Jewish Deputy Clashes with the Hungarian Education Minister

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The recent anti-Semitic student riots in Hungarian universities and colleges re-echoed strongly in a stormy debate in the Hungarian parliament Thursday afternoon.

A sharp class occurred between the Jewish deputy Pakots, Liberal leader, and Count Klebelsberg, Minister of Education. The discussion turned on a matter of no particular importance pertaining to students. Taking the floor on the subject, Count Klebelsberg referred to the interpellation on the numerous clausus introduced recently by Deputy Pakots. The Minister censured the tone and the contents of the interpellation and charged that it had caused damage to Hungary’s good repute abroad and “to the interests of the Jewish students.” The Minister addressing himself to the Liberal leader, exclaimed: “You better choose some other subject, leave youth questions alone.”

Deputy Pakots, given the floor on personal privilege, made angry reply. “My political work is not and cannot be influenced by the views of the Minister. I do as my conscience dictates and cannot be persuaded to act otherwise.” Addressing himself directly to the government member, Deputy Pakots charged Count Klebelsberg with direct responsibility for the continuous crisis in the Hungarian colleges and universities. “You know exactly who are the instigators of the riots. Don’t compel me to be indiscreet.”