Pro-fascist Forces Increasing in Mexico; Danger to Jewish Community Seen

Pro-fascist forces in Mexico are becoming increasingly active, even though the Mexican Government has been consistently friendly to the Jewish population; it was reported here today by Rabbi Bernard Lander, associate director of the Mayor’s Committee on Unity in New York City, upon his return from a tour of Mexico made on behalf of the American Jewish Committee.

“The great threat and danger to Mexican democracy and the Jewish community,” stated Rabbi Lander, “lies in the increased activity and strength of the Sinarquista. Officially, they claim to be a social and religious organization rather than a political party. There is, however, evidence of their fascist tie-ups and of their political plans and goals. During the war they continually supported and hewed close to the Nazi line. Today they continue to speak openly in admiration of Franco’s methods and of the advisability of transforming Mexico into a ‘Spain’ or an ‘Argentina.’ A large section of the Mexican press is controlled by reactionaries.

“The Mexican Central Jewish Committee headed by Mr. Gregorio Shapiro, and the Anti-Defamation Committee headed by Dr. Adolpho Fasslich, have done splendid work in coping with all expressions of bigotry in that country,” Rabbi Lander asserted. “For example, when anti-Semitic leaflets appeared on the streets of Mexico, these organizations secured the cooperation of the government in having the responsible Arab League representatives deported.” He pointed out that “Mexico is of utmost importance in the fight for the strengthening of democracy because it is the keystone of Latin America and its political trends have great influence on Latin America.”