Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

2 Balti Jews Acquitted of Charges of Signaling to Soviet Frontier Guards

August 23, 1932
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The Jassy court-martial has recognized the baselessness of the charges against the two Jewish quarry owners of Balti and has ordered their release, it is learned here today.

The two Jews involved, David Messner and M. Guttman, were arrested five days apart, the former on July 10th and the latter on July 15th, and accused of signaling to Soviet guards across the frontier, using lights for signals.

Two other partners were also arrested, but were released at the end of July, while Messner and Gutman, were ordered returned to their native town of Balti but did not reach their destination.

The mysteriousness shrouding the case and the disappearance of the two Jews created a flurry of excitement and brought orders from the government for the immediate discovery of the two and the reasons leading to their arrest.

On August 15th, it was learned that the two Jews had been handed over to a cout-martial in Jassy, and the lack of knowledge concerning the verdict and the continued absence of the Jews aroused grave apprehensions concerning their safety.

At that time an inquiry was ordered by Undersecretary of State Gaemiescus.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement