Chicago Consul’s Recall Traced to Stand Against Flying Swastika at Fair Exhibit

Recall of Dr. Hugo Ferdinand Simon, consul general for Germany in Chicago, a few days ago, is attributed by those close to the consulate to be directly due to his refusal to take an active part in the recent controversy in which local Nazis demanded the swastika flag to be flown from the German American building at A Century of Progress. The committee, in charge, composed of leading Chicagoans of German descent, absolutely refused the demand and decreed that as the exhibit was not an official one of the government, a swastika was not necessary. Instead, the committee is flying the imperial flag of Germany over the building in which the exhibit is situated.

Dr. Simon, at the time, said that he did not feel the matter was one which required official action by him. It is known that he has been deeply distressed over the current situation in the German colony in this city, with growing strength being seen in Nazi forces.

In the recall of Dr. Simon, who came to Chicago in November, 1926, dissenters from Hitlerism declare there is further evidence of the dictator’s anti-Semitism. While the consul general is not Jewish, being of French Huguenot descent, he was at one time adjutant to the late Dr. Walter Rathenau, great Jewish diplomat, who was the first German representative to be received in Great Britain after the World War.

HIS POSITION DELICATE

This former conection, his friends maintain, probably was looked upon as inimical by the present ruling power in the fatherland, despite the fact that the consul took a stand with the Hitlerites when such action was necessitated by his position here.

It is doubtful that Dr. Simon will return to Germany. His republican attitude under Rathenau and his admiration for the American system of government made his position both delicate and difficult when Hitler took the reins in Germany. Consequently, he is said to be considering seriously the offer of a home in Chicago made by a friend here in preference to going back to live under the Hitler regime. It is also said that Dr. Simon has received several business offers.

German Day at the World’s Fair on Sunday, is causing some concern. Demands again were made on the committee in charge for permission to carry swastika flags in the parade that day in the Fair grounds. The committee again has refused to permit this, and from an authoritative source we learn that the committee “has made arrangements and will fully be able to handle any situation that arises.” The Anti-Defamation League of the B’nai B’rith, it is understood, is watching the situation very closely. Officers of the league, however, have refused to make any comments on their activities in this direction.

RENAISSANCE OF THE ARTS

Since the “big” affairs, such as Jewish Day and the Zionist Convention, there has been a slight letdown in Jewish activities here, but nevertheless the usual complete cessation of activities in Summer has not occurred last Saturday, the theme of the activities and program at the Illinois Host House at A Century of Progress, was “The Renaissance of the Arts of Palestine.” The attendance was so large that many people had to be turned away.

Last Sunday, more than 15,000 persons helped observe Jewish Education Day under the auspices of the Vaad Ha’Chinuch of the Kehillah and the Hebrew Theological College. Proceeds went towards the maintenance of 23 Talmud Torahs and the theological college.

Almost without exception Jewish employers and Jewish heads of industrial concerns are busy in Chicago in joining the NRA and putting into effect the new working regulations. As a matter of fact, the large number of Jewish names among those who already have signified their adherence to President Roosevelt’s latest plan is quite noticeable.

SEEK ZIONIST LEADER

Chicago Zionists have been busying themselves all Summer in a pre-election hunt for a president for the Zionist Organization of Chicago. Jacob M. Braude, who has headed the Chicago Organization for two years, is not expected to be a candidate for re-election as his duties as chief of the State of Illinois’ tax-collecting machinery keeps him out of the city most of the time. Mr. Braude was named to this post by Illinois’ Jewish Governor, Henry Horner.

It has been learned that State Street merchants, both small ones and the largest department stores, already report a refusal to buy and a definite stand by customers against German-made goods. Many stores have taken out German goods and replaced them with articles from other countries. It is predicted that the purchase of German goods in the coming year by Chicago merchants will be only about 10 per cent of what it was in the past few years because of this “humanity boycott” by Chicago Gentiles and Jews, alike.