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U.S. British Jews Among Thousands Queried by Fascist Police on Emigration

March 21, 1939
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Numerous Americans, Swiss, French and British nationals were revealed today to have been among several thousand Jews questioned over the weekend as to their intentions of leaving Italy. Treated courteously, the foreigners were reminded that the law ordering expulsion of all post war Jewish immigrants by March 12 was still in effect. They were assured, however, that they had no reason for concern if their applications for time extensions were based on good grounds.

Applications, it was understood, will be answered by April 1, which is considered the new unofficial deadline for compliance with the expulsion order. Those unable to show reasons for remaining beyond that time will certainly be ordered to leave, although exceptions are likely to be made for American, British, French and Swiss nationals.

Meanwhile, there has been a slight relaxation in the propaganda against native Italian Jews. “Aryan” signs posted on shops are gradually disappearing, since enterprises so marked have been suffering trade losses.

Seven Roman Jewish youths of 16 to 18 were sentenced to terms of two to three years in concentration camp for assaulting an actor who, on the stage of the Center Cinema, had spoken insultingly of the Jewish race. The attack occurred in front of the theater immediately after the performance. Despite the fact that one of the accused insisted that he alone was guilty of the assault, all seven youths were sentenced. No publicity was given to the case.

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