A resonlution calling for an investigation of Nazi activities in New York State by a joint committee composed of four members of the State Senate and five Assemblymen was introduced in the Assembly tonight by Samson Inselbuch,Republican-Fusion,of Brooklyn.
The resolution,which was introduced as an original measure,will be read tomorrow.It declares tha:
“Whereas,it is common knowledge that many persons in the state of New York are now engaged circulating propaganda calculated to promote sympathy with the Nazi regime now dominant in Germany thereby promoting insidiously adherence to the principles of government exemplified by such a regime to the detriment of and tending to the possible overthrow of the American system of government,and
Whereas,it is the duty of the Legislature of the State of New York to learn the whole truth regarding these pernicious activities and to pass, when such truth is ascertained,such legislation as may be necessary to protect the government of the State and to ensure the maintenance of the rights of its citizens.
Therefore,be it resolved that such a committee be constituted to report to the Legislature on or before March,1935.”
The resolution carries with it a request for an appropriation of $25,000 for the expenses of the committee,and empowerw that body to subpoena withnesses,force the production of books and records,and punish recalcitrant witnesses.It also provides that the President of the State Senate and the Speaker of the Assembly are to be ex-officio members of the committee.
In a statement to the Jewish Daily Bulletin,Assemblyman inselbuch declared that while the month in which the birthdays of two of the great American Presidents if celebrated is hardly appropriate for the introduction of such a measure,”it is because we believe in the political principles which they exemplified in their lives that it becomes necessary to make a thorough and sweeping investigation of the activities of Nazi propagandists in our state.
“Hitlerism is the very antithesis of Americanism.It is common knowledge that the Nazis have been speading Hitlerite doctrines in the Yorkville section of New York city,in long Island,Queens County and in Sullivan County. Let us stop this poisonous propaganda and let us stop it before it is too late.”
The Assemblyman stated that he counted fully on the support of an aroused public opinion aware of the danger inherent in the Nazi activities,and of such great organizations as the American Federation of Labor,which was cognizant of the danger of Nazism.
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