James Marshall Confers with Soviet Leaders After Visit to Jewish Colonies

The Soviet Government’s view of Jewish conditions in Russia was presented today to James Marshall, son of Louis Marshall, who is making a tour of Russia. Mr. Marshall will leave for the United States next week. He intends to join his father in Paris.

In a conversation, which lasted an hour. M. Kalinin, President of the Soviet Republic, described Jewish conditions to Mr. Marshall. laying particular emphasis on the Bira-Bidjan project. The Jews, he said, satisfy themselves with very little, requiring only a means for a livelihood, while he thinks they ought to increase their national cultural demands. To meet the all-around Jewish demands the Bira-Bidjan idea was originated, Mr. Kalinin stated, adding that Bira-Bidjan is the only place where the Jews can develop not only economically but as a nation with an independent culture. In other places in Russia where Jewish colonization is conducted, this is impossible, he said, because other nationalities reside there. The Bidjan project is a guaranteed success if foreign funds and technical aid will be invested there, he continued.

Mr. Kalinin invited Mr. Marshall to visit Bidjan and become acquainted with the possibilities for the planned Jewish republic there.

Peter Smidovitch, Vice-President of the Soviet Union, in a two hour interview, explained many details to Mr. Marshall with regard to Jewish colonization and industrialization.

Mr. Marshall also spoke with A. Merezhin, leader of the Ozet, who also dwelt chiefly upon the Bidjan project.

Following the interview, Mr. Marshall stated to the correspondent of (Continued on Page 8)

the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that he was much impressed following his talks with Mr. Kalanin, Mr. Smidovitch and Mr. Merezhin and with his first visit to the Jewish colonies in Crimea. He also surveyed the Jewish small towns, visiting a number in the Belotzerkov, Kiev and Odessa districts.