Page Two
THE
France Willing to Admit
Exodus Jews If They Agree
PARIS (JTA) — The French
Government announced that it
has replied favorably to the latest
British proposal that the Exodus
Jews be admitted to France from
the British zone in Germany.
The announcement emphasized
that the admission to France is
conditional upon the agreement
of the refugees. The French Gov-.
ernment, also stipulated that the
admission of the. immigrants not
be considered a precedented for
subsequent admission of other
displaced persons from Germany.
Official circles interpreted the
French reply to mean that the
refugees would not be accepted
by France if Britain uses force
to disembark them at Hamburg.
A Reuter correspondent cabled
"the tension of the long odyssey
is beginning to fray the immi-
grants' nerves." He also reports
that members of the British crew
are "fed up" and several plan
to quit at Hamburg. Meanwhile,
the Ministry of Transport denied
repofts that the crew of the
Ocean Vigor had refused to sail
the ship from Gibraltar.
Nazi Camp Leader
Sentenced to Death
WARSAW, (J T A) — Joseph
William Blum, former command-
er of the Radom Ghetto, was
sentenced to death by a court in
that city. Blum pleaded that he
was only following orders, but
LONDON (JTA) — The three several Jewish survivors testified
British ships returning the 4,400 to his brutality. The presiding
Exodus refugees to Germany con- justice declared that Blum was
tinued on their journey to Ham- directly responsible for the death
burg.
of more than 20,000 Jews.
Odyssey Continues
Purely Commentary
By PHILIP SLOMOVITZ
Disunity in Zionist Ranks
Even the most optimistic and the most sanguine admit that there
is a deplorable state of disunity in Zionist ranks. The debates at the
meetings of the Actions Committee in Zurich proved that the very
sharp differences of opinion on major issues, especially the attitudes
on terrorism, may rend the movement asunder.
One man in this country understands the situation better than
any one else. He is Louis Lipsky. He is not the eldest Zionist states-
man. but, as we have maintained for a very long
time, he is the most understanding and the ablest
analyst of problems affecting Palestine. Two weeks
ago, when he wrote his article on "The Issues at
Zurich," a resume of which appeared in our col-
umns last week, he predicted that "the question of
resistance will create the 'crisis' at Zurich. It will
break the Executive, and compel a new alignment
of forces. Zurich will be called upon to correct the
mistakes of Basle. And what Zurich will do will
determine to a large extent the road Zionism must
take from now on."
The extreme, militant stand taken by officials
in General Zionist ranks in the United States
L. Lipsky .
points to a hard road ahead for the solution awaited by Mr. Lipsky.
We may have much more trouble than we either expected or can
afford before the arrival of the final solution.
JEWISH NEWS
Truman Concerned
Over Discrimination
In Visas for DPs
Friday, September 5, 1947
Leon Blum Assails British
Brutality in Exodus Case
By LEON BLUM
WASHINGTON. (JTA) —
President Truman has brought
to the attention of the Depart-
ment of Justice the fact that
its Immigration Service is not
making full use of the quotas
available to potential immi-
grants who can comply with
the existing immigration reg-
ulations, it was revealed by
Rep. Adolph Sabath, of Illi-
nois.
During a visit to the White
House, Sabbath told the Pres-
ident that officials of the Im-
migration Service are discrim-
inating against displaced per-
sons. The President expressed
concern over this information.
President Truman also re-
iterated his support of the
Stratton Bill, now pending in
Congress, which provides for
the admission of 400,000 dis-
placed persons to the United
States within a period of four
years. He emphasized that the
United States will take an ac-
tive interest in the Palestine
question before the UN.
4 DPs Charged
With Beating GIs
Standing Trial
ANSBACH, Germany, (JTA)-
The trial of four Jewish DPs
charged with assaulting two
American soldiers at a camp near
here opened on Aug. 28. The sol-
diers admitted that they had been
drinking the night of the inci-
dent in a club where there had
also been talk of "DP hunting."
