Argentine Tells United Nations His Government Condemns Anti-semitism

Argentina’s representative in the General Assembly’s Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee assured the United Nations today that, while there have been some “isolated cases of anti-Semitism” in his country, his Government “categorically” condemns such actions. He declared Argentina “acted with force” against the recent anti-Semitic outbreaks, and “clearly refutes such manifestations as contrary to our national feelings.”

The Argentinean, Dr. Mario Pico, spoke in the debate on two draft resolutions which would outlaw “racial prejudice and religious intolerance.” He spoke after Israel’s delegation chairman, Michael S. Comay, had roundly condemned all types of anti-Semitic attacks and discriminations throughout the world, including the Soviet Union and Latin America.

Dr. Pico pointed out that “all prominent public figures in our nation condemned anti-Semitism.” He told the Assembly that the leading Jewish organizations in Argentina, which, he said, “had taken a moderate position in this regard,” had acknowledged the Government’s intentions to suppress anti-Semitism.

An Arab representative in the committee, Miss Wijdan Nasser, of Jordan, took the floor in reply to Mr. Comay, charging that Israel itself is guilty of racist practices by allegedly “committing atrocities” against Israeli Arabs. Mr. Comay promptly replied to her remarks, calling her statement “vicious” and untrue.

Another participant in the debate today, Mrs. Zofia Deninska, of Poland, told the committee she would support both resolutions against racism. Describing colonialism and racism as “pressing international problems,” she recalled that a racist theory, like that held by the Nazis, could lead to world war. She denounced all “racist theories” which, she charged, “have still not been entirely destroyed” in West Germany.