Fire Guts Reichstag - Hitler Claims Communist Plot

30 May 1932 - There are numerous questions surrounding the fire which gutted the Reichstag May 23. A figure was found inside by police who claimed responsibility for setting the fire. Sources have stated the young man is a member of the KPD. This was further substantiated by Reichstag President Göring who stated, "This is a Communist outrage! One of the Communist culprits has been arrested."

There has been increasing friction between the KPD and the NSDAP due to President Hitler's increasing rule by decree and his confirming of Hermann Göring and other National Socialists in cabinet positions virtually freezing the Communists out of government.

President Hitler has said he believes the arson to be part of a Communist plot to overthrow the government, a signal to enact a putsch. Because of this threat, he passed the Reichstag Fire Decree within 48 hours of the incident. Following this decree, thousands of KPD and SPD members were arrested throughout Germany.

The government is of the opinion that the situation is such that a danger to the state and nation existed and still exists to this day. As such, President Hitler has issued the Enabling Decree which will unite the offices of President and Chancellor into the post of Fuhrer and vest all legislative authority in the cabinet allowing for swift and immediate action in government against any and all enemies of the state.

SOURCE: Vossische Zeitung