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Russia Submits New Proposals to Allied Nations on Retaliation for Nazi Massacres

December 16, 1942
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New and stronger proposals for halting the Nazi massacre of Jews in occupied countries have been submitted by the Soviet Government to the Allied Nations, it was reported here today. These new proposals are the cause for the delay in the issuance of a joint Anglo-American-Russian statement on the Nazi atrocities against the Jews and on the measures which will be taken to check these atrocities.

A direct appeal from the Jewish underground movement in Poland was transmitted from here today by cable to President Roosevelt. The appeal which asks for action to save the surviving Jews in Poland from extermination was received by Samuel Zygelboim, Jewish member of the Polish National Council, for transmission to President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

In the House of Commons today Sir James Grigg, Minister of War, was asked whether the British Government would consult American military authorities in Europe on the question of the establishment of a Jewish Army now that the Nazis are exterminating the Jews in Europe It was pointed out by several members of Parliament that the Nazis massacres entitle the Jews to form an army of their own to avenge their murdered brethren.

Sir James replied that the question of the formation of a specifically Jewish Army has been carefully examined by the government on various occasions in the light of all relevant factors and that a departure from the present policy on this subject is not considered justified.

The Manchester Guardian, one of Englands leading newspapers, in commenting today on the suggestion by British Laborites that the Allied Nations should enable Jews from Nazi-held countries to proceed to Sweden by promising the Swedish Government that they will not become a burden upon local institutions, declares that this suggestion would no doubt be welcomed by the Swedish people providing that the U.S. Government undertakes to supply food for the refugees during their stay in Sweden. The paper believes that the Swedish authorities could be persuaded to at least admit a substantial number of Jewish children. It adds that Turkey is prepared to allow Jewish children to pass through en route to Palestine and that Kenya is prepared to accept Jewish refugee children.

The Yiddish theatres in London today announced that they will remain closed all week, observing the week of mourning for the Jews of Europe proclaimed by the Rabbinate and the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

The Trades Advisory Council at a protest meeting today adopted a resolution expressing grief and indignation at the Nazi annihilation of Jews and appealed to the United Nations for retribution. Neutral countries are urged in the resolution to open their borders to Jews escaping from Nazi terror. Prof. Selig Brodetsky, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and Lord Melchett were among the principal speakers at the meeting.

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