Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

American Jewish Committee Asks Congressional Probe of Anti-semitic Financier

June 10, 1947
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The American Jewish Committee today called on the House Committee on un-American Activities to investigate the activities of George W. Armstrong, wealthy oil operator and land-owner, who is preparing to launch a nation-wide campaign against Jews and Negroes and establish a foundation for the purpose.

According to the Committee on Legal and Civic Affairs of the American Jewish Committee, Armstrong recently visited Chicago to consult with prominent lawyers about plans for the foundation’s future. On March 10 of this year, Armstrong disclosed his plans to disseminate hatred and prejudice against Jews and Negroes on a scale never before attempted. He advocated repeal of sections of the 14th and 15th Amendments of the Constitution, “thereby limiting the franchise to the nation’s white Americans.” One of his publications, dedicated to Rep. John E. Rankin of Mississippi, contains rabble-rousing attacks on Jews and Negroes and runs the gamut of bigotry.

Armstrong, whose associates include other professional exponents of hatred, has long been known as a peddler of race prejudice. During the war he published hate literature clandestinely, according to the American Jewish Committee investigation. Now out in the open, he plans to flood the country with hundreds of thousands of slick and expensively printed pamphlets and leafiets.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement