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Athletes Set Sail Aboard Nazi Boat

July 8, 1934
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been called to his attention and that to his knowledge the A. A. U. had given no consideration to demands that American athletes refuse to patronize Nazi Germany.

Greatest opposition to participation of these teams in German events was offered by James M. Yard, secretary of the Chicago Committee for the Defense of Human Rights. Yard protested recently to Avery Brundage, president of the A. A. U. as follows:

“Learned with great regret A. A. U. preparing send team to compete in Germany. Nazi government is very opposite sportsmanship. Hope you will reconsider. Also regret sending teams on German ships.”

Protest against American athletic participation in German events has been based upon the failure of Germany to accord equal rights to German Jewish athletes in competition with Aryans.

THOSE WHO WILL SAIL

The teams were chosen at the conclusion of the national A. A. U. meet in Milwaukee last week-end. Those who will take part in Munich meets include: John Lyman, holder of the world’s record for the sixteen-pound shot put; Floyd Draper, Elroy Brown, Gene Venzke, Ivan Fuqua and Cornelius Jennings.

The second group, which will go to Stockholm, includes: Ben Eastman, world’s champion half-miler; Glen Harden, 400-meter hurdle champion; Jack Torrense, American sixteen-pound shot put champion; Eulase Peacock; Percy Beard, world’s champion 120-meter hurdler; and Gerard Rooth.

Also sailing aboard the Europa is a heavy Nazi contingent. It is understood that a sizeable crowd from the League of Friends of New Germany, American Nazi group, also are leaving.

LLOYD OFFICIALS SILENT

Pouting officials of the North German Lloyd Lines on Friday refused to give out information concerning the Nazi excursion to the homeland. Whether the line is maintaining silence on the excursion because it considers the matter a secret or because of a “persecution complex” recently, developed in German circles could not be determined.

The Europa carries Reinhold Walter, deposed head of the Friends of New Germany and leader of the excursion, on the voyage which is expected to be his last round-up so far as the Hitlerite herd is concerned. He has been displaced by the same group of non-citizens that governed his administration.

“Putzy” Hanfstaengl also will sail with the Europa to help his chief, Hitler, get over the hot spots in German affairs.

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