J. W. Wise Asks Action at N. Y. Hitlerism Trial

“To adduce the ruthless persecution and humiliation of Jews under Nazism at this time,” stated James Waterman Wise in his capacity of witness at the trial of Hitlerism held last night at the St. Nicholas Arena, “is as needless as to prove that heretics were persecuted by the Spanish Inquisition or that Protestants were slaughtered on St. Bartholemew’s Day. The black and terrible record of Hitlerism; its persecution, degradation, torture and murder of Jewish men, women and children is already history.

“I hold, however, that the time has passed for arraignment or even for trial of Hitlerism. The facts are known, the evidence is in. The judgment of civilized mankind has been rendered. It is now our task to translate that judgment into a militant and resistless action. Such action is possible only if the Jew makes common cause with all those who, like himself, are the victims of the Nazi terror. Thus, if we would effectively try to combat Hitlerism, let us battle against Fascist oppression, everywhere.”

Mr. Wise warned of too great optimism concerning the fall of Hitler. He urged redoubled efforts on the behalf of the boycott of Nazi goods, the organization of public opinion and the fullest cooperation on the part of the Jews with the working masses in their fight against Fascism in all countries.

Dr. Kurt Rosenfeld, former Prussian Minister of Justice, attacked the newly promulgated German People’s Court as a travesty on justice. He described it as completely Nazified.

Aneurin Bevan, member of the British Parliament, described the destruction of the German trade unions by the Nazis.

Maria Halberstadt, refugee German school teacher, outlined the banishment of culture by the new ###ich.

Hans Baer, refugee from a German concentration camp, described the horrors of the camp. Allan Taub was the prosecuting attorney.