Life of North American Jewry in Review

That the Mexican government will not tolerate propaganda of any one group in the country against any other group and that Jews in Mexico will be given the same fair treatment and consideration given all law-abiding residents was the gist of a report made by a group of Jewish leaders who have interviewed President Abelardo Rodriguez in connection with the anti-Semitic campaign being carried on through pamphlets and through a special weekly periodical in Spanish.

While the President could not be quoted, members of the committee said that they were satisfied that the Rodriguez administration is not in favor of anti-Semitic campaigns or propaganda, nor in favor of any propaganda against groups which are helping to build up the nation’s industries. The committee learned that the “Committee Pro-Race” which has been leading the drive against “undesirable” foreigners does not have official standing and that its work is being carried on under the sponsorship of private groups.

About a week ago the “Foreigners’ Defense Center” was organized announcing as its purpose “dealing squarely” with foreigners, especially those who might be attacked by the anti-foreign groups. In posters and meetings of the Pro-Race Committee it announced that the principal objectives were directed against Jews and Chinese, although other foreign groups are listed.

Another development favorable to a proximate solution of the Jewish difficulties in Mexico was the recent visit of General Melgar, president of the Pro-Industry Committee of Mexico, to some of the factories operated by Jews. He reported, according to Jewish community leaders, that Mexican workmen in those plants are being treated as well, (and in some cases better) as in any plants or factories in Mexico.

Not so favorable has been recent publication of newspaper stories describing alleged “tricks” of foreigners to evade the immigration laws of Mexico requiring capital of 10,000 pesos for entrance into this country under certain conditions. The newspaper stories described a “circular check” of 10,000 pesos which is temporarily loaned to the prospective immigrant in order that he can be admitted. The check is then passed on to another.

The newspaper stories in the leading daily papers did not specifically mention Jews, but did mention “Poles, Lithuanians, Syrians, and others.” “El Nacional”, the government party’s daily, stated this week that during the last two months more than 8,000 foreigners have been turned away from the cities on the American border.

An editorial in the Yiddish weekly, “Der Weg”, of last week urged Jewish women not to buy merchandise manufactured by Germans or in Germany. Anti-Jewish propaganda has been somewhat modified in the Federal District, in which Mexico City is located, but it was reported to be continuing at its usual pace in the provinces.