ANTI-SEMITISM IN THE SOVIET UNION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP66B00403R000200190053-0
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 4, 2005
• Sequence Number: 53
• Publication Date: February 26, 1964
• Content Type: OPEN

1964
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acts of persecution and discrimination
against members of the Jewish religion,
it becomes increasingly important for
U.S. citizens to express their deepening
concern over the situation. Word has
been received that the prosecution in the
long and secret trial of a number of Mos-
cow residents has called for the death
penalty for the 11 Jews charged with
economic crimes. For the 12 non-Jews
charged with the same'offense the prose-
cution asked only prison terms of 15
years.
It is ironic to note that'the crime of
which these 23 are accused is operating a
knitting mill secretly in the workshop of
a neurological institute near Moscow.
For their initiative and efforts to increase
the gross national product of the Soviet
Union, the 11 Jews, considered ringlead-
ers, face the death sentence. The trial,
originally expected to be a "show" trial
with great publicity and public impact,
was for unknown reasons carried out en-
tirely in camera. Perhaps even the Com-
munists realized that a public trial on
such an issue would. be viewed as a ter-
rible farce in other parts of the world.
Certainly, there is a startling contrast
between Soviet propaganda efforts to
prevent capital punishment of a hand-
ful of convicted spies and espionage
agents in the United States and Soviet
Government demands for a death penal-
ty for operating a knitting mill.
In July 1961, the Soviet Union took a
great step backwards in reintroducing
the death sentence for so-called eco-
nomic crimes. Of the 190 persons so far
believed to have been tried since that
time, well over half are estimated as
Jewish.
In view of the continuing Soviet cam-
paign of anti-Semitism, I asked the De-
partment of State for a full report on the
subject urging U.S. action to prevent
such excesses. The report I have just
received from the Department of State,
although in some respects satisfactory
and straightforward in its admission
of anti-Semitic activities in the Soviet
Union, still leaves a major issue unre-
solved. The State Department con-
cedes that the Jewish community
whether regarded as a religious sect or
a nationality, suffers serious hardship.
Nevertheless, the State Department
maintains "There is no evidence that the
authorities intend to incite the public to
acts of anti-Jewish violence. Rather,
they seem to be using popular anti-
Sgmitic sentiments for their own pur-
pose."
While reviewing the problem in some
detail, the Department of State again
concludes that action by the U.S. Gov-
ernment through diplomatic channels
would not be. useful, or in the best in-
terests of Soviet Jews. Instead, the
Department of State emphasizes the
value of private appeals from Jewish
and other religious organizations to
make known the continuing concern
held throughout the world about the
Soviet action against religious minorities
within the Soviet Union.
Although I am encouraged that the
Department of State has given further
thought and attention to this problem, I
3609
enjoyed certain privileges, were so embittered
that they too began undermining, rather
than strengthening, discipline."
Today, every movement of Khrushchev has
been in the direction of more force and re-
pression. The significance of Kazakhstan is
that it Is the "last straw." As it has pro-
vided only a new seat of agricultural mu-
tiny and sabotage worse than any of the
others, it has exhausted. Khrushchev's last
conceivable answer to the problem of pro-
viding an expanding food -economy at home,
produced by willing farmers under the Com-
munist system. At the same time it has
heightened the rebellious spirit everywhere
In the Soviet Union, as Molotov, Bulganin,
Kaganovich, Shepilov, etc., had warned.
Khrushchev, In his speeches delivered on
September 28 and October 9, 1963, reiterated
his old theory of abolishing the collective
farms altogether and transforming them into
untenanted state farms adjacent to agricul-
tural cities where the farmers are day-la-
boring apartment dwellers, without homes
on the soil or household farming plots. If
he make up his mind to forge ahead, Dr.
Fabian predicts that he must anticipate
open revolt.
Khrushchev's fertilizer speech of last De-
cember 9 was an old excuse, warmed over.
He cannot admit before the world that it
is the rebellion of his people that is at the
core of his troubles. "Plenty of fertilizer
has been delivered to the farms in the past,
and Is a pet object of peasant sabotage,"
writes Dr. Fabian. "They have stored it
openly in the rain to leach out, and they
have applied it in overdoses to burn out crop
lands. "
The following day, December 10, it was
left to G. I. Voronov, Premier of the Rus-
sian Republic, to raise the ominous subject
of disciplining the peasants with more "edu-
cation." It would be necessary to teach
the peasants how to use fertilizer, said Voro-
nov, for "Khrushchev's fertilizer program
would be wasted if it was not properly used
"as a result of ignorance or prejudice on
the part of the peasants." Skirting any con-
fession of sabotage, he mentioned problems
of transporting chemicals from factories to
fields. He told the central committee that
15 to 20 percent of the present fertilizer
output and sometimes more is being lost in
transportation and storage.
