HERR FORSTER'S proclamation to the people of Danzig, as given over the German wireless, was as follows:-
(Translation.)
"Men and women of Danzig: The hour for which you have been longing for twenty years has come. This day Danzig has returned to the great German Reich. Our Führer, Adolf Hitler, has freed us.
"The Swastika flag, the flag of the German Reich, is flying to-day for the first time from the public buildings of Danzig. It also flies from the former Polish buildings, and everywhere in the harbour, the towers of the ancient town hall and St. Mary's Church. The bells ring in Danzig's hour of liberation.
"We thank our God that He gave the Führer the power and the opportunity of freeing us from the evil of the Versailles Diktat. We Danzigers are happy to be able to become now citizens of the Reich. Men and women of Danzig, we wish to stand together in this solemn hour and stretch out our hand and take a solemn oath to the Führer to do everything that lies in our power for our glorious Greater Germany. Long live German Danzig, which has been liberated and returned again to the Reich! Long live our great German fatherland!"
Herr Forster also sent the following telegram to Herr Hitler:-
(Translation.)
"My Führer, I have just signed the following constitutional law concerning the reunion of Danzig with the Reich, and I have put it into force:-
"The constitutional law concerning the reunion of the Free City of Danzig with the German Reich from September 1:-
"Article 1. The Constitution of the Free City of Danzig is cancelled with immediate effect.
"Art. 2. All legislative and executive power is in the hands of the head of the State.
"Art. 3. The Free City of Danzig with its territory and population shall immediately form part of the territory of the German Reich.
"Art. 4. Until the Führer makes a definite decision about the introduction of German Reich law, all legal provisions of the Constitution remain in force as they are at the moment of the issue of this constitutional law.
"I ask you, my Führer, in the name of Danzig and its population, to agree to this constitutional law and to carry out the re-incorporation of Danzig by a law of the German Reich. The eternal gratitude and everlasting faith of Danzig is devotedly pledged to you, my Führer."
Herr Hitler sent the following telegram in reply:-
(Translation.)
"I accept the proclamation of the Free State of Danzig concerning the return to the German Reich.
"I thank you, Gauleiter Forster, and all Danzig men and women for the resolute loyalty which you and they have preserved for so many years. Greater Germany greets you with overflowing heart. The law for reunion is ratified forthwith. I appoint you herewith as head of the civil administration of Danzig."