POLITICAL; SOCIOLOGICAL - ANTI-SEMITISM, COMMUNIST ACTIVITY, PRESS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00809A000700220046-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: R
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 11, 2003
• Sequence Number: 46
• Publication Date: April 1, 1953
• Content Type: REPORT

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CENTRAL III I -.__..,,_ Mir-NUT
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Daily, weekly, monthly newspapers
ANTI-SEMITISM IN FRANCE AS VIEWED BY COMMUNIST-ORIENTED
NEWSPAPERS IN THE DIASPORA
/omment: Despite recent widely publicized charges of anti-
Semitism against the USSR and countries within the Soviet orbit,
Communist or Communist-oriented newspapers published in Budapest,
New York, Paris, Sofia, and Warsaw between 13 December 1951 and
12 November 1952 have constantly criticized anti-Semitic mani-
festations in France and have appealed for joint action of all
"democratic" organizations in France and other countries to combat
"Hitlerite fascist anti-Semitic" propaganda, which, according to
these papers, threatens not only Jews but also France, democracy,
and peace as well. This report presents reactions to anti-Semitism
as iublished in these newspapers during the above-mentioned dates.
Numbers in parentheses refer to appended sources.]
General Anti-Semitic Manifestations
A news release captioned "The Leprosy of Anti.-Semitism," which appeared
on the front page of the 1'i December 1951 issue of the Hungarian-language
Jewish Communist newspaper of Budapest, U Elet, highly praised the work of
the LrFrench-Jewish pro-Communis] MRAP (Mouvement contre le Racisme, l'Anti-
semitisme et pour la Paix, Movement Against Racism. Anti-Semitism, and for
Peace) for having effectively reported anti-Semitic outbreaks in Paris and
Marseilles through its organ, Droit et Liberte. According to Ui Elet, an
article by Charles Payan, secretary general of the MRAP, which e.ppeared in
Droit et Liberte, pointed out that the prevailing anti-Semitic symptoms in
France had been instrumental in creating so-called "anti-racism deys" through-
out the country. According to Uj Elet, the MRAP?official had asserted that,
on these days, meetings would be held in every part of Fiance in protest not
only .gninst anti -Semitic provorstinns hnt Alan nyAtnaY. rnlnnial nnnraaainn.
SUBJECT
HOW
Communist activit
press
'DATE DIST. I ApR 1953
NO. OF PAGES 7
SUPPLEMENT TO
REPORT NO.
PUBLISHED
WHERE
PUBLISHED Budapest; New York; Paris, Sofia; Warsaw
DATE
PUBLISHED 13 Dec 1951 - 12 Nov 1952
LANGUAGE Hungarian; Yiddish; Bulgarian; French
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itical; Sociological - Anti-Semitism,
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U.j Elet then published part of the resolutions passed by the trade unions
of Boucher-du-Rhone at their 31st congress, as a result of the anti-Semitic
provocations in Marseilles, as follows:
"The 31st congress learns with deepest indignation that the French Nazis
in !Marseilles have stigmatized the memory of the dead of the resistance move-
ment and of the crematories and called on the French people to boycott Jewish
shops.
We are in full solidarity with the Jewish masses of Marseilles and France,
who suffered so horribly during the Na::i occupation and actively contributed
to the liberation of our country on the side of the resistance.
"The new action of the fascists has been encouraged to a great extent by
the fact that government circles have made concessions to the traitors, collabo-
rators, inspectors of death camps, and executers of patriots who belong to the
enemies of France.
"We protest against permitting them to celebrate in the very heart of
Paris a requiem in memory of the traitor Petain."
The article concluded that the above-mentioned resolution indicated that
those who unite in the cause of the fight against anti-Semitism with the support
of the most progressive movements are in the right and that the working classes
of France have to identify themselves with the fight against anti-Semitism. (1)
On 20 August 1952, C. Koenig editorialized in the Faris Yiddish-language
pro-Communist Nate Presse that it behooves the Jewish community of France to
fight against anti-Semitism, since it not only slanders the memory of thousands
of Jewish martyrs who lost their lives in battle and as members of the maquis
but also jeopardizes the lives of Jewish children who are growing up in
Trance. (2)
Fourth National Day of the MRAP
On 28 April 1952, A. Yudin LTYiddish approximation from Frenc7 discussed
in the Nate Presse the Fourth National Day to be held in Paris on 18 May 1952
under the sponsorship of the MRAP, the purpose of which, he declared, was to
establish a united front against racism, anti-Semitism, and for peace.
