Merwin K. Hart and his National Economic Council were denounced by six major Jewish organizations which warned that Hart is financing “a many-sided program of hate-mongering” with funds contributed by Americans who are under the mistaken impression they are thus helping to combat Communism.
The statement was occasioned by the appearance in recent weeks of paid advertisements in “several responsible daily newspapers, soliciting contributions for the National Economic Council on the grounds that it is combatting Communism.”
Organizations which signed the statement were: American Jewish Committee; American Jewish Congress; Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith; Jewish Labor Committee; National Community Relations Advisory Council; Union of American Hebrew Congregations.
The statement by the organizations said that the American public should be “informed of the true character and purposes of the National Economic Council, and of its principal executive officer, Merwin K. Hart, in order that they may not he misled as to the nature and objectives of this organization by reason of the appearance of its advertisements in reputable newspapers.” It pointed out that recent “exposure” of Hart before Congressional investigating committees and in the public press have cost him the support of many citizens and organizations.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.