Trial of Dutch Jew Charged with Betraying Fugitives to Gestapo Resumed in the Hague

A special court here today heard additional evidence in the case of Frederik Weinreb, Dutch Jew, who is charged with betraying fugitive Jews to the Gestape and of extorting huge sums from Jews whom he aided to flee the country. The trial was adjourned last June pending further investigation into new evidence uncovered at that time.

The prosecutor today renewed his demand for a ten-year prison term, and attacked “international action” on behalf of Weinreb. He asserted that the new inquiry had produced further evidence of the defendant’s guilt and expressed resentment that his prosecution of the case was being attributed to anti-Semitic motives.

(Jewish groups in the U.S. and abroad have rallied to Weinreb’s aid, charging that he was being railroaded to prevent his exposing high Dutch authorities who worked with the Germans. Individual Jews who were enabled to flee Holland as a result of Weinreb’s activities have formed committees to assist him.)

The president of the court read affidavits from seven prosecution witnesses, who testified that Weinreb had demanded and obtained huge sums to facilitate their escape. Weinreb’s former secretary, who appeared in person, testified however that all his activities had been aimed at aiding Jews to leave the country. Defense counsel asked the court to dismiss the charges and free Weinreb immediately, but his motion was denied. The court announced that its verdict would be issued on December 3.

Sections of the Dutch press are campaigning for Weinreb’s release, and Parliamentary action on his behalf is also being planned.