There is every indication that foreign
wheat purchases will be used to see the re-
gime through a new attempt to discipline
the peasants, in a final death struggle be-
tween the Red regime- and its people. When
the December party meeting closed, it sched-
uled a new plenum within 2 months, instead
of the usual six, with the food problem to
be the chief one on the agenda.
The U.S. Congress cooled noticeably to-
ward the, wheat deals after the December
meeting in Moscow. It finally gave the Pres-
ident permission to endorse private sales of
wheat to the Soviet Union (which means
guaranteeing sellers that they'll get their
money), but washed Its hands of responsi-
bility by stipulating that President Johnson
could guarantee the sales if in his judgment
it was in the best interests of the United
States. Very shortly thereafter, the first sale
was consummated, a private dealer negotiat-
ing sale of 1 million tons of wheat to the
Soviet Union at U.S. support prices, Moscow
paying a lower price and the United States
providing the difference. It was reported to
be the biggest single sale of wheat ever
-SEMITISM IN THE SOVIET
Mr. KEATING. Mr. President, as new
information continues to reach the
United States confirming official Soviet
No. 84-15
am, at the same time, disturbed by the
Department's reluctance to put the full
and appropriate measure of blame upon
the intensive activities and campaign of
the Soviet Government itself. The fact
that "official Soviet spokesmen consist-
ently deny the existence of any anti-
Semitic bias in Soviet policy" is no rea-
son for the citizens of the United States
to accept without protest this continuing
Soviet prejudice and injustice.
I ask unanimous consent to include
following my remarks in the RECORD the
text of the memorandum prepared by
the Department of State on the subject
of the "Situation of Jews in the Soviet
Union."
There being no objection, the memo-
randum was ordered to be printed in the
RECORD, as follows:
SITUATION OF JEWS IN THE SOVIET UNION
The long-term antireligious campaign in
the Soviet Union has grown in Intensity over
the past several years and all religions, in-
cluding the Jewish religion, are being sub-
jected to increasing restrictions, forms of
interference, and negative social pressures.
These pressures are brought to bear against
various minority groups in the Soviet Union
and in the case of the Jewish people prevent
the normal maintenance and development of
their religious, social, and cultural life.
Soviet publications carry many articles
attacking religious observances, ridiculing
believers, and even accusing them of anti-
government activities. Similar attacks are
featured on Soviet radio and television and
in public lectures. They are supplemented
by atheist propaganda in the schools, where
children are taught from the earliest grades
that adherence to a religious faith is im-
moral and evidence of weakness or even
depravity.
The antireligious campaign which began
with the establishment of the Soviet Gov-
ernment in 1918, although varying in in-
tensity at times, continues unabated. Re-
ligious sects not affiliated with the major
churches have recently been the particular
focus of attack. Lengthy reports and
articles in the Soviet press describe the court
trials in which members of such groups have
been tried and sentenced for allegedly cor-
rupting Soviet youth by teaching them re-
ligious practices.
The Soviet Government has denounced
the excesses and "crimes" of the Stalin era,
but at no time has there been any in-
- creased tolerance of religion in domestic
policy. Furthermore, in the past year or
two there have been growing indications
of an active, anti-Semitic bias which have
made the Soviet Jews apprehensive for their
future. Official Soviet spokesmen 'neverthe-
less, consistently deny the existence of any
anti-Semitic bias in Soviet policies.
While the amount of pressure on the Jew-
ish community varies from time to time,
official and unofficial reports are in agree-
ment that anti-Semitic prejudices persist
among the people of many areas of the Soviet
Union. ; Some of these prejudices can be
traced back to the czarist era of Russian his-
tory. While all observers agree that Soviet
Jews are being place under increasing re-
strictions with regard to religious worship,
the U.S. Government has no information in-
dicating that Soviet Jews fear physical per-
secution of the type of magnitude which was
directed against them during czarist times
or during the immediate postwar period
under Stalin.
