Jews and Fascism

To Be Concluded Tomorrow

names which may prove politically dangerous.

But the main warning I wish to convey is that there is also a much more important reason for discontinuing to use the term “Fascism” as a cuss word in Jewish discussions. Fascism is, today, the official doctrine of Italy, and Italy is one of those countries where Jews enjoy full equality; not only politically but also socially. Such countries are not very numerous, and their number is, to say the least, not increasing. It is very unwise to insist on antagonizing one of them by turning to abuse a term and an idea which is so highly cherished both by its rulers and by its youth.

Nor it is quite fair. Whatever any few may think of Fascism’s other points, there is no doubt that the Italian brand of Fascist ideology is, at least, an ideology of racial equality. Let us not be so humble as to pretend that this doesn’t matter—that racial equality is too insignificant an idea to outbalance the absence of civic freedom. For it is not true. I am a journalist who would choke without freedom of the press, but I affirm it is simply blasphemous to say that, in the scale of civic rights, even the freedom of speech comes before the equality of all men. Equality comes first, all-first, super-first; and Jews should be the first to remember it, and to hold that a regime maintaining that principle in a world turning Cannibal does, partly but considerably, atone for its other shortcomings; it may be criticized, it should not be kicked at. There are enough other terms for cussuse—Nazism, Hitlerism, Polizeistadt, etc.—but the word “fascismo” is Italy’s copyright and should therefore be reserved only for the correct kind of discussion, not for exercises in Billingsgate.

Especially as it may yet prove very harmful. That government of the copyright is a very powerful fact, whose sympathy may yet ward off many a blow, for instance in the League of Nations’ councils. Incidentally, the Permanent Mandates Commission which supervises Palestinian affairs has an Italian chairman. In short— though of course I do not expect street-urchins (irrespective of age) to follow an advice of caution—responsible leaders ought to take care.

To Be Concluded Tomorrow