British Embassy Cites Armistice Pacts As Proof of British Intent to Help Jews of Europe

The British Embassy here, in a letter to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency drawing attention to the terms of the Allied armistice pact with Italy, emphasized that the provisions of this pact, dealing with the position of the Jews, as well as similar provisions in the armistice pacts with Rumania and Bulgaria, “give the best proof of the fact that the British Government is doing its best to help the remaining Jews of Europe.” The letter reads:

“In case you have not already seen the terms of the armistice with Hungary, I thought you might be interested to see the text of the article which deals with the position of the Jews. The article in question is No. 5 and it reads as follows: ‘The Government of Hungary shall immediately release all persons irrespective of citizenship and nationality, held in detention in connection with their activities in favour of the United Nations or because of their sympathies with the United Nations cause, or their racial origin or religious beliefs and shall repeal all discriminatory legislation and disabilities arising therefrom. The Government of Hungary undertakes to take all necessary measures to ensure that all deported persons and refugees within the limits of Hungarian territory, including Jews and persons without citizenship, enjoy at least the same degree of protection and security as its own citizens.’

“These provisions for the protection of the Jewish population should be of very real assistance. You will recall that similar provisions were inserted in the armistices with Rumania and Bulgaria. They also, I think, give good proof of the fact that the British Government is doing its best to help the remaining Jews of Europe,” the letter concludes.