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Hitler’s “battle of the Marne”: German Democratic Press Rejoices After Combined Hitlerists and Hugen

February 12, 1931
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Hitler’s Battle of the Marne and Hitler’s Retreat from the Marne is the way the Democratic and Social Democratic Press describe to-day the heavy defeat sustained in the early hours of this morning by the combined Hitlerists, Hugenberg German Nationals and Communists, who were able to put up only 160 votes in the Reichstag against the new Parliamentary procedure introduced by the Government to put a stop to the obstructionist tactics of these Parties, and carried by 300 votes.

The Hitlerist Vice-President of the Reichstag, Deputy Stoehr, read out a declaration in the name of his Party that they would no longer take part in the sittings because the majority had muzzled them.

The Hitlerists then rose in a body and left the Reiohstag, shouting “To Arms”, and the Nationals led by Hugenberg, followed them. The Nationals are coming back, however, but the Hitlerists, according to Herr Stoehr’s declaration, intend to stay away permanently, boycotting Parliament and concentrating on outside propaganda.

In some quarters it is feared that their action may mean preparations for a Putch, which would result in Civil war, but the general belief is that Hitlerism has reached its peak and that the withdrawal from Parliament is an acknowledgement of defeat, and of their inability to achieve anything.

The new rules of procedure which have been adopted by the Reichstag provide also for the withdrawal of Parliamentary immunity in certain cases, enabling the authorities to prosecute for incitement and violence about 60 Hitlerists and Communists who were previously immune by virtue of the fact that they are Deputies.

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