Papal Concordat Will Not Affect Jewish Communities Status in Jugo-slavia

The Jewish communities in Jugoslavia were apprehensive as to their status in the near future when the news was circulated in the press that the concordat now being negotiated between the Jugoslavian government and the Vatican will secure for the Roman Catholic church a predominant position as the state religion.

These reports were denied in authoritative circles to the correspondent of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. It was admitted, however, that a new ordinance regulating the status of the Jewish communities will be issued, although not before the conclusion of the concordat. Assurances were given that the new ordinance will preserve the previous status of the Jewish communities, which enjoy equal rights and standing with the other religious denominations. Under the new ordinance the Jewish communities in the country will be granted full autonomy for the administration of their affairs. A council of the Jewish communities is to be created with the power of taxing the members for religious and welfare needs.