He declared further that the 1952 National Day will be of more importance
than the three previous National Days, because many Nazi collaborators have
been freed from prison, and a "French anti-Semitic movement" in Lyon actually
called for pogroms for the first time in the history of France.
He emphasized that this event will give the most prominent French person-
alities an opportunity to combine forces throughout France in combating anti-
Semitic propaganda; which not only threatens the Jews, but also the Republic
of Fra:,ce, democracy, and peace.
Yudin appealed to the Jewish masses whc. he claimed, are hit most by
the anti-Semitic agitation in France, to be the first to join the fight
against racism and anti-Semitism. He opined that no honest Zionist and Jewish
organization, regardless of political leaning, should abstain from participa-
tion ip.this "anti-racism day. "(3)
On the occasion of the Fourth National Day of the MRAP, which was to be
held in Paris, L'Humanite, French Communist Party organ, on 16 Ma 1952 pub-
lished in its entirety a letter by Rosalie MacGee, wife of 1egroJ Willie
MacCiee, who was electrocuted in early 1951, addressed to the MAP.
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Mrs MacGee's letter, in part, read as follows:
"My children and I will never forget the magnificent efforts by all the
democrats of France to save my innocent husband, Moreover, we will not forget
that the Assemblee de l'Union Francaise (Assembly of the French Union), on the
morning of my misfortune, observed a minute of silence in memory of my well-
liked husband, which demonstrates to the entire world that the people of
France disapproved of this barbarous execution.
"I will speak and fight everywhere to stop the racist policy applied
against my people by the U5 government, until peace will be assured to men,
women, and children of all colors in the world.
"I will join the fight to revenge the murder of Willie MacGee, the fight
for advancement of all men to freedom and democracy.
"My best wishes for the success of your Fourth National Day. "(4)
On 17 May 1952, L'Humanite published the following list of French notables
from all parts of France who had evinced interest in the Fourth National Day
of the MRAP in Paris and had promised to attend this affair:
Attorney General Mornet; Justin Godart, former minister; Pastor Roser;
Pastor Westphal; Pastor Vienney; Leon-Lyon Caen, president of the Cour de
Caseation (Supreme Court of Appeals); Chief Rabbi Bauer; Professor Weil-Halle;
Chief Rabbi Fuks Fuchs 27; Chief Rabbi Schilli chiller 27; Rabbi Zaoui
iavi ?7; Father Chen-a; Father Berger; Father Faidherbe; General Petit; General
Le Corguille; General Weiller; Volvey, president of UFAC (Union Francaise des
Associations des Combattants, French Union of Veterans' Associations) of the
Seine; Pierre Cot, deputy, member of the Conseil Mondial de la Paix (World
Peace Council); Charles Serre, former deputy vice-president of FNDIRP (Federa-
tion Nationale des Deportes et Irternes de la Resistance des Patriotes,
National Federation of Deportees and Internees of the Resistance of Patriots);
and Claude Aveline, Edmond Fleg, Francis Jourdain, Andre Spire, J.-J. Bernard,
Louis-Martin Chauffier, Henri Hertz, and Pierre Paraf, writers.
Gustave Cohen, honorary professor at the Sorbonne; Madame Etienne Nouveau,
president of the Federation des Amputes (Federation of Amputees); Henri Laugier,
Marcel Prenant, Ernest Kahane, Evry Schatzman, Maurice Boucher, professors of
the University of Paris: Emile Kahn, secretary general of the Ligue des Droits
de 1'Homme (League of Human Rights); Jacques Marion, secretary of the Confeder-
ation Generale du Travail (General Federation of Labor); Professor Jacques
Hadamard; Father Boulier; Madame Eugenie Cotton; president of the Federation
Democratique Internationale des Femmes (International Democratic Federation of
Women); Florimond Bonte of Paris; Alain Le Leap, secretary general of the
Confederation Generale du Travail; Professor Jeanne Levy; Pierre Laroche,
scanario-writer; Pierre Loewel; Mir_heline Precle, actress; and Jean-Francis
Laglenne, president of the Union des Arts Plastiques (Union of Plastic Arts)."(5)
On 2 July 1952, C':reyski Vesti, Jewish _nmmunist Bulgarian-language news-
paper of Sofia, published an article by I. Bekhar on the proceedings of the
Fourth National Day of the MRAF, which was held in Paris on 18 May 1952. High-
lights of this article follow.
