sity of escape in Germany. But the question as to the Jews in Germany must be settled without opening any doors outside of Germany. That question must be solved in Germany; the right thing must be done in Germany, by the German Government, and by the German people. And however gracious and hospitable America, England. France or Switzerland may be, the 600,000 Jews in Germany must find their places in the German sun, and be assured of the maintenance of their political, legal, and civil rights.
“I believe it is possible for us, as the neighbors and friends of Germany, to bring such an understanding to the heads of the Government of Germany that they may see that they cannot afford, in the state of the world, suddenly to recur to a mediaeval barbarism in a land which is one of culture and love of liberty”
Congressman Martin Dies of Texas, asked Dr. Wise, “There is one question I would like to ask you which I am sure may be of interest. Do you have definite information that the German Government is preparing to persecute and drive out the Jewish citizens of Germany?”
To this Dr. Wise replied, “I have no definite information that the German Government is preparing to drive out and persecute them, but I have very reliable information that the most ruthless methods of persecution are being practised today in Germany. If the Hitler Government undertakes to curb the Communists or the Marxians, as they call the Socialists, that is a political question. But the Jews are not a political group. The Jews belong to all groups. So I am speaking to you of the Jews. I can only say to you that a large number of the most distinguished Jews in Germany have had to escape from Germany. And Professor Einstein is not going back to Germany.”
Congressman Dies further asked: “Is that because of their race, or because of any political activities they have engaged in?”
To which Dr. Wise replied: “These men are not menacing any political activities. Einstein is innocent of any such activities. It is directed against Jews as members of the Jewish race.”
Congressman Crowe then asked: “What do you recommend that our Government or our country could do to eliminate those troubles in Germany?”
Dr. Wise replied: “It would seem to me, Mr. Chairman, and gentlemen, in answer to that question that that is a matter which the State Department and the Administration must together very carefully consider.
“If I could speak to the President of the United States, I think I would be justified in saying this to him: Germany is not making it easier for the executive or the legislature by its present conduct; it is not making it easier for Americans to arrange a composition of the problems that lie between Germany and ourselves, including the whole problem of war debts and reparations because indirectly we are creditors of Germans. I think it would be far more difficult for the Administration to arrange matters and work out a right sort of composition and adjustment as a result of a tremendous uprising of public opinion which I need not tell you is not limited to the Jews of America.
“You will see in tomorrow morning’s paper—it came to me from a distinguished Republican, that tomorrow, the Interfaith Committee, made up of all denominations of Protestant Churches, beginning with the Episcopalians and going down to the smallest of the Protestant denominations, will speak out in protest and in indignation against this incredible reversion of Germany today in its barbaric treatment of the Jews. It is simply incredible. One is tempted to believe that the present Government of Germany has ceased to be sane, and it raises all sorts of questions.
“I think the friends of the Administration ought to move on the Administration to warn Germany of the dangers and of the risks which she runs in bedeviling the relations between the German people and our own and lessening the growing good-will of America toward Germany.”
Congressman Higgins then inquired: “You are interested only so far as applies to Jews?”
Dr. Wise answered: “No, that would not be accurate. We know the Latin saying ‘Ubi bene ibi patria’—Where there is good there is my country. I cannot help feeling, and I have always felt that wherever things are hard with men, there is my country.
“I think if there were no Jew living in Germany, I would feel very deeply over the treatment of the political opponents of the Hitler regime. As to any political moves against non-Nazis, whether Marxians or Communists, it is none of my business.
“But as an American, however, I deeply deplore such a policy toward any subjects of Germany. These Jews are attacked as Jews. Hitler seems to be a German, who, with his lieutenants, and perhaps his lieutenants more than he, are determined to rid Germany of the Jews. Naturally, when 600,000 Jews of the world, 4% of the Jews of the world, are living in Germany, we are greatly aroused.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
