Police Clarify Position on Demonstrations

Berlin Police Headquarters released the following statement today to explain and clarify their position on public demonstrations approaching May 1st.
 
"Berlin, 28 April 1929
 
We expect the people of Berlin to respect the law. If they decide to demonstrate anyway they can expect to be treated as trouble makers and criminals. Certain elements in this city have announced that they will demonstrate anyway. The police have received reinforcements and will accept no disobedience; civilians will follow all orders given by the police or will have to deal with the consequences.
  
All parties have permission to gather and have their May First celebrations, as long as they are not held not outdoors. There is no reason to go out on the streets in groups unless the motive is to cause trouble and bring even more tension to our city.
  
Polizeipräsident Karl Friedrich Zörgiebel"
 
 
When asked to comment upon Police preparations for Sunday, Oberwachtmeister Danitz issued the following response.
 
"Our statement is that we will uphold the law. Since 1924 public demonstrations have been forbidden. There have no problems with this for the last 5 years. About six months ago a political gathering by the NSDAP ended in street fighting and several people died. After these horrible days our respected Polizeipräsident Karl Friedrich Zörgiebel made it clear that from 13 December 1928 onwards political gatherings in the open air would not be allowed. This decision has received massive support from the people in Berlin who generally are sick and tired of the many skirmishes in their city. This temporary law was created for the protection of the public and to keep peace."