Polish Jewry, whose economic status has been more than precarious since the close of the World War, now faces a new danger if the Americanization process in the economic field is carried out immediately as is contemplated.
A plan now under consideration by the government was revealed in an article published in the official organ of the Polish Ministry of Trade and Industry. The publication of this plan aroused wide interest, causing anxiety in many Jewish circles. In order to put trade on a solid basis, it is proposed to organize two huge corporations of retailers and wholesalers. These two trusts would control trade in Poland. According to the outline, the plan should be put into realization next year.
Although the writer suggests the inclusion in the corporations of traders without regard to creed, the requirements for membership as specified would, it is feared, strike most severely at the Jewish traders. Only members of the corporations are to be permitted to trade in Poland. If a member is excluded he forfeits his right to engage in trade.
If the plan is put into effect immediately, it would spell complete economic ruin to the majority of Jewish traders and merchants.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
