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Mexican Nazis Renew Attacks; Jews Protest

August 12, 1934
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A public protest by the “Israelite Chamber of Commerce” today was the answer to renewed attacks by Mexican Nazi “shirt” outfits, which followed visits last Sunday of racketeers who threatened Jewish and other foreign merchants unless they paid fixed sums of money to the terrorists.

Today’s assault was fomented by thirty members of “The Arm” and the “Green Shirts,” the two most prominent Nazi and Fascist organizations in Mexico, according to the manifesto of the Chamber of Commerce. The so-called Green Shirts are affiliated with the “Pro-Race Committee.”

The party staged a scene in the business district today, invading the establishment of Berkman, Salzberg & Co., a prominent Jewish firm. Shortly after noon the attackers entered the premises of the company, the protest recites, demanding payment of an imaginary debt. It is asserted that members of the group posed as agents of the Central Department (Municipal Government), and of the Department of Health.

Telephone wires were cut to prevent checking up on their credentials, the manifesto alleges, stating further that the invaders blocked the entrance of the establishment, preventing customers from entering or leaving the shop.

Government officials have ordered an investigation of the attack, since it follows closely the previous threats asserted to have occurred Sunday morning, when a band of men, believed to be members of the Golden Shirts, terrorized Jews and other businessmen of foreign extraction, with demands for money, in the best Capone manner.

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