Jewish Loyalty to Poland Stressed by Polish Premier at Opening of National Council

Free political, cultural and social development for all national minorities in post-war Poland was pledged here today in a declaration adopted at the opening session of the Polish National council, which is the parliament-in-exile of the Polish nation.

The plight of the Jews in Poland under the Nazi regime and their loyalty to the country were emphasized by Gen. Wladyslaw Sikorski, Polish Premier, in his address to the Council. “The Jewish sufferings,”he said, “must evoke sympathy in every civilized man, while the faithful attitude of the Jews to Poland will never be forgotten.”

The “declaration of principles” presented by the Polish Premier to the Council provides that after Poland is liberated from the Nazis, the country must “stand by Christian principles of culture.” The declaration repudiates all forms of totalitarianism and dictatorship. It guarantees liberties to “all loyal citizens regardless of their national, racial or religious differences.” It pledges “free political, cultural and social development to national minorities.” It provides the “right to work at a livelihood of one’s own choice.”

Dr. Ignacy Schwartzbart, one of the two Jewish members of the Polish National Council, in a statement today pointed out that only eight of the 31 members of the Council are definitely committed to anti-Semitic political programs, while 17 members, including the leaders of the Polish Socialist and Peasant parties, have endorsed a special government proclamation which promised “equal rights and equal obligations” for Jews. Dr. Schwartzbart urged closer cooperation between Polish and Czechoslovak Jews in view of the Polish-Czechoslovak agreement. He also suggested that Sunday, March 29, proceeding Passover, should be proclaimed a “Day for Polish Jewry” with special meetings to be held in all countries of the United Nations.