Denying that they had been
drunk, they said they had gone,
individually, towards the camp
when they heard a commotion
there. One soldier declared that
DPs grabbed him and took him
into the camp but did not molest
Hats Off to the N. Y. Post and to Justice Pecora
Col. Eugene N. Sanctuary, an avowed anti-Semite, sued the him. The other testified, however,
New York Post for libel. He was referred to as an "American that he had been struck several
Quisling" and it fell to the lot of N. Y. Supreme Court Justice times after having been seized.
Ferdinand Pecora to hand down a decision. Justice Pecora ruled
Neither of the witnesses could
that the Post's exposes of anti-Semites were "substantially within identify any of the defendants as
the boundaries of the truth."
Justice Pecora's decision is history-making. In a comprehensive having participated in the "ab-
duction."
resume of the case, he stated quite clearly that—
(One-time Prime Minister
of France)
It is in keeping with the tem-
perament of the British people
to insist on the enforcement of
law and order no matter what the
cost. British policy then becomes
in the real sense
of the word,
merciless. 0 n e
ought to try to
understand this
state of mind.
Bpt, on the oth-
er hand, our
British friends
ought to try to
understand u s ,
too. They should
take stock in
Leon Mum
their conduct towards the emig-
rants of "Exodus 1947" who clan-
destinely embarked in France.
British Prestige No Factor
What they did was in defiance
of the ldw—or rather, in defi-
ance of the British authorities.
But the prestige of the British
government cannot affect the con-
science of the world. The latter
is only aware of the considera-
tions of justice and mercy. All
that world opinion can see in
this case is the handful of Jews,
survivors of the Hitler massacres
whom victory has failed to liber-
ate. There is something in this
spectacle that is heart-breaking,
untenable, unsufferable. Indeed,
our British friends, can hardly
fail to see it, despite their deter-
mination to make the written law
prevail above all else.
The English began by intern-
Mg the unauthorized immigrants
on the island of Cyprus. Then
they decided to ship them back
"In the opinion of this court, the terms 'American quislings' and V. S.
Quislings' in the captions were intended to convey, and did convey to the
average reader, that the persons connected with such activities and propa-
ganda were—like the infamous Major Quisling of Norway, who collaborated
with his nation's invader—disloyal citizens of their country. Such refer-
ences to the plaintiff hold him up to hatred, scorn, obloquy and contempt.
Hence they are libelous per se (Seelman, Law of Libel, pa. 11); and if they
are not substantially true, their publication unless protected by privilege
would entitle plaintiff to damages. In their answer the defendants plead
the truth, as well as certain other and partial defenses."
Army Condemns
Camp, But DPs
Won't Move Out
His analysis of the case and his conclusion, forming a most
FRANKFORT. (JTA), — Army
scholarly review of race hatred and the responsibilities which people
owe to their fellow men in avoiding injustice, should give courage authorities have condemned the
to all who are fighting for decency. To quote briefly from Justice Ainring DP Camp, neat Bad
Pecora's decision:
Reichenhall, as a health and fire
"It is not necessary to take up arms against one's country in order
hazard and ordered its 3000 Jew-
to betray it or encompass its ruin. The history of the world shows that
the sowing of racial and religious prejudices among a people is often the
ish refugee occupants to move to
prelude to the seizure and overthrow of its government. Indeed, that was
the Lechfeld Camp, near Lands-
the very pattern successfully followed by Hitler in Germany. In our own
time it has also been demonstrated that such discords render a nation
berg.
easier of conquest by a foreign power bent upon its domination.
The Ainring camp committee
"The late World War yielded many unhappy evidences of the effec-
tiveness of fifth columnists and their native allies in preparing a country
announced that they were op-
for seizure. Their formidable weapon was shown to be propaganda subtly
posed to the tranalk.r and pointed
planned to divide its people, thereby undermining their confidence in their
government and weakening their support of it. It was precisely that kind
out that the mom should have
of vicious propaganda to which the plaintiff diligently devoted himself
been made a year ago. Nov. as a
during our country's gravest crisis.
"Wise and far-visioned were the builders of our Republic. They bed-
result of the efforts and sacrifices
rocked its government upon a Constitution inspirited with the eternal
of the refugees, schools and a
verity that all men are created equal.
