In response to the fire at the Reichstag, after being asked by newly appointed Chancellor Hitler, President Hindenburg issued a decree yesterday suspending several German Civil Liberties. It goes into effect immediately and would be so until further notice.The decree, officially called Verordnung des Reichspräsidenten zum Schutz von Volk und Staat (Order of the Reich President for the Protection of People and State), suspends Article 48 of the German Constitution. Many of the Liberties that have been suspended are the freedom of opinion, Habeas Corpus, Freedom to assemble, Freedom of the press, Freedom, Privacy of Postal, telegraphic and telephonic communications, and warrants being necessary. In addition, property rights have been restricted and the government's ability to confiscate property have been loosened.
In the further articles 2 and 3 of the decree, the Reich government was granted powers normally accorded federal states. Further articles 4 and 5 set out strict penalties such as capital punishment for arson to public buildings. Article 6 of the declaration stated that the decree went into affect at proclamation.
The fire occurred six days prior to scheduled parliamentary elections. This election was set after Hitler's appointment to the Chancellorship. He urged the President to dissolve the Parliament and set these elections.
