The question of the discriminatory tax on Jews and other minorities in Turkey, levied in 1942, was again raised in Parliament today by the Democratic deputy, S. Tekelioglu. The Finance Minister explained the irregularities and abuses of the former government’s officials in the enactment of the tax law and urged the opposition members–who were in power then–to give a clear account of what they had done.
Taking this opportunity to express the new government’s views, Prime Minister Adnan Menderes said that the levying of that tax has remained a delicate and grave question for Turkey. He revealed that the government will take up and discuss this matter soon. The issue was raised for the first time in parliament by the same deputy last July, following the Democratic Party’s victory in the elections, and was denounced by Ministers and deputies.
It is not likely, however, that the sums and properties unjustly confiscated at that time will be restituted after the forthcoming parliamentary debates. The discussions are apparently intended to call public attention to this fact, which as the Prime Minister pointed out, remains a clear example of the bad administration of the country under the former government.
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.