There is no doubt that Soviet press re-
ports and commentary concerning some of
the economic trials have been written in such
a way as to emphasize the Jewish Identity
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 Approved Fie 4ffg~ 1/ ~RDP."? 23R00020019005;3 r1 26
of some of the defendants. an emphasis Regarding possible remedial action on be- The only result of a refusal by South
which would not escape the attention of So- half of Soviet Jews by the U.S. Government Bend, for instance, to accept Federal assist-
viet Jews or of those elements of the Soviet through diplomatic channels, the Depart- ance for a local project would be to make
cltizeny which retain strong anti-Semitic ment continues to believe that formal U.S. more money available to cities which reject
prejudices. In the recent past, Soviet press Government representations to the Soviet the chamber of commerce local-responsibil-
coverage of economic crimes has Indicated Government would not be in the best in- sty concept.
that Jews are being sentenced. often to death, terest of Soviet Jews. These representations If the chamber of commerce really wants
in disproportionately l.u'ge numbers. At the could In fact antagonize the Soviet Govern- an end to federally assisted public housing,
same time, other population elements, in- ment to the detriment of Soviet Jews. In urban renewal and perhaps other things, It
cluding non-Jewish Communist Party mem- the past, the Soviet Government has often ought to concentrate its efforts on Congress.
bers and public ofcia s, have figured as de- accused Soviet Jews of susceptibility to sub- It Is doubtful thit it will get to first base ad-
fendants in trials for economic crimes and versive foreign influences and of being agents vising local communities to reject Federal aid
have received the extreme penalty. The best of foreign states, most particularly of the as long as Congress goes on making funds
speculation as to official motives In publlciz- United States and Israel. It hardly would available.
ing these economic crimes is that the So- be to the interest of Soviet Jews for the Call it taking from the poor to help the
viet Government wishes to frighten potential United States to take actions which would rich or whatever you please, this 1s the way
economic "criminals" by the harsh deter- seem to lend credence to this charge. For- it is.
rent penalties while deflecting adverse pub- mal actions by the U.S. Government or its Those who would have South Bend re-
lic reactions to the harshness of these sen- official representatives could have this un- nounce Federal assistance for worthy public
tences by playing upon the anti-Semitic fortunate result and also lose in effective- works. Including public housing if the need
sentiment that exlstn In the population. ness because of the tendency In many areas is clearly demonstrated, aren't facing up to
There is no evidence that the authorities In- to dismiss U.S. moves involving the Soviet realities. - For the truth is that as long as
tend to Incite the public to acts of anti-Jew- Union as motivated primarily by cold war the Federal funds are miide available they
ish violence. Rather, they seem to be using considerations. will be spent somewhere in the United
popular anti-Semitic sentiments for their Where feasible, the U.S. Government can States. As Federal taxpayers, the people of
own purpose. and does support moves designed to bring South Bend surely are entitled to a fair share
Judaism is one of the 11 recognized reli- about an Improvement in the lot of Soviet in the allotments.
gious sects In the U.S.S.R. and fares better Jewry, reduce the negative pressures on their Would anyone suggest today that the
than nonrecognized groups, especially those religious life, and restore their opportuni- people of his community should reject Fed-
such as Jehovah's Witnesses which espouse ties to enjoy their rich cultural heritage. eras road construction help when it Is avail-
pacifism. However. 3oviet Jews have not The situation of the Jews and other minor- able? The principle is the same.
been permitted any ec?rt of national or pro- !ties In the Soviet Union is a subject of
vincial organization secular or religious, such continuing concern to the U.S. Government.
as other nationality pToups and the recog- Within the inherent limitations mentioned A COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY
aired religious sect; have bad. Each above, the Department will continue to work
synagogue struggles Wong on Its own. The for an Improvement in the life of the Jewish Mr. CURTIS. Mr. President, the Con-
number of synagogues is being quietly re- people of the Soviet Union. gress is under attack from many quar-
duced. Press treatment of synagogues, and Appeals by private organizations and Indi- ters. There are those who clamor for
of references to Jew sh identity generally viduals to the Soviet authorities are believed so-called reforms and changes In the
has almost always placed them in an un- most likely to bring about a change in Soviet organization and operation of the legis-
favorable context. Worship is circumscribed policy affecting Soviet Jews. Such appeals lative branch of the National Govern-
not only by the paucity of synagogues and might heighten the Soviet Government's meat.
