Turkish Drive on Anti-semites Highly Praised

Commenting on the recent anti-Semitic disturbances in Turkey, the current issue of Near East and India declares that “the statement issued by the government following the report submitted by Minister of the Interior Shukru Kaya Bey, on the inquiry that he has conducted in Thrace is a document remarkable for both the spirit in which it was conceived and for the importance that it may have on the future of Turkish Judaism.”

“Seldom has any government,” the article continues, “so fully and so sincerely laid bare such regrettable events as have recently happened in that province, and in fact, the Jews consider it as bearing the mark of the Ghazi’s personal inspiration.”

The statement stresses the fact that since the middle of June rumors have been circulated among the public to the effect that the government was desirous of removing the Jews resident in Thrace, but that it preferred that this movement should not be conducted openly, but by means of intrigue and pressure. It then gives a short but exact description of the happenings, as a consequence of which three thousand out of thirteen thousand Jews were compelled to leave their homes.

“In order to cope with the situation,” states the report, “everywhere the minds of civil servants have been liberated from any influence exercised by any kind of propaganda and they have been put in a position whence they can seriously dominate the situations. Administrative and judicial steps have been taken against the civil servants whose activity, in the course of the events has been insufficient, or who have shown leniency.

The authors of the events at Kirklareli, where Jews were attacked and sixty-five Jewish houses plundered, are being proceeded against with the greatest severity. The government declares that it will oppose any pressure for emigration or boycott movements for any reason or under any form whatever. All offenses brought before the justice will be judged with celerity. It will not be allowed to oppose the return of the Jews who left and the Government will not permit provocations and hostile suggestions against any citizens to take place. It expects the press to show prudence with regard to suggestions, likely to spread disunion among citizens. Most important, however, is the announcement that an inquiry is being made with regard to regional committees, and that measure will be taken by the Popular Party against all those who have abused their position.

“It is now rumored that, had it not been for energy of the Governor of Brussa and his ability to nip the trouble in the bud, an anti-Semitic movement might have begun in that town before even it was started in Thrace. In that particular case very young men, again actuated by extreme national feelings, are said to have been the alleged promoters of the plan.”