That constitution grants to all persons, regardless of race, color or
synagogue have been established
creed, equality before the law. It guarantees to them freedom of speech,
and the conditions made some-
of the press, of worship and of assembly. It places adequate safeguards
around their persons,-property and homes.
what tolerable.
"Attracted by these basic principles, men and women from every land
Army authorities are insisting
have come to our shores, and have here planted their roots with perman-
that the Ainring facilities are sub-
ence. Throughout the generations they have faithfully toiled with its
native sons and daughters, to make America what it is today,—the world's
standard. Jewish authorities re-
finest exemplar of representative democracy,—the land of equal rights
port that "while external condi-
and opportunity.--the country where the human personality may attain
its loftiest dignity.
tions are unsatisfactory, living
"When America was challenged in the late world war by democracy's
accommodations are excellent."
foes, her defenders rallied from every City and hamlet, black and white,
Jews and Gentile, Catholic and Protestant, rich and poor, native-born and
foreign-born,—but Americans all,—they worked and fought and died
shoulder to shoulder to preserve our country and its ideals.
"Their unity of spirit and sacrifice won for us the vital victories of
war. That same unity will win for ns the not less important victories of
peace. He who would disrupt the unity would destroy the free institutions
of America.
"That unity is imperiled by those who, like the plaintiff, array class
Truman Sends Message
On Touro Dedication
WASHINGTON. (JTA)—Pres-
ident Truman sent a message to
the Jewish Congregation at New-
port, R. I., congratulating it on the
dedication of historic Touro Syn-
for they ruthlessly trample upon its constitution. They are false to their
professed Christianity when, in their hooded and blind bigotry, they fo-
agogue as a national shrine.
ment racial or religions hatreds; for it was the Founder of Christianity
"It is fortunate that the vener-
who taught that love of God and love of neighbor are the two great Divine
commandments.
able fabric of this synagogue,
"Our constitution cannot enforce itself. Hence eternal vigilance Is
opened Dec. 2, 1763," Mr. Tru-
still the price of our liberties. To enlighten and arouse the people to the
dangers which threaten those liberties, both from within and without
man's message read, "is still in
our gates, is the constant duty of an alert and courageous prem. It is
use and admired by all lovers of
equally the solemn obligation of every citizen who values the priceless
heritage of our constitutional rights.
good architecture. The setting
"This court is satisfied, by overwhelming evidence. that in ihiblishing
apart of this historic shrine as a
the matter complained of in this case the defendants discharged that high
duty."
national monument is symbolic of
This is more than a routine verdict in a case involving freedom our tradition of freedom which
of the press and civil liberties. It complements the great record of has inspired men and women of
traditional Americanism and supplements the rich literature which every creed, race and ancestry to
formed the foundation for freedom in America.
The N. Y. Post, through its fearlessness, and Justice Pecora, for contribute their highest gifts to
his thorough objectivity and his scholarly review of a significant case, the development of our national
culture."
have earned the gratitude of all Americans.
against class, creed against creed, and race against race. It is jeapordised
by those who. like the plaintiff, would deprive the humblest citizen, be-
cause of his race, color or creed, of an]' of the constitutional rights guar-
anteed to all in equal measure.
"Those who participate in such movements are traducers of America,
The French Position
The logic of the British opera-
tion dictated the use of force in
compelling the emigrants to dis-
embark on French soil: The
French 'government, however,
withheld its consent and co-oper-
ation. Our British friends must
understand that the French gov-
ernment could not act otherwise.
I have openly stated, some
months ago, what I think of the
terror in Palestine. I think the
English themselves are largely
responsible for it. Nonetheless,
I condemn it unreservedly. In
the controversy between the ter-
rorist organizations and the rep-
resentatives of Palestine Jewry
and the Zionist Movement, I am
definitely on the side of the lat-
ter. But the passengers on the
Exodus" are not terrorists, they
are just martyrs.
The Palestine problem will not
be solved by revolt, much less
by obstinate repression. This
problem, like so many others,
is now before the UN. In Heav-
en's name, let there be no more
stalling. Too many thousands of
unfortunates still remain behind
German enclosures. Delay has al-
ready caused too much suffering,
and blood has already engender-
ed too many hatreds. Like the
world in general, Palestine needs
peace, and there can be no stable
peace but a just peace.
