A “Buy Christian” drive has been launched by an organization calling itself the Greater New York Committee for Christian Action, which is distributing a “Christian Index” listing 55 business houses, the American Jewish Congress charged today. The committee, according to the Congress, was organized by followers of Father Charles E. Coughlin.
The list comprises firms on New York’s West Side between 59th and 110th Streets, but subsequent lists are expected to encompass the five boroughs. The leaflet says that it is the first of a series of monthly publications listing firms which offer “all the advantages of Christian decency, fairness and courtesy.” It declares “Christ himself sponsored this little leaflet for YOUR protection.”
The committee, which first gave no address, has now issued a circular with a post office box number. The American Jewish Congress canvassed the 55 firms listed and found them for the most part owned and operated by Irish-Americans and Irish Americans. Thirty one denied authorizing use of their names and 20 stated that they had authorized inclusion.
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