German Jewish Mistreatment Confirmed, but Considered Virtually Ended, Says Hull

Secretary Hull has secured the report asked by him from the American Embassy in Germany, and transmitted the findings to American Jewry through Dr. Cyrus Adler, President of the American Jewish Committee; Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, Honorary President of the American Jewish Congress; and Bernard S. Deutsch, President of the American Jewish Congress. The report addressed to them in the form of a telegram, is as follows:

You will remember that at the time of your recent call at the department I informed you that in view of numerous press statements indicating widespread mistreatment of the Jews in Germany, I would request the American Embassy at Berlin, in consultation with the principal consulates in Germany, to investigate the situation and submit a report.

A reply has now been received indicating that whereas there was for a short time considerable physical mistreatment of Jews, this phase may be considered virtually terminated. There also was some picketing of Jewish merchandising stores and instances of professional discrimination.

These manifestations were viewed with serious concern by the German government.

Hitler, in his capacity as leader of the Nazi party, issued an order calling upon his followers to maintain law and order, to avoid molesting foreigners, disrupting trade and to avoid the creation of possibly embarrassing international incidents.

Later, Vice-Chancellor von Papen delivered a speech at Breslau in which he not only reiterated Hitler’s appeals for discipline but abjured the victors of the last election not to spoil their triumph by unworthy acts of revenge and violence which could only bring discredit upon the regime in foreign countries.

As a result, the embassy reports that the authority of the regular police has been reinforced.

The feeling has been widespread in Germany that following so far-reaching a political readjustment as has recently taken place, some time must elapse before a state of equilibrium could be re-established.

In the opinion of the embassy such a stabilization appears to have been reached in the field of personal mistreatment, and there are indications that in other phases the situation is improving.

I feel hopeful in view of the reported attitude of high German officials and the evidences of amelioration already indicated, that the situation, which has caused such widespread concern throughout this country, will soon revert to normal. Meanwhile I shall continue to watch the situation closely, with a sympathetic interest and with a desire to be helpful in whatever way possible.

In a telegram sent to Secretary Hull by Rabbi Dr. Stephen S. Wise and Bernard S. Deutsch, on behalf of the American Jewish Congress, the writers expressed gratitude for the prompt report, which, they declared, “confirmed our fears that there has been considerable physical mistreatment of Jews, picketing of Jewish merchandising stores, and instances of professional discrimination.” It adds, “Until the status of the Jewish citizens of Germany is safeguarded and the position of non-national Jews is secured, the enlightened opinion of America must watch with profoundest anxiety the development of events in Germany.”