Ancient Jewish Books and Manuscripts in Spanish Libraries: Spanish Government Reported to Have Sent

Seven Jewish scholars, including Professor A. S. Yahudah, who was at one time Professor at Madrid University, Chief Rabbi Chaim Nahum Effendi, of Cairo, and Mr. Elmaleh, of Jerusalem, have been invited by the Spanish Government, it is reported here to-day, to visit the libraries of Spain in order to examine the ancient books and manuscripts there dealing with Jewish history, for the purpose of publishing a book on the subject, at the expense of the Spanish Government.

PROFESSOR YAHUDAH SAYS HE HAS NO INVITATION FROM SPANISH GOVERNMENT AND THAT HE ALREADY MADE CATALOGUE OVER TEN YEARS AGO OF WHATEVER MANUSCRIPTS ARE AVAILABLE IN SPAIN

Professor Yahudah, who is now living in London, told the J.T.A. to-day on enquiry about this report, that he has received no invitation from the Spanish Government to visit the libraries of Spain, to examine the ancient books and manuscripts there dealing with Jewish history. In fact, Professor Yahudah said, such a catalogue of whatever manuscripts are available in Spain was already compiled by me over ten years ago.

Professor Yahudah added that he regretted the unfounded rumours which are current about the Sephardic Jews, particularly in the Balkan countries, desiring to return to Spain. These Jews, he declared, would never consent to be associated with any movement which puts in doubt their feeling of loyalty and their duty towards their native countries, and still less would they wish to be connected with the internal conflicts which are now raging in Spain between the different parties.

These rumours should be the more discredited, he added, since nothing is known of any active steps having been taken by the Spanish Government to come into contact with accredited Jewish representatives, or with the larger Sephardic Communities.