British Jews Demand Legislation Outlawing Racial and Religious Propaganda

Legislation outlawing utterances or publications “calculated to arouse hatred, ridicule or contempt against any section of the community distinguishable by race, creed or color,” was urged last night in a resolution adopted by the Board of Deputies of British Jews after a protracted debate.

Neville Laski, speaking for those opposed to the resolution, warned that “the remedy could be worse than the disease,” by arousing harmful public discussions. Prof. Selig Brodetsky, president of the Board, replying, said that one of the most effective means of educating public opinion is to bring the Jewish problem out into the open.

Presenting the report of the organization’s foreign affairs committee, Prof. Brodetsky revealed that the Board had been assured in official quarters that during the trial of major German war criminals, which are slated to start in October, anti-Jewish crimes, especially the policy of exterminating all Jews, would be made one of the specific charges. He announced that statements are being drafted for presentation to the war crimes tribunals, and that additional evidence covering atrocities against Jews would be submitted.

Prof. Brodetsky expressed regret that Britain was lagging behind the United States in aiding the surviving Jews in Europe, and has so far taken no action on the request that it approve the appointment of Jewish liaison officers in former Nazi camps in the British zome in Germany.

Discussing the negotiations with the American Jewish Conference, the Board president said that further consultations are planned with the Conference and the American Jewish Congress, looking towards the formation of a joint secretariat for the three organizations, with offices in London and New York.