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Lithuanian Clergy Trying to Discredit Government by Spreading Anti-jewish Propaganda: Allegations Th

February 26, 1931
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The Catholic Church in Lithuania is engaged in a conflict with the Government, in connection with which a large number of priests seeking to discredit the Government are circulating rumours suggesting that Jews are behind the conflict, and working up a dangerous anti-Jewish feeling in the country. Leaflets are being spread by the priests suggesting that the Government is trying to compel Christians to have their marriage ceremonies performed by Rabbis, that the Government gives large subsidies to the Jews enabling the Rabbis to draw much bigger salaries than the priests and that Jews in return are acting as spies for the Government against the priests.

Jewish public opinion is becoming alarmed, fearing that the incitement may result in anti-Jewish outbreaks. The Director of the Police Department here has assured the J.T.A. representative that the public authorities are fully alive to the danger, and have taken measures to prevent any disorder. The Ministry of the Interior is also considering action to put a stop to the agitation.

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