The South African Jewish Board of Deputies has decided against formation of a special Jewish battalion after receiving a comprehensive report stating that both the Government and provincial committees of the board strongly opposed separate Jewish military units.
Support for a separate unit came from the South African Zionist Youth Council and the New Zionist Organization. The inter-Provincial Jewish Conference, however, unanimously rejected the plan, declaring that Jews should participate fully in all movements for national service which were open generally to all citizens.
M. Frances, president of the board, informed the deputies of steps taken to ascertain the official views on the subject and declared that the authorities had been informed not only of the board’s views but also of the views of supporters of the plan. The authorities expressed uncompromising opposition to the idea and would under no circumstances countenance it, emphasizing the undesirability of national segregation as well as the practical difficulties from a military viewpoint, Francs reported.
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