The Rumanian Kettle

The resignation of Foreign Minister Titulescu a short time ago aroused a good deal of speculation here and abroad. Would there be a change in foreign policy? Would there be a swing away from France and towards Poland? The Jews of Rumania began to fear lest in their country, as in Poland, the minority rights for which recognition had been won in the peace treaty would be jeopardized. Moreover, if France were to lose the moral prestige it enjoys in Rumania the Jews would lose their strongest ally.

Titulescu’s return into the Tatarescu cabinet indicates that Rumania’s foreign policy is not to undergo much change. But the fact remains that, as always since the beginnings of the Rumanian state, the Jews are merely an object of politics.

It must be kept in mind that although the Jews of Bukowina and Transylvania had, even before the war, enjoyed full citizenship rights as subjects of the Austro – Hungarian monarchy, the Jews of the old kingdom did not become Rumanian citizens until 1919, and in accordance with Article Seven of the Minorities’ Protection pact, they have only been emancipated fifteen years.

TATARESCU FRIENDLY

The liberal Tatarescu government which has been at the helm since Duca’s death at the beginning of this year, has often made assurances that it respects the rights of minorities. Its legislators have been guided by the principle of equality for all, and during the past three-quarters of a year no legislation intended to discriminate against the Jews can be pointed to. Heartened by the King’s recent declaration that the government would proceed towards its goal of consolidating the country, the Jews had every reason to believe in the government and to look hopefully towards the future. The ban against the Iron Guards, the dissolution of the Nazi groups and the prevailing peace made it appear that Duca had not died in vain.

And yet the Jews’ concern about the future will not be allayed.

And for several reasons. The soundness of this liberal government is being constantly undermined by subversive forces long at work. This is due in part to the Rumanian’s love of the game of politics, and in part to the striving to set up, by changes in the constitution, a government which, unhampered by a Parliament, would the more easily handle the obstacles in its path.

In any case, the Jews are uneasy. The more so because they know the prevailing mood, which is antagonistic towards them. Exaggerated nationalism, fostered by Hitler Germany and aped in other countries, is also being preached here, and can only too swiftly turn into a radical brand of anti-Semitism.

THE ECONOMIC SITUATION

And finally, there is the economic crisis, which has not spared Rumania despite the richness of the land. Existing measures adopted by the government to protect its labor for its nationals do not contain any anti-Jewish points. In practice, however, in both public and private vocations, certain distinctions are made: It is not sufficient to indicate proof of citizenship; one must also explain whether one is Hungarian, German or Jew. In this slinking sort of economic anti-Semitism there is perhaps more danger than in that which is openly proclaimed.

The bearer of the latter kind is the academic youth. In proportion to its population Rumania has, after the United States and England, more students than any other country. Naturally, there is no chance of providing all of them with work. Doomed to unemployment, they become the followers of radicals like Goga, Cuza and Codreanu.

Goga’s influence is personal, for his national agrarian party is insignificant. Yet he has managed, through his literary ability, to attract the intellectuals towards his Rumanian national state policy which does not recognize the minorities and has no room for the Jews. This he shares in common with Cuza, reputedly the anti-Semitic leader, who for over forty years has made anti-Jewish propaganda his life work and who believes the solution of the Jewish question will obviate all problems. Among the Iron Guard followers of Codreanu the Jewish question is only one of many. The death of Duca led to their dissolution, but the actual extent of their secret activity in the direction of a Fascist state is unknown.

THE NATIONAL SOCIALISTS

Little is heard now of the National Socialist organizations supported by German funds. The government banned them last July 4, declaring they had led to clashes with other minority groups. There can be no doubt that the reference was to the Jews of Transylvania and Bukowina. A change in foreign policies it might be well to note would also have meant increased Nazi activity. But Germany’s plans to reassert its influence on Rumania through Poland have been stalemated, and for this reason, too, the Jews should breathe easier.

It is only towards Cuza that the government displays a curious indulgence. An otherwise strong censorship is very mild towards Cuza’s “Apararea Nationala,” and his youthful followers freely continue their provocations. This state of affairs has led to talk about a “secret alliance” between the Liberals and the Cuzists for internal political activities. And the Jews would pay the piper.

If there were no Hitler Germany and no economic anti-Semitism, the Jews of Rumania might now be a bit more at ease under the present government and might have hoped to strengthen their slight rights. But under the circumstances, they must be ready to fight not only for their rights but for their very existence.