Deputy Hartglass Accepts Post As President of Club of Jewish Deputies

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

Deputy Hypolinary Hartglass, Zionist and leader of the oppositional Gruenbaum group in the Club of Jewish Deputies, agreed to serve as president of the Club of Jewish Deputies in the Polish Sejm, following his election yesterday.

A declaration setting forth the future course of the policy of the Club under his presidency was read yesterday by Deputy Hartglass at a meeting of the Club, following his acceptance. In his declaration, Deputy Hartglass declared that he stands, in principle, for an understanding with the government in power, and any succeeding government, concerning the recognition of the rights of the Jewish population in the Republic, in accordance with the principles of the Polish Constitution and the provisions of the international treaty signed by Poland guaranteeing the rights of the national minorities in the country.

Declaring himself to be an opponent of the system of “agreements,” he declared that it would be his policy to strive toward an understanding with the Polish people. Concerning the possibility of cooperation with the other national minorities in the Republic and their representation in the Sejm, Deputy Hartglass declared that this cooperation is possible “as far as their demands are compatible with the interests of the state.” The president of the Club of Jewish Deputies finds it, however, necessary at present to proceed to the opposition of the present government, in view of the fact that the conditions of the agreement concluded between the government and the Club were not fulfilled.

A discussion developed in the Club following the reading of the declaration by the president. Representatives of the Agudah, Mizrachi and Eastern Galicia groups of deputies participated in the discussion, all of the speakers expressing appreciation of Hartglass’ declaration.

The crisis within the Club of Jewish Deputies came to an end when the Zionist Party Council, at its session yesterday, decided to urge Deputy Hartglass to accept the post of president and Deputy Hartglass announced that he would submit to the order of the party and accept the post. The Party Council also reproached the Zionist deputies from Eastern Galicia for refraining from voting during the election of the president.

A resolution introduced by Deputy Reizes concerning the Club’s proceeding to oppose the government, was discussed at the meeting. It was finally decided to postpone action on this resolution until the next meeting of the Club on March 16.