Between the Lines

The anti-Semitic campaign in Mexico which has been renewed this week, need not be underestimated. The petition of the Golden Shirts to the Mexican government asking for the withdrawal of citizenship from Jews should not be taken lightly.

Behind the Golden Shirts are a number of Mexican leaders who have an influence on the politics of the country. In addition to the Golden Shirts, there is the so-called “Pro-Rasa Committee” which advocates racial purity in Mexico along the same lines as it is being advocated in Nazi Germany. There are also the Society for the Protection of Mexico and the Association of Mexican Nationalists—two nationalistic organizations engaged in spreading anti-Jewish sentiments in the country.

ANTI-JEWISH DEMONSTRATION

Only a year ago the Golden Shirts were the first group in Mexico to organize public demonstrations in Mexico City against the Jews. At a time when the Mexican authorities prohibit demonstrations of the League against War and Fascism, the police of Mexico City did not in any way hinder the anti-Jewish demonstrations of the Golden Shirts.

As a result of the increased anti-Jewish spirit now prevailing in Mexico, leaflets can be seen posted in the streets at Mexico City reading: “Friendly Cooperation Between Jews and Mexicans Is as Impossible as Hitler and Einstein Dining from One Plate.” Another poster appeals to the Mexican unemployed to “think of the 10,000 Jews who came to Mexico and are taking bread away from the Mexicans.” “Use your rights and drive the Jews out of our country,” the appeals urge.

PRESS AND GOVERNMENT

The attitude of the Liberal press and of the Mexican government, though they are not anti-Jewish, is also not sufficiently pro-Jewish. The Liberal press dares not come out openly against the anti-Semitic propaganda because it fears losing the advertisements of German firms on which most of the newspapers depend. The government, while officially assuring full protection to the Jewish population, is nevertherless not in a position to control its local authorities, a large proportion of whom are outspokenly anti-Semitic. It is an established fact that the police have in many cases supported the activities of anti-Semitic groups.

INTERVENTION CAN HELP

Under such circumstances, it is easy to understand why the 16,000 Jews now residing in Mexico are in constant fear for their lives. The majority of the 16,000,000 Mexican population is still primitive. The anti-Semitic agitation may therefore bring tragic consequences if not properly checked now.

Some time ago a Committee to Protect Mexican Jewry was formed in America. This committee, in May, 1934, intervened through Washington against the Jew-baiting activities of the Golden Shirts in Mexico.

What has happened to this committee now? Is the petition of the Golden Shirts to withdraw the citizenship of Jews in Mexico, going to be left unchallenged? Are the Jews of Mexico going to be left to the mercy of the anti-Jewish agitators in their country?