thority on commercial law, received the unusual distinction of being appointed a full professor at the University of Breslau last November at the age of twenty-eight. From the very first lecture, Professor Cohn was the target of opposition and attack on the part of the Nazi students. The disturbances created by the Nazis twice led to the closing of the University.
For a period, Professor Cohn was supported by the Rector of Breslau University. Later, however, the Rector and the Senate issued a statement declaring that Professor Cohn’s lectures could no longer be tolerated because he was guilty of political indiscretion.
The University’s statement had direct reference to Professor Cohn’s declaration, in response to a newspaper inquiry, that he would approve granting asylum to Leon Trotsky, the exiled Soviet leader, because spiritual workers merit asylum, provided they do not engage in political activities.
The University’s attitude in this connection aroused a storm of criticism on the part of press and public and brought about Minister of Education Kaehler’s intervention. As a result, following a conference with Minister Kaehler between the rector and a representative of the University Senate, a statement was issued to the effect that no censure of Professor Cohn had been intended.
The Senate of the University of Breslau further voted Cohn’s reinstatement and his lectures were resumed last week after several postponements while members of the faculty sought to secure the pledge of the Nazis to keep peace. When Cohn resumed his lectures, the Nazi students again demonstrated vigorously against him. Cohn declared that he would not be intimidated by the Nazis even though many threats against his life were made.
With the new regime, headed by Adolph Hitler as Chancellor, the Nazis appear to have gained their point.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
