The texts of the peace treaties with Bulgaria, Finland, Hungary and Rumania, which were made public here last night by the Big Four powers, contain two identical articles calling for guarantees of human rights and equal treatment for all citizens.
The draft treaties, however, do not contain enforcement provisions if the former enemy signatory nations do not adhere to the provisions of the two articles. The guarantees are contained in Articles III and IV of the treaties with the three Eastern European countries and in Articles VI and VII of the treaty with Finland. The text of the articles follow (for Rumania read Bulgaria or Finland or Hungary):
“Rumania shall take all measures necessary to secure to all persons under Rumanian jurisdiction, without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion, the enjoyment of human rights and the fundamental freedoms including freedom of expression, of press and publication, of religious worship, of political opinion and public meeting.”
“Rumania, which in accordance with the Armistice Agreement, has taken measures to set free, irrespective of citizenship and nationality, all persons held in confinement on account of their activities in favor of the United Nations or because of their sympathies with the United Nations, or because of their racial origin, and to repeal discriminatory legislation and restrictions imposed thereunder, undertakes to complete these measures and in future not to take any measures or enact any laws which would be incompatible with the objects and purposes mentions in this article.”
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.