Nazis in the patriotic Fatherland Front are making strong efforts to obtain permission for wearing of the forbidden swastika, “the traditional manner for expressing anti-Semitic sentiments,” it was disclosed today.
The adviser on national policy of the Fatherland Front in Upper Austria, whose duty it is to represent Nazi interests within the organization, instructed his followers not to wear swastika badges, display Nazi flags or reveal Nazi sentiments in a provocative manner, while he and his colleagues in provincial sections sought ‘legalization of the swastika. The Austrian Government was not expected to receive the request sympathetically.
Meanwhile, the leader of Jungvolk, official Austrian youth organization, ordered its members to wear their organization badges at school. Since Jews are barred from the Jungvolk, it is expected that a special badge for Jewish children will be introduced as soon as a special Jewish youth organization, affiliated with or incorporated in the Jungvolk, is established.
(The United Press reported that a state of alarm was declared in Graz as Nazis mobilized armed formations awaiting the arrival of Interior Minister Seyss-Inquart and a showdown on the Nazi test of strength. The Associated Press reported an anti-Jewish boycott in progress in Graz, with Nazis picketing stores and registering names of purchasers.)
Reports of new legislation radically altering the 1925 citizenship law are causing concern in Jewish circles which, while confident it does not contain anti-Jewish discrimination, nevertheless fear possible concessions to Nazi demands.
Newspapers report the measure radically tightens the naturalization regulations and is expected to make permanent the suspension, by decree issued, in 1933, of a clause in the present law giving State, provincial and Vienna authorities the right to grant citizenship under special circumstances. The 1933 decree was aimed originally against naturalization of Jews from Eastern Europe.
The Economic Council, one of four Federal Diet consultative bodies, has recommended reduction from six to four months in the period of residence, permitted without special permit under the bill regulating status of aliens in Austria. The bill has been accepted by two other Diet bodies.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