The MRAP's Fourth National Day against racism, Anti-Seuiitism, and for peace
was attended by more than 2,000 delegates from all sections of France. The
proceedings were international in tone. Greetings were read from the Israeli
Committee for Peace, the British Peace Movement, the Hamburg Committee for Peace,
the Central Committee of the Anti-Fascist Resistance Organization in West Germany,
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the Peace Committee of Morocco, the League of Fighters for Freedom in Poland,
the Rabbinical Council of Budapest, the Jewish Democratic Committee of the
Rumanian People's Republic, the Central Committee of the General Confederation
of Labor of the Rumaniar, People's Republic, and others.
Florimond Bonte, speaking in the name of the French Communist Party, as-
sailed the policies of the French government which, he declared, support the
growth of Hitlerism in West Germany. He also described the anti-Semitic mani-
festations in Lille, Paris, and Lyon which, he asserted, were being effectively
counteracted by the united strength of the French democratic and antifascist
forces. Another speaker, Etienne Nouveau, a Paris attorney, also stated that
anti-Semitic propaganda and manifestations are again flourishing in France and
added that this is not surprising, since the French government itself is aiding
the arming of the neo-Hitlerites in West Germany. Other speakers included
Father Berger, Professor Jacques Hadamard, Dr Pierre Henri Laugier; Claude
Aveline and Pierre Paraf, writers; Leon Kartune Bulgarian approximation from
Frenc] pianist; and more than 200 others.
The main report of the meeting was read by Charles Payan, secretary-
general of the MAP, who pointed out that the Jews are being blamed for the
current economic crisis in France, a well-known Hitlerite technique, and that
anti-Semitic propaganda has appeared abundantly in France in the form of news-
papers, pamphlets, and brochures.(6)
Charles Maurras, anti-Semite
/Maurras is reported to have died in November 1952, according to the
New York Congress Weekly of 24 November]
An article datelined Paris, which appeared in the New York Yiddish-
language pro-Communist Morning Freiheit of 3 July 1952, pointed out that
Charles Maurras, anti-Semitic fascist leader Lwho was released from prison
in May 1952 because of old age and ill health (he was 84 years old), accord-
ing to Naje Freese of 1 August 1957 had published in his newspaper /Aspects
de la France that the Vichy laws should be re-established and the Jews made
to give up their possessions. According to the Morning Freiheit, he declared
that the program of the fascists stipulates victory of the National Socialist
(Nazi) revolution, the abrupt elimination of the pernicious influence of the
"Jewish Internationale" in the political life of the Aryan world, and the
eradication of the liberal bourgeoisie, as well as Marxism in any form..
According to this article, Jewish circles in Paris asserted that Maurras'
declaration coincides literally with the Hitler program and constitutes an
appeal for the elimination of the Jews, the Communists, and all the progressive
and liberal elements in France.(7)
An article entitled "Paris Tribunal Demands Legal Investigation of
Charles Maurras for Anti-Semitic Agitation and for Defending Nazi Activity" was
prominently featured in Nate Presse of 1 August 1952. The article asserted in
effect:
The Seine tribunal officially announced that Charles Maurras, anti-Semite
and traitor, will have to stand investigation on the charges of "slander
against a racial group and apology for the crimes perpetrated during the
German occupation by the Germans and their French collaborators." It has
been reported, the article stated, that Barres Yiddish approximation from
Frenc7, the investigating judge, will not call Maurras to court but will
let him appear before an '.nvestigating committee because of his advanced age.
