(By Our Czernowitz Correspondent)
The difficult position of the Roumanian Jewish leaders, especially in Bessarabia and Bukowina, resulting from the efforts of the government to secure denials from Jewish spokesmen of the excesses which have been taking place here, has been unexpectedly aggravated by the appearance of Col. Lytton Ament. who has launched an investigation of the Jewish situation.
Although asserting that he is acting in an unofficial capacity, Col. Ament’s procedure has aroused consternation among the Jews. His refusal to secure his data privately and his questioning of the Jewish leaders in the presence of Roumanian officials has called forth particular resentment for it has made it impossible for the Jews to tell the truth and has, at the same time, given the Roumanian government circles the opportunity for which they have been looking. An idea of the manner in which Col. Ament has proceeded in his self-appointed investigation can be gained from the following conversation which took place between him and the Jewish leaders on March 19, in the office of Babianu, chief of Prime Minister Averescu’s cabinet. The Jewish delegation consisted of Chief Rabbi Dr. Mark, Councilman Dr. Kassner and Joseph Wiznitzner.
When Col. Ament asked the delegation to tell him about the situation of the Jews in Roumania, the delegation declared that they are not authorized to make any political statements. Whereupon the Colonel stated: “My mission is not an official one and bears the character of a personal investigation. I ask you gentlemen to speak not as official representatives but merely on the basis of personal impressions.”
Chief Rabbi Dr. Mark: “Then I will ask that you please direct concrete questions to us.”
Col. Ament: “Are the laws of Roumania the same for all citizens, and especially for the Jews?”
Dr. Mark: “According to the law we are on an equal basis with the rest of the population.”
Col. Ament to Councilman Kassner: “Are you of the same opinion?”
Councillman Kassner: “I would like to add the following: we do not identify the perpetrators of the well known incidents with the Roumanian people.”
Col. Ament: “The American press reported a great deal regarding pogroms in Roumania. Did pogroms take place?”
Dr. Kassner: “Actual pogroms did not take place.”
Col. Ament: “Do you hope that your representations to the government will be successful?”
Dr. Kassrer: “Prime Minister Averescu has only recently made a statement that he will take drastic measures against the anti-Jewish excesses and that he will place the full protection of the law at the disposal of the Jews. The Jews supported General Averescu in the last elections. We expect that the Prime Minister will fulfill the promise he made.”
Col. Ament to Wiznitzner: “Are you of the same opinion?”
Mr. Wiznitzner: “I have nothing to add to the words of the previous speaker.”
The conversation ended with this.
A depressed feeling prevails among the Jews as the result of the activities of Col. Ament, for it is obvious that whatever his motives in making the investigation may be, the Roumanian officials will hasten to make use of the situation to justify the recent incidents which have stirred the whole world.
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