-
(Copyright. 1947, independent
Jewish Press Service, Inc.l
Strictly Confidential
By PHINEAS J. BIRON
• • •
—
to their points of embarkation,
and that is how the Exodus came
to a French port. The passengers
were told that if • they disembark
of their own good will, they would
find a welcome hospitality on
French soil. They turned down
the offer.
(Copyright, 1947, Seven Arts Feature Syndicate)
Ws
Happening Here
The Georgia Tribune of Columbus, Ga.. which has a circulation
of 30,000, is carrying on an intensive anti-Semitic campaign . . . It
is published and edited by Jack Johnston, who calls himself Parson
Johnston even though he is no clergyman ... The Tribune has taken
up the cudgels for Homer Loomis, leader of the Fascist Columbians
.. Loomis has been convicted, as you remember, but is out on bail,
having appealed the. verdict . . . Although under bond, he has not
discontinued his anti-democratic, anti-Semitic propaganda . .
Johnston's Tribune is attacking the Atlanta police department for
preventing Loomis from holding public meetings ... Under the cir-
cumstances it was but natural for a number of Jewish businessmen
to withdraw their advertisements from the Tribune . . . And now
'Parson" Johnston is raising the cry that the Jews of Georgia are
attempting to gag the freedom of the press . . . Yes, this is happen-
ing in our country—and can happen only because there is no Federal
law outlawing anti-Semitism.
7
•
•
•
In Memoriam
Senator Theodore G. Bilflo did not expiate his sins because he
died ... Nor does his death sanctify him . . . But if you read the AP
dispatches about his death and the obituary recounting his career
you may well have gained the impression that one of America's
greatest democrats had passed away . . . The memorial sermon
preached by the Rev. Mr. Nix had as its text: "I have fought the
good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept my faith." . .
Now the Reverend Nix certainly went too far .. . The American
public will remember Bilbo in the same sense as the Norwegians
remember Quisling . . . Bilbo will stand in the annals of American
history as a stubborn bigot whose death cannot whitewash his shame-
ful democratic record . . . It is frightful to know that a man of God
is endeavoring to keep Bilboism alive.
•
•
Secret Publication
Even if you are very much interested in reading "Fascism in
Action," issued by the Libary of Congress, you're out of luck . . .
This 200-page book, which is said to give a clear ,picture of the
growth of Fascism throughout the world, was published in an edition
of only 500 copies . . . Not even enough to supply all the members
of Congress . . . We find it rather difficult to understand why thq
book was published at all if it's intended to remain a secret.
•
•
•
Miscellany
Meyer Levin's motion picture on Palestine, "My Father's House,"
which is being unveiled this week, is the best movie ever produced
in Palestine . . . It has a real human story, and wonderful photog-
raphy.
Edward G. Robinson, movie star, is contemplating a trip to Pal-
estine . . . So is Paul Muni.
Billy Rose, impresario and columnist, would like to start s
movement to bring 5,000 children of DPs to this country ... He says
that the minors in the European DP camps are physically and
psychologically doomed unless they are gotten out forthwith.
Robert Young's five-minute speech against anti-Semitism in the
movie "Crossfire" will be issued as a record.
John Gunther's "Inside USA" gives hardly any attention to
minority problems in this country.
Mrs. Franz Werfel, widow of the great German Jewish writer,
wants to deny the persistent rumors that she is about to ac4uire a
new husband.
Man of Spirit
Congratulations to Dr. Arthur A. Abramson on his 34th birthday
...Dr. Abramson, a native of Montreal, works in the Medical Re-
habilitation division at the Bronx Veterans' Hospital . . . He is a
veteran himself ... In the Battle of the Bulge he got a sniper's
bullet in his spine and lost the use of his legs . . . Abramson is a
genius in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation . . . He
is the invetor of new methods in medical therapy - . .-. And he does
all his work from a wheelchair. A unique example of the spirit over-
coming the weakness of the flesh ... We salute you, Dr. Abramson.