cused, and not going into consideration of whether it was bad or good of them, the fact must be stated that they showed themselves staunch fighters for their native land, who considered all means good to accomplish their aim. We know of many such cases in history. These people have lost their native land, but they always remember the fact, and fight for it, even violating the law.
“The endeavors of these people fighting for their native land may be sympathized with, but they carried out crime in Harbin, violating peace and order in the city, and as they exceeded the law of Manchukuo which stands for peace and order in this country, I consider that, notwithstanding the motives of their crime, the violation of the law cannot be left unpunished.”
BRITISH CONSULATE HEARS STORY
{NOTE}Prior to the publication of these “findings” of the Japanese official in the press, a Jewish delegation headed by Mr. Ezra was received officially by Sir Alexander Cadogan, at the British Consulate, and took the opportunity of giving an account of the ill-treatment of the Jewish population in Harbin at the hands of the Japanese judicial officials who encourage the anti-Semitism of a part of the White Russians.{/NOTE}
Sir Alexander listened attentively and seemed deeply moved, promising, in the interest of humanity to have matters investigated with a view to making friendly representations to the proper authorities.
Similar assurances were given also by Edwin S. Cunningham, U. S. Consul-General, who promised to write to the Consulate in Harbin with a view to making friendly representation.
GRIEVANCES LAID BEFORE JAPAN ENVOY
{NOTE}A Jewish delegation consisting of Rabbi M. Z. Ashkenazi, Messrs, Hillel Epstein, N. E. B. Ezra and B. Topas, representing the Shanghai Ashkenazi Jewish Communal Association, was received by Minister Ariyoshi, Japan’s Minister to China, at the Japanese Legation, before whom was laid the grievances of the Jewish community in Harbin regarding the anti-Semitic campaign and the ill-treatment to which they are subject.{/NOTE}
The ###tion which had J###### delegation was founded three years ago, in order to protect the interests and rights of the Jews in Shanghai, the delegation explained. It was registered in Nanking and recognized as a constitutional body with full rights to speak in the name of the Ashkenazie Jews. The recent alarming reports which reached Shanghai from Harbin had formed the subject of a meeting by the association, and a resolution deploring the rise of anti-Semitism and hoping to check its growth was unanimously adopted.
Mr. Ezra took the opportunity of drawing the attention of Minister Ariyoshi that Jews had rendered yeoman service to Harbin in its initial states, contributing their share in developing its economic life. He said:
CRIMINAL AGITATION POINTED OUT
{NOTE}”Your Excellency!—The occasion that brings us here is one which concerns the future welfare of the Jews in Manchukuo. We cannot view without concern the present unwholesome display of activities in Harbin insofar as the Jewish community as a whole is concerned. For the past twenty months there had been persistent agitation in the press to slander them and accuse them of all crimes. That this criminal agitation by a group of White Russians should be tolerated by the police is hard to understand. The motive behind it should be investigated and we hope the Manchukuo Government will not overlook this vital question.{/NOTE}
“We must also bear in mind that the Jews in Harbin are entitled to full protection and consideration. They claim, and rightly so, to be pioneers in upbuilding the country and promoting its economic life and growth. Joseph Kaspe, whose son, Simon, was kidnapped and murdered by the White Russians, has himself lived in Harbin for three decades, contributing his bit for its progress and development. Skidelsky, a capitalist and industrialist of extracr###nary zeal and merit, has ### not a little in opening the mi### throughout Manchuria and giving employment to several thousands.
ROLE OF JEWS IN MANCHURIA
{NOTE}”Soskin, a financier, Frizer a banker, Kaufman, a leading physician and other, have made Harbin what it is today. Their names cannot be obliterated from the tablet of the history of Harbin. It is, therefore, unfair and unjust to permit a gang of hooligans to invade the country and encourage them to vilify and slander these pioneers and the whole Jewish community. I repeat again that the motives behind this movement should be investigated and the culprits punished and removed.{/NOTE}
“There are plenty of rumors circulating in Shanghai concerning the matters complained of, but I shall not touch upon one of them. In June, 1933, His Excellency M. Shigemitsu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, wrote me officially in the name of his Government that Japan would not tolerate anti-Semitism in her country. I have faith in that declaration and I am confident that that policy will not be over-ruled today.
“I beg leave to thank your
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.
