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Berlin Seen Forcing Release of Iron Guard Leaders in Rumania

February 5, 1940
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Rumanian circles here reported today that the Bucharest authorities, under pressure from Berlin, have begun releasing leaders of the anti-Semitic Iron Guard who were arrested after the assassination of Premier Armand Calinescu.

It was recalled that Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, executed leader of the Iron Guard, had often announced his support of Germany and had promised a German-Rumanian treaty within 24 hours after his organization came to power. The Iron Guard had been hoping for a common frontier between Rumania and Germany.

Suppressed by King Carol, the Guard continued to operate illegally, boasting that many Army officers were among its members and declaring that it was ready for action when the time was ripe.

Jewish circles in Rumania were said to be fearful that the authorities would yield to German pressure for initiation of an intensified anti-Semitic program. Zionist activities in Rumania were suppressed by the Government last week.

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