rabbinical training, but by restrictions af- sensitivity on this subject and encourage a
fecting traditional focda and customs. decrease in its mistreatment of these unfor- As a member of the Rules Committee,
Jews are treated as a nationality, regard- tunate people. I have had ample opportunity to review
less of religious practice, and the nation- Since the fate of Soviet Jewry is of con- and study many of these suggestions.
ality listed In their identity documents is cern to the world community, serious thought Some have merit; most do not.
that of "Jew." Their distinctive language might be given to a united appeal of private One of the most thoughtful discus-
activities and community institutions have organizations representing worldwide Jewry' sions of this problem is contained in an
now been reduced almost to zero, unlike and. If possible, other religious groups. r] address by my colleague, Senator HRuSxA,
those of other national groups. Any more to a University of Nebraska Convocation
than the present minimal level of Yiddish-
language activities Is discouraged. The ter- FEDERAL PUBLIC HOUSING AND in Lincoln on February 13. I ask unani-
ritorial Jewish "horieland" projected in URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAMS mous consent, Mr. President, that ex-
Birobi an is an admi,ted failure. There Is cerpts from Senator HRUSKA's well-rea-
strong pressure toward assimilation, and a Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, in recent soned remarks be printed in the RECORD.
marked assimilation in practice; yet the months there has been an increasing There being no objection, the excerpts
compulsory nationality label remains. attack on the use of Federal funds for were ordered to be printed in the RECORD,
Jews are well represented in the artistic public housing and urban renewal pur- as follows:
and scientific professions, and are relatively
numerous in the micdle levels of the eco- poses. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, A COMffiTMSNT To DEMOCRACY
nomic hierarchy. But they have lost the for example, has advocated that local (Excerpts from the remarks of Senator
strong position at top levels of the party chambers should oppose communities ROMAN L. HRISKA, University of Nebraska,
that was held after the revolution, and are accepting such aid. An editorial which February 13, 1984)
virtually excluded fr3m sensitive areas of appeared last Sunday in the South Bend One can turn In any direction these days
the bureaucracy and the army. Their rela- Tribune pointed out the ineffectiveness and see government on trial. I do not limit
tive position In the professions is certain to of this type of approach. Because this myself to democratic forms of government,
fall as more non-Jews become qualified with editorial raises a question which is although that is what concerns us most.
the spread of educaticn. Jews probably have Man seems to be losing his struggle to live
a higher average income than other groups, worthy of serious consideration, I wish in a stable society, protected in his personal
but it is something of a disadvantage for to call It to the attention of my COI- rights and free to further his Individual in-
individuals of given career potential to be leagues and ask unanimous consent that tercats, as mobs take matters in their own
Jewish. it be printed In the RECORD. bands.
The existence of Israel renders Soviet Jews There being no objection, the editorial Perhaps too much was expected too soon
vulnerable to official attack on grounds of was ordered to be printed In the RECORD, of the newly formed nations carved out of
divided loyalty; emigration is forbidden, as follows: the great colonial empires of the 19th cen-
They are also suspect for having ties with tury. The reports from across Africa and
Western Jewry, and contacts with foreigners SARR iN(e UP WRONO TREE southeast Asia would dishearten the incor-
are discouraged. The US. Chamber of Commerce contends rigible optimist as government after govern-
While the Department of State has no that the Federal public housing and urban ment topples or teeters on the brink of an-
basis on which to assess authenticity of renewal programs have the effect of- taking archy. The tide of rising expectations, as
charges made against either Jewish or any from the poor to subsidize the rich. Accord- Governor Stevenson described the times, is
other defendants in these trials, the pub- Ingly, it has urged local chamber of com- ebbing.
licity given such trials would surely buttress merce unite to go on record in support of More disappointing, perhaps, is the pat-
already existing anti-Semitic prejudices local responsibility for public housing and tern unfolding in our own hemisphere, where
through the association of Identifiably Jew- renewal projects. nations endowed with strong constitutions
ish persons with alleged criminal violations. Whatever may be said of the vtttue of self- are endangered by philosophies alien to their
There recently has been a decline in such reliance, it Is hard to subscribe to the theory soli. We have taken a special interest in
publicity, although the number of Jew- that local communities should turn their these nations, flattered that they found our
ish names among those reported as sen- backs on Federal assistance when it is avail- system of government most to their liking.
tented remains disproportionately high. able. Although our cultures stem from different
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