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Jewish Leaders Warm of Threat to Jews in Austria when Allies Withdraw

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Leaders of major Jewish organizations expressed concern over the week-end at the decision of the Big Four deputies at Moscow to ever ### all Allied troops from Austria within 90 days after a peace treaty with that country is signed.

Dr. Maurice Perlzweig, chairman of the political department of the World Jewish Congress, warned that unless adequate precautions are taken, the withdrawal of Allied forces will be followed “by a holocaust which would complete Hitler’s work.” “I hope Austria will overcome its problems and will succeed in finally sradinating the anti-Semitic tandencies which have played so unhappy a part in its recent history,” he added. “But we Jews can take no risk and the civilized world is not entitled, in the light of what has happened, to ask us to take any risks.”

Dr. John Slawson, executive vice-president of the American Jewish Committee, said that before Allied troops leave the country “the Jewish displased persons new in Austria, with the exception of a small number who may apply for citizenship, #### removed to places of safety.” The Jewish DP’s, he pointed out, will not be safe in Austria because “Austrian anti-Semitism is widespreed.” Stressing the point that the Austrian government’s attitude is “equivocal,” Dr. Sla######

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