Alliance Israelite Insists Roumanian Jews’ Safety, Rights, Must Be Secured

Makes Public Text of Memorandum On Excesses Submitted to Roumanian Minister at Paris (Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The text of the memorandum submitted by the Alliance Israelite Universelle to the Roumanian Minister at Paris concerning the anti-Jewish excesses in Roumania was made public by the Alliance.

The memorandum, over the signature of J. Bigart, general secretary of the organization, speaking in behalf of the Central Committee of the Alliance, declares:

“In a letter that we had the honor of addressing you under date of February 3rd last we informed you of the very grave concern caused Jews all over the world by the situation of the Roumanian Jews and asked you to be good enough to recommend to the Government of your country to take drastic measures with a view to ending such a deplorable state of affairs.

“Our apprehensions were well-founded. The methodic campaign that has been pursued for years by the anti-Jewish agitators and which has developed without being combatted by the public authorities has resulted, on the occasion of the congress in Oradeamare, in acts of aggression, pillage, devastation and desecration of religious edifices and sacred objects.

“The ministers could not be unaware of the true character of this congress of students; in view of the personages who were patronizing it, it was possible to look forward to its degenerating into anti-Jewish excesses. Moreover, Mr. Cuza, in his newspaper, did not conceal that the Jews would be taken to.

“Already in the course of the journey on the railroad some incidents had taken place, which were immediately made known to the proper minister by a deputy. Despite this, no preventive measure was taken. The passive attitude of the authorities could not but encourage the elements of disorder. It is under these circumstances that the painful events of Oradeamare. Cluj, Jassy and several other cities ensued. Nowhere, in so far as we are informed, was the protection of the Jews assured. Nothing effective was undertaken to curb the actions of this wild youth.

“From all over the Jewish world a cry of alarm goes up: it is our duty to translate it. The Government has given assurances that it reproves these very detestable acts. However, what disturbs us is that having been ## it has not prevented them. We also take the liberty of bringing before your Government once again the laments and apprehensions of the Jews; the Roumanians of Jewish faith must be assured that their existence and their security are placed under the safeguard and responsibility of the public powers of their country. Accept, dear sir, the assurance of our profound respect.”