Martial Law Authorized in Roumania; Fear Jews of Bessarabia Will Suffer

After a long and bitter debate, in which the Jewish deputy, Michael Landau, took an opposing view, Parliament authorized the government to declare a state of martial law in Bucharest and the oil fields of Ploesti, and to extend it to the entire country if necessary.

The decree was signed by King Carol in the early hours of the morning. The decree was issued in an effort to curb labor strikes which have been coupled with threats of violence.

The territory which is chiefly affected is Bessarabia. Pan Halippa, Minister for Bessarabia, has resigned as a protest against the dictatorial move.

The Jewish deputy, Michael Landau, opposed the decree on the ground that the restriction of personal liberty which it involves, would endanger the status of Bessarabian Jewry. Bessarabian Jewry, Deputy Landau stated, still has vivid recollections of the illegalities imposed on them when martial law was declared in 1928 and there is reason to believe that they will again become the principal sufferers.

Deputy Landau pointed out further that when a National peasant regime governed the country peace was for the most part maintained.

The anti-Semitic disturbances of the past week were also introduced during the debate. A number of speakers pointed out that there is greater danger to Roumania from the forces of the Right than of the Left and referred in particular to the Cuzists and the Iron Guardists who are disturbing the peace in the country by their attacks o# the Jews and sullying Roumania’s reputation abroad thereby.

In supporting martial law, the president of the Senate, Chostachescu, stated that the measure would place in the hands of the government more radical means of dealing with anti-Semitic disturbers. In the course of his speech, he referred to the anti-Semitic attacks which occurred in Bucharest and Jassy this week and denounced them as a great disgrace to the country.