Millions of Germans, in their own country as well as in Austria and Czechoslovakia, listened in to the Fuehrer's speech. Most of them did so in their own homes, but those without radios assembled before loudspeakers at public halls, schools, squares, cinemas and restaurants.
Hours before Herr Hitler was scheduled to begin his speech, an order was issued to all hotels and restaurants forbidding guests to pay bills while the Fuehrer was speaking, so that all clients might listen undisturbed. Everyone was admonished to preserve a respectful deportment during the address.
Nazi deputies, in brown and black uniforms, assembled at the Kroll Opera House before noon for the meeting of the Reichstag The Reichstag was elaborately decorated. The general effects and lighting were prepared by a scenic artist. There was a huge gold-framed sun, surmounted by a German eagle with a 30-foot wingspread, shining behind Herr Hitler's head throughout the speech, while on the walls behind hung terracotta-coloured velvet decorated with the Swastika.
The proceedings were opened by Field Marshal Hermann Goering, whose official posts include those of Premier of Prussia, Reich Minister of
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.