A new constitution strengthening the Government’s powers, limiting political activities and restricting national minority rights to those groups “settled for centuries on the soil of greater Rumania,” has been proclaimed by King Carol.
Drafted in accordance with a Government program drawn up Feb. 13 by Carol and his cabinet, the charter curbs religions denominations by guaranteeing them liberty only if they are not prejudicial to public order, good morals and public security.
(London newspapers and the Associated Press reported from Bucharest today that Corneliu Codreanu last “night issued a proclamation dissolving his Fascist Iron Guards. According to the London press Codreanu ordered closing of the party’s business enterprises explaining he refused to be provoked into violence as a result of recent administrative measures which hampered the party’s activities. The Associated Press reported the proclamation cited provisions in carol’s new Constitution as motivating the dissolution and said Codreanu recommended that his followers “settle down to work and study.” Codreanu reportedly announced he was going to Rome within a month to complete French and Italian translations of his book on the Iron Guard movement.)
Provisions of the document, which replaces the Constitution of March 1923, include as announced in the King’s proclamation:
The number of Parliament deputies will be reduced. 2) “Equal rights are assured for a minorities settled for centuries on the soil of greater Rumania.” 3) All citizens of Rumania, irrespective of their ethnic, origin and religion, are equal before the law. 4)None may evade civil or military obligations because of religious and other beliefs. 5) The clergy, regardless of denomination, may not use its spiritual authority for political propaganda, and political associations under the pretext of religion are prohibited. 6) Rumanians are to enjoy liberty of conscience, work, education, press, assembly and association. 7) The State is to guarantee all religious denominations equal liberty if their practice is not prejudicial to public order, good morals and public security. 8) Foreigners in Rumania are to enjoy the protection accorded under Rumanian laws concerning persons and property in general.
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