Appeal by the central council of the SPD and the SPD fraction at the Reichstag of 31 January 1933
Source: J. Becker (Hg.), Hitlers Machtergreifung, (Muenchen, 1983), p. 34
Working People! Republicans! The Harzburg Front has risen again in the Hitler-Papen-Hugenberg government. The enemies of the working class, who until a few days ago fought each other vehemently, have joined forces in combat against the working class for a reactionary, capitalist…consolidation. These times demand the unity of all working people to fight against the joint forces of the enemy; they require the employment of all our strength. Our struggle will be fought on the field of the constitution. We will use all means to defend the political and social rights of the people, which are guaranteed by the constitution and the law, against any assault. Any attempt by the government to use its might against the constitution will meet with the forceful resistance of the working class and all circles of the people who cherish freedom. All forces must be prepared for this fight. Undisciplined actions by individual organisations or groups at their own initiative can cause severe damage to the working class. We therefore require an iron front. Only its commands are to be followed. Cold-bloodedness, determination, discipline, unity and unity again are the commands of these times.
