Zionist leaders here today examined the possibility of instituting libel action against the Royalist newspaper, L’Action Francaise, for printing an allegation that the Jewish National Fund bribed the French press to serve the interests of world Jewry. If instituted, this will be the first action under the new decree prohibiting racial incitement in the press.
The Jewish National Fund replied to the assertion in the Action Francaise article that it was a foreign organization by asserting that all members of the fund were French citizens and the Fund was registered officially as a French Jewish body.
Today’s issue of the Action Francaise carefully chooses its expressions regarding the Jews, apparently in fear of State prosecution.
Premier Edouard Daladier has received many messages of gratitude in connection with the new decree, among them statements from the Federation of Jewish Societies and the Union of Jewish Societies, the two largest organizations of Jewish immigrants in France, representing more than 100 immigrant groups. The latter’s declaration, assuring France of the Jewish immigrants’ allegiance, was broadcast over the Government radio station.
The first official reaction of French-born Jews was expressed today in Universe Israelite, which declared that the decree was the finest French reply to the Vatican appeal and fulfilled the aspirations of the French Christians and the colonial populations as well. The article paid tribute to Justice Minister Paul Marchandeau, author of the decree.
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