The suggestion that a special American mission should be sent to Stalin, composed of persons of international reputation, to present to him the protest of the free world against the Soviet anti-Jewish policy, is made today by the New York Herald Tribune, leading American newspaper, in an editorial commenting on the threat which the Kremlin’s adoption of anti-Semitism carries for millions of Jews behind the Iron Curtain.
“Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt and Mr. Paul G. Hoffman–a Democrat and a Republican–might comprise such a mission, leaving no doubt as to its broadly national character or the importance with which it would be regarded throughout the world,” the paper writes. “The purposes of this step should be clearly defined in advance. They should be restricted to the problem of anti-Semitism and to saving, if possible, its victims. The Nuernberg trials established genocide as an international crime; to avert it is an international duty. The United Nations will doubtless grapple with the question in due course. Meanwhile the United States could focus world attention upon it, solemnly and dramatically, and provide leadership in a great cause.”
The article points out that the free world must not assume that the fate of the Jews in Stalin’s empire is sealed. “Their case differs in important aspects from that of other victims of Communist oppression,” it stresses. “For one, the Politburo appears to have signaled its Intentions in advance. Too often peoples within the Soviet Union have sunk from sight–dispersed, doomed to slavery in concentration camps, jailed and shot–before the world knew of their danger. In the case of Russia’s Jews, the propaganda preparation for the crime is so recent as to suggest that many, if not most, could yet be saved. Moreover, they have been offered asylum in Israel. There is a way out–if the Communists will open it. The non-Communist nations must demand that the way be opened. “
The New York Times, in an editorial today, similarly demands speedy action on Soviet anti-Semitism. “The civilized world waited too long before speaking out against the crimes of Hitler’s Germany. A little haste now, an increased sense of urgency, may save lives.” the paper emphasizes.
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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.
