Swiss Press Seen As Anti-semitic, Supporting Censured Official

The Swiss Jewish community was viewing with growing concern here today mounting evidence of an anti-Semitic press campaign allegedly inspired by the Swiss Government. The press comments followed the resignation this weekend of Etienne Serra, chief of protocol of the Swiss Foreign Ministry, who was accused of having made a number of anti-Jewish remarks at a dinner party held at the home of an Arab ambassador last March.

Dr. Georges Brunschvig, president of the Federation of Swiss Jewish communities, who heard of the incident from one of the guests at the dinner attended by Serra, had lodged a strong protest to Swiss Foreign Minister Friedrich Wahlen some time ago.

Among the remarks attributed to Mr. Serra, which have not been specifically denied by the Swiss diplomat, are accusations that the Jews represent an “international conspiracy” and are responsible for the current critical world situation. Mr. Serra, a member of the Swiss foreign service for 20 years, is also reported to have warned Christians against “the Jewish danger,” and to have charged that the Jews have no right to Israel.

Mr. Serra’s resignation followed a recent report concerning the Swiss diplomat’s remarks in the Economist of London, along with an accusation that he was linked with the unhindered activities in Switzerland of Egyptian munitions merchant Khamil Hassan. It was noted here that Serra has only resigned from his current post, and it is believed likely that he will soon be appointed to a high-ranking post at the Swiss Embassy in an important foreign country.

Expressing “shock and surprise” at the resignation, a number of Swiss newspapers asserted that Serra’s remarks were merely a “lack of precaution” and charged the Swiss Zionist movement with “taking advantage of the situation.” Some papers charged that the entire affair was a put-up job, and that the resignation was due to “underhand lobbying.”