Rumanian Anti-semitic Policy Protested in Letter Sent by Political Leaders to Antonescu

The text of a protest against the Nazi-fostered anti-Semitic policy of the Rumanian Government, submitted to Marshal Ion Antonescu by the leaders of two of the nation’s major political parties, was revealed here today by a JTA correspondent who received it in Lisbon from a prominent Rumanian official who had fled the country.

The protest, which was contained in a larger communication warning against Rumania’s continued participation in the war as an ally of Germany, was signed by Dr. Juliu Maniu, leader of the National Peasants’ Party, and Rumania’s outstanding advocate of democracy, and George Bratianu, leader of the National Liberal Party. It was given to the JTA correspondent by Nicolas Dainu, a Maniu supporter and a former cabinet officer, who left Rumania after being wounded on the Russian front, in protest against Antonescu’s decision to stay in the war against Russia although all territory claimed by Rumania has already been reconquered.

The portion of the letter dealing with the treatment of Jews stated: “What situation is Rumania creating for herself by the condemnable excesses against the Jews accomplished or inspired by the Germans, contrary to the peaceful nature of the Rumanian people!”