Decree to Grant Jews Equality Rights Expected from Polish Government

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

An important improvement in the political and economic situation of the Jewish population in the Republic of Poland is expected to result from governmental decrees which are now being prepared by the Bartel government on the basis of the broad powers granted to it by parliament.

The expected decrees which will deal with the national minorities question in Poland will also affect the status of the Jews.

It was stated that the decrees will aim at solving the questions of citizenship, foreign residents, the needs of Jewish merchants and artisans, the representation of merchants and industrialists on the taxation assessment committees, relief from the Sunday closing law by which it is contemplated that Jewish merchants will be permitted to keep their stores open for two hours on Sunday or Saturday night, the question of the monopoly concessions and meeting the needs of the wounded Jewish war veterans.

It is stated that the decrees will also abolish the limitations imposed upon Jewish artisans who seek admission to the artisan guilds and will abolish all legal disabilities imposed by the Czaristic rule of “Kromye Yevreyev” (eliminate Jews). It is predicted also that state rights will be granted to the Hebrew and Yiddish elementary and high schools and that a special department for the national minorities’ question will be established in the Ministry of the Interior.