Rudolf Hess, Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler’s deputy leader of the Nazi party, who hitherto has not openly demonstrated fondness for the direct anti-Semitic tactics of the present rulers of Germany, has prepared an order outlawing any relationship between members of the party and Jews, it was learned today.
The order, 3,000,000 copies of which have been printed and await distribution to party members, was interpreted by well-informed observers as a warning to the Jews of drastic physical measures to follow if the anti-Reich economic boycott abroad is not relaxed.
HITLER’S INFLUENCE SEEN
The hand of Hitler was seen in the order although its preparation is ascribed to Hess. It was believed that Hitler was acting through his deputy so as to enable him conveniently to disavow responsibility, if and when he deems it prudent so to do, but it is obvious that the Reichsfuehrer’s approval must have been obtained.
Apparently conceived as retaliation for resolutions recently adopted by the World Jewish Conference, the Hess commandments of ostracism are six in number, as follows:
NO JEWISH LAWYERS
1. Members of the Nazi party must not engage Jewish lawyers.
2. No Jew may receive a letter of introduction or a recommendation from a party member to government officials or party functionaries.
3. Contributions to party collections must not be accepted from Jews.
4. Jewish stores must not display Nazi shields or symbols.
5. Members of the party must not be seen in public places with Jews.
6. Members of the party must avoid all kinds of private relations with Jews.
Hess is said to be slated by Hitler to assume the Reichsfuehrer’s combined duties of President and Chancellor in the event of Hitler’s death.
The Hess order comes as a stunning blow to the hopes of Reich Jewry, for in the past, while the Nazis occupied themselves with making existence insupportable for the Jews, Hess has stood aloof from the anti-Semitic activities of the Nazis. He has made speeches against France, another favorite brown shirt choice for attack, couched in as strong language as that employed by any others of Hitler’s aids, but in the past has refrained from assaults upon the Jews.
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.
