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Jewish Leaders Abroad Urged to Consider Project for Peruvian Jewish Colonization

May 20, 1930
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At the initiative of the “Emigdirekt”, Jewish leaders here held a conference regarding the project for Jewish colonization in Peru. Among those who participated in the conference were Franz Oppenheimer, chairman of the Jewish Kehillah Council, Geheimrat Stern, representatives of the “Ort” “Hilfsverein” and others.

On behalf of the “Emigdirekt”, Dr. Oscar Cohen and Dr. Bruzkus declared that this international Jewish immigrant aid organization has nothing to do with the Peru project, but wants to give Jewish leaders an opportunity to hear the many projects regarding Jewish colonization in Peru.

Among the speakers at the meeting was Herr von Maltzan, a nephew of the late Baron von Maltzan, who was German ambassador to the United States. He stated that the Baron as well as Foreign Minister Streseman were interested that Germans together with Jews should colonize Eastern Peru. He also declared that the American Department of Commerce is sympathetic to the project of settling Jews in Peru.

A letter was read from Professor Albert Einstein, in which the famous scientist states that in view of the great need of the Jewish masses of Eastern Europe for countries of immigration, Jewish leaders should give the new Peru project thorough consideration.

Dr. Kirschberg, a Jewish lawyer who is himself very interested in the Peru project, described the great possibilities of Eastern Peru, where according to him there are chances to obtain wealth in a short time.

Some Jewish leaders who were present at the meeting and who were not convinced of the feasiblity of this colonization project wished to know who was behind the project and if the government of Peru is in favor of Jewish colonization. To this von Maltzan replied that a Bolivian concern had received a concession from the Peruvian government for five million hectares of land. Out of this a million hectares have been bought by a Galician concern of land owners, 80,000 hectares was leased by a German concern. He suggested that for the purpose of investigating the possibilities of Peru, Jewish circles should contribute equally with the German and Polish companies who are interested in the project.

After von Maltzan’s explanations, some of the audience still wanted to know why this project was put forward to the Jews by unknown Christians. The meeting finally decided not to consider the project at the present, but to be ready to accept any further information which may better enlighten them as to the true character of this plan for transporting settlers to Eastern Peru.

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