Jewish Painter, Accused of Bomb Piot on Soviet Mission, Denies Complicity

The American Jewish painter who was arrested and accused of plotting with two others in the bomb attack on the Soviet Mission here last week has stubbornly denied any knowledge of the conspiracy and continues to assert his innocence. The man, identified only as “Renee W.” was arrested shortly after his return from Israel where he had worked for four months. His wife told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that Renee had celebrated his birthday with her on the day of the bombing, and could not have been in the vicinity of the attack. She also told the JTA that her husband was not a member of the Jewish Defense League nor of any other Jewish organization. An investigation of the attack is underway and the suspect is scheduled to appear Tuesday before the Amsterdam Public Prosecutor. The bombing of the Soviet Mission resulted in injury to four persons, including a child. Jewish community leaders openly deplored the bombing as a disservice to their Jewish brethren in the Soviet Union. A note in English found in the building after the explosion reportedly read: “Never again. Let my people go.” The slogan, “Never again,” is associated with the JDL.