A strong movement was started here today to increase Jewish representation in the Greek Parliament, which was reduced under the Venizelos government.
The Jewish population of Greece, according to its proportion to the general population, is entitled to five seats in Parliament.
In connection with the forthcoming elections, an awkward situation developed here today when a number of Jewish leaders telegraphed to Premier Tsaldaris their objections to naming Mr. Bessantchi, president of the Zionist Federation in Greece, as the government candidate in the election.
CALLED VENIZELIST
A similar telegram of protest was also sent to the Greek War Minister.
The protests point out that Mr. Bessantchi has been a Venizelist and allegedly supported the Venizelos movement against the present regime. The Jewish leaders, who were opposed to Venizelos, therefore object to his candidacy on a pro-government ticket.
Mr. Bessantchi admits that he supported Venizelos. He states, however, that he resigned from the Venizelos party when it turned anti-Semitic. Mr. Bessantchi was elected to previous Parliaments as the Jewish representative and Zionist leader.
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