General Cemal Gursel, the new Turkish Premier and head of state, today took the initiative to indicate that he will tolerate no anti-Jewish propaganda in Turkey. In his first contact with a group of Jews, he declared:
“For the creation of national unity, differences of race or religion should no longer be a problem. Differences of religion do not count for us. We must all work together. I, for instance, am a man first, then a Turk and then a Moslem.”
General Gursel made this statement at the Anadolu Club in Buyukada, a resort island near Istanbul, during a ball launched for the benefit of the Treasury. This club has many Jewish members. Premier Gursel, himself, visited a table where several Jews sat. He was given an enthusiastic welcome and warmly cheered after his short statement.
Earlier in the season, there was a heated discussion at the club during the election of members for the administrative committee. One member said that the club was “invaded” by Jews. Gursel’s words were considered by the Jews as a good answer.
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