Danzig Jews Heartened by Lester Report

The Jewish population of Danzig will never surrender any of its rights or honor, the Danziger Echo, Jewish newspaper of the Free City, declared today in an editorial commenting on the report submitted, to the League of Nations by Sean Lester, League High Commissioner in Danzig.

Lester’s report, the editorial declared, is of extraordinary importance to the Jews of Danzig and safeguards the rights given them by treaty against any Nazi aggression.

Pointing out that the commissioner’s report is based on the important declaration of policy made by Dr. Hermann Rauschning, stating in clear language that the Danzig government will not permit legislation against the Jews, the Danziger Echo says that Dr, Rauschning’s subsequent resignation does not vitiate his declaration, which was made on behalf of the government, and not personally.

SEES POLAND BACKING JEWS

The High Commissioner’s reference to the clause in the Danzig-Polish agreement safeguarding the interests of the Jewish merchants is clear proof that Poland, for economic reasons, demands equality for Danzig Jewry, the Echo stated.

In his report to the Council of the League on January 21, High Commissioner Lester expressed himself as highly optimistic as to the relations between the Jews and the Nazi-controlled government of the Free City. He cited a number of instances in which Danzig authorities had indicated a desire to adopt a liberal attitude toward the Jews.

Danzig has been under Nazi control for more than a year. The Nazi party won a victory under Dr. Rauschning, although later he was forced to retire. It was alleged at the time that he had resigned under pressure, since he was considered to have a conciliatory attitude to the Jews and to Poland.

Dr. Greiser, leader of the Danzig Nazis, has been in control ever since, with Dr. Forster as president of the Senate.

While the rights of the Jews of the Free City are clearly and defi-