Placard-carrying demonstrators protesting the arrival here of Dr. Walter Hess, first German Ambassador to Australia since World War II, were dispersed by dock police yesterday. Some of the demonstrators carried signs saying “Go Home Nazi” and “Heil Hess.” Leaflets protesting Hess’ arrival were distributed at Sydney University.
Dr. Hess, who was accompanied by a staff of nine, has denied allegations that he was a Nazi or a Gestapo agent, asserting that he himself was forced to leave Germany in 1938 because of his marriage to a Jewess whose parents were killed by the Nazis. “We Germans must try to break down the barrier of bitterness between ourselves and the Jews,” the new Ambassador said on his arrival.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.