British Jewry Expresses Opposition to the Re-arming of Germany

The Board of Deputies of British Jews reaffirmed today its opposition to the rearming of either half of Germany and expressed “deep apprehension” at the changes which will take place inside Germany and in her relations with the occupation powers, in the wake of the agreement negotiated with Germany at the recent nine-power conference in London.

The Board resolution underlined the fact that there is “increasing evidence” that well-known Nazis are being given important offices in the Bonn Republic.

The withdrawal of practically all Allied controls and the release of war criminals by German-Allied boards “will enable the strengthened Nazi elements to use the administration and the re-established German Army to serve their aims, the Board warned.

Finally, the Board expressed the hope that in the detailed agreements which will implement the general decisions of the nine-power parley, the British Government will stipulate all possible safeguards for the respect of human rights in Germany.

The World Jewish Congress has issued a statement today revealing that its representatives have had consultations with the British and French Governments on the provision of safeguards that a sovereign West German state will continue to fulfill its obligations under the existing conventions, with respect to matters of Jewish concern arising out of the Nazi persecution of European Jewry.