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This announcement, the article noted, should certainly give satisfaction
to all Jews and democratic circles and marks the initial success achieved by
Jewish campaigners against the anti-Semitic agitation of Maurras.(8)
In an editorial which appeared in Na}e P
resse of Apraised the MRAP and the Comite d'Action de is Resistance ctionSCommitteeiof
the Resistance Movement) for having brought pressure to bear on public opinion
to the extent that a tribunal ordered the investigation of Charles Maurras for
anti-Semitic activities. However, Yudin criticized French-Jewish organizations
such as the Federation des Societes Juives (Federation of Jewish Societies) and
the Alliance Israelite Universelle (Universal Jewish Alliance) for failing to
answer the call of the MRAP to join the fight against Maurras and for having
adopted their prewar policy of nonintervention in anti-Semitic controversies.
Yudin pointed out that the pending investigation of Maurras did not necessarily
mean a court trial and urged all French Jewish organizations to unite in the
fight against Maurras so as to transform this investigation into a legal suit
and thus bring about the punishment he justly deserved. Yudin concluded that
the case of Maurras can serve to demonstrate that it is possible to fight anti-
Semitic attacks but that the results of such a counterattack depend on how
effectively the action is carried out and whether it is done jointly.(9)
G. Koenig, in an editorial which appeared in Na a Presse on 12 August 1952,
expressed alarm at the recent anti-Semitic outbursts in Lyon and the anti-
Semitic meetings held in Paris and Lille.
He claimed that these manifestations were the result of vicious anti-
Jewish propaganda, F.'hich was published by Charles Maurr&s in Aspects de la
France and of other anti-Semitic articles which appeared in the Paris news-
paper Rivarol.
Koenig pointed out that French democratic and resistance organizations,
led by the MRAP, had been fighting this new wave of anti-Semitism in France
with some success, but that still more had to be done. Koenig also asserted
that anti-Semitism should be unmasked as an instrument of fifth columnists.(10)
Na In another editorial which appeared in the 20 August 1952 issue of the
Le Presse, G. Koenig attacked the anti-Semitic methods used by Charles
Maurras. Koenig wrote the following, among other things:
"When accused of anti-Semitism, Maurras defended himself by declaring
that be was an 'innocent victim' of 'Jewish racism', i.e., he was a victim
of Jewish 'terror and atrocity.' In attacking the Communist publication
La Voie de Pe?.iple for an article on his anti-Semitic activity, Maurras came
out with the statement that such a systematic approach could only have come
from a Jew, that is, a 'Jewish Bolshevik.' Maurras also stated that he did
not want to send Jews to the crematoriums (he did that during the German
occupation by his anti-Jewish denunciations), that all he wanted was an 'anti-
Semitic government', and that although he screamed 'down with the Jews', he
was willing to make an exception for 'high-standard Jews' jarce.sm7. Maurras
also pointed out in the Aspects de la France: 'Anti-Semitism agrees with the
highest tradition of Christianity the Spanish inquisition, for example?)
and is formally approved by the Vatican.' Now, Maurras demands that the Jews
in France, who suffered co much under Hitler and the Vichy regime, again be
subjected to the same type of anti-Semitism."(2)
Anti-Semitic Propaganda in Leaflet Form
An article datelined Paris which appeared in the Warsaw Yiddish-language
Folks-Sztyme of 12 November 1952 asserted that Jewish merchants in Saint-Ouen,
France, hud been greatly aroused recently as a result-or anti-Semitic propaganda
being disseminated in leaflet form among the non-Jewish merchants in that town.
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It concluded that this propaganda, which, it said, consisted of fascist-type
literature signed by Einar Aberg, anti-Semite of Sweden, is being conducted
by an influential international organization. The article declared that this
propaganda brands the murder of 6 million Jews by the Nazis as a lie and
accuses the Jews not only of backing Communism, which is a crime against
nations, but also of being responsible for all the hardships of mankind, in-
cluding the world wars. This literature, stated the article, demanded that
the Jews be isolated in their country of residence and their citizenship
taken away from them.(11)
In an article, entitled "Ugly Anti-Semitic Leaflets Disseminated in
Saint-Ouen," which appeared in the Ifs a Presse of 3 November 1952, A. Taitrin
5iddish approximation from French also described the above-mentioned leaflet
propaganda. A highlight of this article was the reproduction of one of the
anti-Semitic leaflets, given below in English grom the Frenc7:
COMCNISM IS a CRIME AGAINST THE STATE
Behind Communism Is the Jew
For the NATIVE LARD - Against JUDAISM
Anti-Semitism is neither a
doctrine of persecution nor a doc-
trine of hate against the Jews.
