Torres Says Evidence Submitted to Judge Proves Petlura’s Guilt

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The guilt of Semion Petlura in the anti-Jewish massacres in the Ukraine during his administration of the country has been proven by the evidence submitted to Investigating Judge Peyre, declared M. Henri Torres, Schwartzbard’s counsel, in an interview with the representative of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency here.

“The witnesses for the defense have proved Petlura’s guilt in the pogroms,” Torres declared, adding that he is now preparing the technical part of the trial, examining the documents and preparing the list of witnesses who will appear.

M. Torres further stated that he has invited attorney Weillgoudchaux to assist him in the work. “Several eminent personalities whose names cannot be disclosed yet, will be called as moral witnesses,” he said.

Former Jewish service men, volunteers in the French army, who were Schwartzbard’s comrades in the war, will also be called. Among the witnesses will be M. Bernard Lekash, well known French Jewish writer, who recently visited the Ukraine.

The trial, which will not begin before February, will be presided over by M. Laugier or M. Warrain.

Sholom Schwartzbard is keeping himself fit in prison, where he is writing his autobiography.

Asked for his opinion concerning the outcome of the trial, M. Torres declared that he expects nothing but an acquittal.