A resolution adopted by the Rhode Island General Assembly condemning the Hitlerite policy of oppressing German minorities is pending, awaiting the signature of Gov. T. F. Green.
The resolution was introduced by Representative Charles Brown of Providence, (Rep.) only Jewish member of the House. It was guided through the Upper Legislative branch by Senator Paul J. Robin (Dem.).
The resolution expresses the “shocked” feelings of the American people over the Nazi persecutions. Congress is asked to use its influence in behalf of oppressed German nationals. The bill cites numerous precedents of American action in this connection.
The resolution points out that Germany is bound by treaty pledges made to the United States assuring economic and political rights to minority groups and asks the Rhode Island delegation in Congress to press the matter for speedy action.
THE RESOLUTION
“WHEREAS, the treatment of these minority groups has shocked the conscience of mankind and violated the principles of humanity; and
“WHEREAS, on many historic occasions from 1840 to 1919, intercessions have been made by the United States on behalf of citizens of states other than the United States, oppressed or persecuted by their governments or peoples, indicating that for nearly 100 years the traditional policy of the United States has been to take cognizance of such invasion of human rights; and
“WHEREAS, the German Reich stands pledged to the United States to accord its “nationals who belong to racial, religious, or linguistic minorities… the same treatment and security in law and in fact as other nationals”; now therefore be it.
“RESOLVED, that the general assembly of the State of Rhode Island expresses its profund feelings of surprise and pain upon learning of the discriminations and oppression imposed by the Reich upon its minority groups; and be it further
“RESOLVED, that the general assembly of the State of Rhode Island expresses its earnest hope that the German Reich will speedily alter its policy and restore to its minority groups the civil and political rights of which they have been deprived; and be it further
“RESOLVED, that the secretary of state transmit a copy of this resolution to each Senator and Representative of the State of Rhode Island in the Congress of the United States and that they be urged to use their influence toward passage of a similar resolution by the Congress of the United States.”
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.
