A collective fine of fifty kilograms of gold has been imposed on the Jewish population of Rome by the German military authorities, the Reuter news agency reported today. It adds that Pope Pius to contributed a considerable amount to the Jewish community to enable it to pay the fine which was demanded as ransom for 100 Jewish hostages. The report further reveals that after receiving the gold the Nazis refused to release the 100 prisoners.
London newspapers report today from Switzerland that the Gestapo has arrest all the Jews in the Italian cities of Bellaggio, Aronno and Sestocalende, Jews have also been arrested in Varese where their property was confiscated. Many dead Jews were found in the forest near Lake Maggiore with their faces burned in order to prevent their identification.
The Fascist radio in Northern Italy announced that new laws will be issued by the Fascist government “to prevent Jews from damaging national interests.” The Nazi-controlled radio has also begun broadcasting anti-Jewish propaganda at regular intervals, sandwiched in between other program items. A proclamation broadcast today said; “The Jews are the enemy of our race and of our freedom. The Jew has no fatherland. Italians, don’t forget this.”
Italian newspapers published on the eve of the armistice and reaching here today carry a report that the Italian Ministry of War has authorized the National Union of Reserve Officers to accept Jews as members.
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.
