Nazi Anti-semitism May Affect Pro-germans in England, Board of Deputies Told

The Board of Deputies of British Jews was warned today that Nazi anti-Semitism might affect pro-Germans in England, and that Austrian events had increased Fascist activity in Britain.

The Nazis’ policy of using anti-Semitism to enhance their influence may affect those in England who desire to propitiate Nazi opinion to meet the German viewpoint with “sympathetic understanding,” declared Leonard G. Montefiore, submitting the report of the Joint Foreign Committee.

The danger exists, perhaps only latently at present, Mr. Montefiore asserted, that the argument may find credence that Jews are an obstacle to what otherwise might by perfectly easy — an Anglo-German understanding. There are no sectional Jewish interests in matters of foreign policy, he said, but Jews have acquired a more intimate and accurate knowledge of German foreign policy. Therefore it is incumbent upon them, he added, even if they risk unpopularity, to endeavor to make the knowledge acquired by bitter experience available outside Jewish ranks.

Neville Laski, president of the Board of Deputies, submitting the report of the Coordinating Committee, said the Austrian events had their reaction in English anti-Semitic circles. Germany’s behavior as being praised by Fascists trying to inculcate their doctrines among trades people and the middle classes, he said, adding that Fascists had also begun to address trade unionists.

Home Secretary Sir Samuel Hoare has told a delegation of the board’s Aliens Committee he would welcome establishment of a non-sectarian committee to coordinate relief and guidance for Austrian refugees, H.S. Schildkraut, chairman of the committee reported. The delegation discussed with Sir Samuel the situation of Austrian refugees in England.