There is little likelihood of barring anti-Semitic matter from the mails, it was indicated here today by officials of the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee which is considering means of curbing the use of mails for distribution of obscene printed material.
The officials pointed out that anti-Semitic material is not considered obscene, and that additional legislation would be necessary to eliminate such material from the mail. Such legislation is not expected because of Constitutional questions involving the freedom of speech and of the press.
Rep. Jacob K. Javits, on April 7, called the attention of the committee to what he described as the “enormous volume” of anti-Jewish propaganda disseminated “under the cover of anti-Communism. ” Rep. Oliver P. Bolton, of Ohio, joined with Rep. Javits in expressing concern over material promoting religious and racial prejudice. It was made known by Rep. Bolton that he had received “much of that kind of material” and subsequently made inquiries at the Post Office and Justice Departments to determine if measures could be taken. Chairman Edward H. Rees of the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee gave assurances to those Congressmen concerned that his committee would give the problem “fair consideration.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
