Jewish War Veterans to Consider ‘counter-boycott’ of Coca-cola

A proposal for a “counter-boycott” of the Coca-Cola Company by American consumers, in response to the company’s refusal to provide a Coca-Cola franchise to an Israeli firm, will be considered by the national executive committee of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States, it was announced today.

Abraham Kraditor, chairman of the JWV executive committee, said a proposal has been made by “elements of our membership” that “veterans and their families desist from purchasing Coca-Cola products throughout the United States until such time as the company discontinues its discriminatory policies in foreign sales and franchise practices.” He added that “the proposal includes a recommendation that veterans who are merchants refrain from selling Coca-Cola products as a phase of our response.”

“While I cannot predict whether the counter-boycott concept will commend itself to the national executive committee after debate and consideration,” Mr. Kraditor said, “I can categorically state that the Jewish veterans will definitely take strong action. If the Coca-Cola Company is able to flaunt the provisions of the Export Control Act on such transparent and weak pretexts, then the whole intent of the law will be undermined.”

He stated further: “Coca-Cola may have a legal right to submit to Arab pressures and deny a Coca-Cola franchise to Israel. But our members also have a right to pick and choose which cola drink they use during the coming warm weather. That is a question which we will have decided as a matter of organizational policy. But I can state that we have had a groundswell of opinion from members and posts throughout the nation. They are outraged by the decision of the Coca-Cola Export Corporation.” He expressed hope that “the Coca-Cola people will review their stand and reject foreign bigotry.”