Documents Collected in Russia Prove Petlura’s Guilt, French Writer Says

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The guilt of Semion Petlura, leader of Ukrainian pogrom bands slain by Sholom Schwartzbard, is absolutely proven by documentary evidence, according to Bernard Lekash. French writer who recently returned from a trip to Russia. M. Lekash in an interview with the correspondent of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency stated that the data he collected in Russia definitely proves Petlura’s guilt. Lekash stated that he will shortly publish the documents relating to the pogroms which he collected on his tour in Russia in the Paris newspaper, “Soir.”

“There is no truth in the statements made by the anti-Semitic leaders that Sholom Schwartzbard acted as an agent of the Bolsheviks when he slew Petlura. The contrary is true. Schwartzbard is an enemy of the Soviets,” he stated. M. Lekash is convinced that Schwartzbard’s defense by Attorney Torres is sufficiently strong and that he will be acquitted.

Regarding the present situation of the Jewish population in Russia, the French writer declared that it was his impression that anti-Semitism is growing in the country and that the economic position of the Jewish population in the towns in worse. The desire of emigration has been assuaged due to the colonization activity, which has absorbed a large number of prospective emigrants. Palestine is still influencing the minds of Russian Jews as the country of immigration, he stated.