A manifesto sharply condemning all Nazi and fascist activities in this country, and denouncing racial and religious persecutions here, was issued today by the Argentine Association for Cultural Freedom, an organization including the broadest cross-section of political, literary and Christian religious leadership in Argentina. The manifesto urged the government, police and the judiciary to act “without leniency” against the elements guilty of the recent anti-Jewish terroristic acts.
Among the signers of the manifesto were the ex-President, Gen. Pedro E. Aramburu; the former Vice-President and Defense Minister of the Aramburu administration; the president of the Argentine Writers Association; Horacio Marco and Manuel Ordonez, lay leaders of the Catholic community; and many other outstanding personalities in this country.
“Totalitarianism of any type,” the manifesto declared, “constitutes a danger for democracy. In addition to hurting the country’s prestige before the world’s moral conscience, it is, furthermore, a step backward toward barbarous methods.
“The Argentine Republic has experienced, particularly in recent days, the cynicism of totalitarian elements. It is obvious that, in the present political climate, groups have reappeared that are attempting to foment persecution and violence, using again the moral and physical terror of Nazism and fascism, creating racial and religious barriers in order to foment a chaotic situation through public intimidation.
“This destructive activity is frequently supported by Communism, which employs this atmosphere for its own ends. Democracy has a double duty to maintain vigilant opposition for the defense of democracy and freedom, against extremism. The Government, police and the judiciary must proceed at once, and without lenience, to destroy totalitarian activity and to punish those who are guilty of such activities rigorously under the law.
“It is urgent that Argentina insure a civilized, peaceful way of peaceful life, of living together. All democratic forces worthy of Argentina’s best traditions must work fruitfully together with firm responsibility for a creative freedom in this country. “
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