M. Rakovski Explains Why Zionists Are Persecuted in Soviet Russia

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency Mail Service)

An explanation of why Zionists are being arrested in Soviet Russia was given by M. Rakovski, the Soviet Ambassador to France, in an interview with a representative of the Yiddish daily here ” I’ariser Hajnt”.

“Strong measures are being taken against the Zionists,” he said, ” because the Zionists are making use in their propaganda of the arguments of the enemies of the Soviet Government. In order to persuade Jews to go to Palestine. the Zionists are compelled by the logic of their arguments to place the Soviet Government in a light which we cannot allow. We prevent no one from going to Palestine. Emigration from Russia is free. But we cannot permit the emigration movement to be fostered by means of a propaganda against the Soviet regime.

“The recent report in a Jewish emigration publication to the effect that the new Jewish colonists in Russia are subjected to anti-Semitic excesses.” M. Rakovski said, “was a pure invention. The Soviet Government is guarding against any such eventuality and the attitude of the Russian peasants to wards the Jews has undergone a complete change.”

Dr. Chaim Weizmann was tendered a second dinner in Washington Thursday night by Mrs. Medill McCormnick, prominent Washington society header and widow of the late Senator McCormnick. Many distinguished political and social figures of the capital were present.

Dr. Weizmann was also received by the British Ambassador with whom he conferred. On Friday he was entertained at lunch at the City Club by Zionist leaders in Washington.

I. S. Privul of Chicago has been appointed Midwest representative of the American Zion Commonwealth.

Rabbi Ch. I. Temkin, who has been collaborating with Mr. Privul and transacting on behalf of the American Zion Commonwealth directly, is no longer authorized to represent it. and Mr. Privul will be sole chief representative in the Midwest, the Zion Common ###.