Jewish Groups in Argentina Ask Peron to Run for Re-election As President of Country

A delegation of some 300 Jews representing various groups in the Jewish population of Argentina this week-end called upon General Juan Peron to urge him to accept the candidacy for re-election as President.

Among the delegation were representative of banking houses, commerce, industry and the professions. The spokesmen for the group were: Moises Hyderman, secretary of Banco Israelita Rio de la Plata, the largest Jewish bank in the country; Jose Ventura, representing the Sephardic community and a co-president of the United Israel Appeal; and, Dr. Moises Slinin, president of the Ashkenazi community of Buenos Aires.

In reply to the statements of the Jewish leaders, President Peron said: “I feel that I am understood by you because you are intelligent and just and realistic, and because you contribute greatly to the welfare of this country by your activities. Nobody is more capable of judging my government’s work than you, a people who have suffered and endured. Therefore I am doubly appreciating of your humble comportment and pledge you justice and tolerance. I slowly rooted out all racial excesses,” the President continued. “I not only appreciate your community, but I have come to love it for your sincerity and goodwill.

“We await your active collaboration in the political life of this country,” the General said. “The party I lead pledges to acknowledge your cooperation. The new Constitution which was ratified in 1949 assures complete freedom and equality for all races an faiths, but your collaboration in its implementation is required always have acted and not just talked, and I expect you to do the same and to carry out the promise you made today with positive deeds.”

Earlier, a Jewish delegation visited Mme. Eva Peron to thank her for her part in the sending of a large shipment of clothing to Israel. Mme. Peron also announced the granting of a permit to ship 100 tons of food from Argentina to Israel.