSONS KILLED, 60 INJURED

EXCITING SCENES SCREAMING MEN AND WOMEN (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Nov. 9 Apparently intended to kill Hitler, a time bomb exploded with terrific force at 9.35 last night in the Munich beer cellar, where the Fuehrer had attended a meeting in celebration of the 1923 Munich ‘'putsch.” It is officially stated from Munich that Hitler himself had left the hall some minutes earlier, having been summoned back to Berlin on important State business. His departure before the scheduled time thus perhaps saved his life. It was announced that six persons had been killed, and 60 injured, four women being included among the latter. Those killed were all members of the Nazi Old Guard. The Ministry of Propaganda says the casualties did not include prominent Nazis. Goebbels and Hess, the DeputyFuehrer, are believed to have left with Hitler. Von Ribbentrop and Goering did not attend the meeting. Reuter’s Paris correspondent says it is reported, but not confirmed, in 4 Munich that Hess was among those killed. An eye-witness said the explosion came from above the hall, either from the upper room or under its floor, indicating that the cause was a time bomb. The ceiling of the hall fell, burying some of the occupants under the debris. A Nazi guard said in an interview that while the audience was filing out there was suddenly a terrific explosion, and the ceiling collapsed on the screaming men and women. The police immediately took charge. The blackout was lifted in facilitate the rescue work. Many of those injured were in a serious condition. Telephone communication between Berlin and Munich was cut off for several hours after the explosion. An official Nazi statement says the explosion was inspired by foreign agents, and offers a reward of 500,000 marks for the discovery of the perpetrators. The official German news agency said clues pointed to the plot having originated abroad. It added that fanatical rage prevailed in Munich. The German press blames the British Secret Service for what is admitted to be an attempt on Hitler’s life. The Paris radio suggests that the Gestapo itself may have made the attempt. The incident created great confusion in Nazi propaganda circles and conflicting reports were issued before the official statement was made, blaming “foreign instigation” for the attempt. Great surprise has been caused by the incident, as Hitler’s guards have been increased since the war. This is the third explosion in Germany since the war started. The others, which caused little damage, occurred outside the Air Ministry and outside the police headquarters.