Jewish Delegations in Warsaw Ask Polish Cabinet Members to Curb Anti-jewish Riots

Three Jewish delegations, representing the Central Committee of Jews in Poland, called upon members of the Polish Cabinet in Warsaw and urged additional protection for Jewish life and property in connection with the anti-Jewish disturbances which have occurred in various parts of the country, it was reported today in a Yiddish broadcast over the Warsaw radio.

One of the delegations, which called on Dr. Wladyslaw Kiernik, Minister for Public Administration, was received “in rather an unpleasant atmosphere,” the broadcast reported. When the delegation brought to the Minister that a recent conference of the Polish Peasant Party had adopted anti-Semitic resolutions, he denied that this was true, The peasants in Poland, he said, are not interested in the Jewish question.

The interest of the peasant is centered in the forthcoming elections and in land reforms, he declared, adding that the only elements in Poland stirring up anti-Jewish feelings are the underground army still maintained by leaders of the former Polish Government-in-Exile in London. He promised that all those guilty of participating in anti-Jewish outbreaks will be punished.

A similar promise was made by Dr. Henryk Swiatkowski, Minister of Justice, to another Jewish delegation. He assured the Jewish leaders that severe punishment has already been meted out to participants in anti-Jewish disturbances, and added that a decree designed to curb anti-Jewish activities is now under discussion by the Cabinet and will soon be promulgated.

Col. Maiskewski, Under-Secretary of State for Public Security, upon whom the third Jewish delegation called, said that the strongest possible measures are being taken to prevent any further anti-Jewish disturbances. He emphasized that special precautions have been taken to protect Jewish children’s homes and other Jewish institution. He also revealed that Gen. Witold, the Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Militia, last month issued special instructions outlining measures which are to be taken by local militia forces to protect Jews from anti-Semitic groups.