Anti-Semitism is the legiti-
mate defense of individuals and
nations.
Einar Aberg, ?Norrdfken, September 1952
Also reproduced in connection with this article was a propaganda leaf"'
consisting of a section of the anti-Semitic Paris newspaper Rivarcl,,iven
below in English flrom the Frenc7:
R I V A R 0 L
354 rue Saint-Honore, Paris, Telephone: Opera 19-94
18. 1. 1952
Anti-Semites (Nationalists) of all Countries, Unite:
By Einar Aberg, Norrviken, Sweden
Taitrin pointed out that the editorial addross and telephone number of
Rivarol are apparently given to gain new subscribers.
In his article, lsitrin asserted further that other Leaflate bea-:ing the
following inscriptions were also distributed in Saint-Owen: "Jews control the
gold reserves of the world." "Their money madness impala Jews to provoke world
wars." "In order to rule, Jews want nations to destroy themselves." "Jews
engage in warmongering."(12)
In a follow-up article, which appeared in Nate Presee ox 4 November 1952,
Taitrin asserted that the anti-Semitic leaflets being sent to French retailers
in Saint-Ouen have caused great excitement among the Jewish population in France,
especially among the merchants of Saint-C,uen.
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Tsitrin pointed out that, according to Jnwish merchants, this new mani-
festation marks a renewal of the criminal activity of Vichy times. One Jewish
merchant, he declared, considers it no accident that this ugly anti-Semitic
propaganda occurs at a time when retailers are dissatisfied, earn little, pay
enormous taxes, and find their very existence threatened. According to Tsitrin,
this Jewish merchant feels that such action is merely an attempt to blame the
Jews for all these difficulties. Another Jewish retailer, Tsitrin continued,
felt that this propaganda is not surprising since so many Nazis and Jew haters
have been released from jail. Still another merchant, he wrote, declared that
there is only one solution, that is, a joint action of Jewish merchants, to-
gether with other French associations, against such despicable propaganda.
Then Tsitrin pointed out that the anti-Semitic propaganda consists of
slogans compiled by the editorial staffs of anti-Jewish newspapers in France,
whose appearance, he claimed. constitutes a permanent danger to democracy in
general and to Jews in particular. As an example of these slogans he quoted,
among others, the following extracts from Aspects de la France and Rivarol:
"International Jewry will plunge Europe into war." "Jews are war criminals;
this is not political propaganda but the unadulterated truth." "The time has
come for action." And again, "Anti-Semites (Nationalists) of all countries,
unite:
Tsitrin further maintained that the anti-Semites, under the sponsorship of
Wall Street billionaires, are forming an international organization to carry
through to completion the unfinished work of Hitler.
Tsitrin concluded, that in view of the danger to Jews, it is readily
understandable when a Jew cries out: "Let us unite as Communists, Zionists,
socialists, believers, and nonbelievers alike. Let us join hands with the
democratic forces in the country and never allow the horrible crimes of the
recent past to be renewed."(13)
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II
1. Budapest, Uj Elet, 13 Dec 51
2. Paris, Naje Presse, 20 Aug 52
3. Ibid., 28 Apr 52
4. Paris, L'Humanite, 16 May 52
5. Ibid., 17 May 52
6. Sofia, Evreyski Vesti, 2 Jul 52
7. New York, Morning Freiheit, 3 Jul 52
8. Paris, Naje Presse, 1 Aug 52
9. Ibid., 4 Aug 52
10. Ibid., 12 Aug 52
11. Warsaw, Folks-Sztyme, 12 Nov 52
12. Paris, Naje Presse, 3 Nov 52
13. Ibid., 4 Nov 52
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