Anti-jewish Terror in Argentina; Jewish Windows Smashed; Call for Pogrom Issued

Intensified anti-Semitic propaganda in Argentina, which is tolerated by the government, culminated this week in organized terror against Jews in the province of Entre Rios and in a call for pogroms in Buenos Aires.

Reliable reports reaching here today from Argentina reveal that crowds attacked Jewish stores in various sections of Entre Rios and smashed windows of Jewish homes. The province is in the hands of a clique known to be outspokenly anti-Semitic.

So serious were the attacks on the Jews, that the Federal governor of Entre Rios was compelled to issue the following statement: “My attention has been drawn to the fact that acts of violence have been committed against the Jewish population and that the Jews have suffered damages. Such acts can only be carried out by irresponsible elements. I have issued strict orders, and the Jewish population may be assured that they will enjoy the rights granted by our constitution to all those who respect the laws of Argentina.”

MARK JEWISH STORES, TEAR BEARDS OF JEWS, SAYS ANTI-SEMITIC LEAFLET

The call for a pogrom in Buenos Aires was issued by anti-Semitic groups in connection with the “Day of Resistance” which democratic organizations in the country have proclaimed for June 7 as an expression of protest against the muzzling of the Argentine press by the government and the suppression of free speech. On that day stores and offices of those sympathizing with the passive resistance movement will be closed and work stoppages will occur.

Asserting that the movement for passive resistance “has been instigated by Jews” unsigned leaflets, which have been distributed throughout Buenos Aires during the last few days, call upon the population to smash the windows of all Jewish shops which may be closed on June 7 and to attack Jews in the streets.

“Smash Jewish windows: Tear the beards of Jews: Attack the Rabbis: Break the teeth of all in Argentina who support the sit-down strike:” one of the leaflets urges. Another leaflet reads: “Jewish groups advocate a sit-down strike on June 7 as an expression of repudiation of our present government. They are protesting against the control imposed by the government on the press, on public meetings and on free speech in order to prevent our country from being drawn into the war organized by Jews. This control is only an emergency measure which will disappear. We shall not deliver Argentina to Communists and to Jewish demagogues. Observe which enterprises will be closed on June 7 and act in the same manner as in the tragic week of January, 1919.” (The week when reactionary groups carried out violence against Jews and workers.)

Although the leaflets are anonymous, all indications point to the fact that they originate with pro-government groups. Whether the government is behind these leaflets cannot be established. The leaflets contain an appeal to the readers to copy them and give them wide distribution.