Jewish Leaders in London Discuss Post-war Jewish Problems with Russian Ambassador

Leaders of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, led by Prof. Selig Brodetsky, president, have met with Russian Ambassador Feodor Gusev and discussed with him problems concerning post-war Jewish activities in Russia as well as questions arising out of the Jewish situation in Europe at present, it was learned today.

Reporting to a general session of the Board of Deputies, Prof. Brodetsky said that the major activities of the Board’s foreign committee have been devoted recently to the question of anti-Semitism in the Polish Army. “The Board took the view that the position of the Jews in the Polish armed forces is no small internal Polish matter, but of great importance to Polish Jewry and indeed to the Jews of the whole world.” Prof. Brodetsky declared. He voiced the Board’s satisfaction at the decision of the Polish Government to set up an inquiry commission, and stressed the responsibility of the two Jewish members of the body.

“The past weeks have shown clearly that British opinion will not tolerate anti-Semitism in the Polish or any other army,” Prof. Brodetsky continued. He emphasized that the fate of the Jewish soldiers who have been amnestied by the Polish President has not yet been decided. “These soldiers,” he said, “may still be admitted to the British forces which they are anxious to join.”

(It was pointed out in well-informed circles in New York today that the Polish Government-in-Exile, while it was located in France, prior to the fall of Paris, had an agreement with the French military authorities under which Jews were permitted to leave the Polish Army and join the French Foreign Legion.)