The capitol today was still surprised at the statement by Senator James Hamilton Lewis on Saturday assuring the Senate of the cessation of injustice and oppression of the Jews in Germany and providing for protection of life, property and religious freedom in the future.
Senator Lewis, in taking an active stand against anti-Semitic policies of the Nazi administration with other members of the Senate declared that the American government has received assurance that “whatever has transpired from any quarter that worked an injustice or oppression on the Jewish people has ceased by the order of those in charge and control of the government in Germany.”
The statement of Senator Lewis followed with others by Senator Joseph T. Robinson, Majority leader and Senators Metcalf, Copeland, Walsh, Hatfield, Wagner and Tydings, all of whom denounced the Hitler regime for its persecution of the Jews.
The senatorial attack on the Nazi policies was precipitated by Senator Robinson when he described the German spectacle as “sickening and terrifying.” The speech came an hour after the President appointed William E. Dodd of Illinois Ambassador to Germany.
Senator Robinson declared that Germany’s cruel policies toward the Jews “will bring their own penalties.” He predicted the loss of international prestige, moral reaction among the German people of far-reaching effect, and the loss of trade and commerce.
Senator Metcalf described the Nazi action as a disquieting factor to the peace of the world and a blow against the American ideal of religious freedom.
Absolving the German people from guilt of recent atrocities because “they are under a power over which they have no control,” Senator Copeland approved the statement of the Arkansas member.
Senator Wagner, whose boyhood was spent in Germany, called upon the German people to unite with Americans in condemning “actions which are threatening the basis of civilization.”
Senator Millard Tydings recalled Jeffersonian policies of granting religious freedom. Tydings said, “I too want to join in respectful protest against the treatment of Jews in Germany and to offer a word of sympathy at this time when they are the victims of intolerance.” Senators Walsh and Hatfield also denounced persecution in Germany.
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.
