Laski Explains His Rebuff by German Envoy

Neville Laski, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said yesterday before a meeting of the board that he had been advised “by older and wiser men” before seeking an interview with the German Ambassador here. He had been rebuffed in his attempts.

According to Mr. Laski, Rabbi Stephen S. Wise of New York wrote an enthusiastic letter to him expressing delight at the idea of a meeting between the Reich envoy and the British Jewish leader.

Leonard Montefiore, president of the Anglo-British Association, another speaker at the meeting. urged the board to make use of public opinion as a means of strengthening the concerted protest on the part of Jews here against England’s policies in Palestine. He said that isolated Jewish protests have a limited effect.

“Generally,” he continued “the average Englishman hates all forms of persecution, including that of the Nazis. But strong influences working against this national feeling, representing in the main German anti-Jewish movements, are at work. It is necessary constantly to refute such Nazi propaganda.

ANTI-SEMITISM BASED ON LIES

“Justice lies only in two directions.” insisted the speaker. “Germany must realize that Jew-baiting does not pay and leads to isolation. The Germans themselves are beginning to feel that the fabric of Nazi anti-Semitism is based upon lies.

“Even after the last Jew has been hounded out of public office it is still necessary to campaign against grumblers. This in itself is indication hat the Germans are finally beginning to realize that stories about the Jews are responsible for their misfortunes, and are false.”

The Palestine committee reported that it is hopeful of its plans to hold amicable discussions with Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister, Colonial Secretary, regarding the limitation on immigration into Palestine. The committee claims to have a specifically “Anglo-Jewish viewpoint” on the matter and feels it can serve a useful purpose in meeting with the Secretary.