The German Government to-day declared a general boycott against the Jews in all professions and businesses as a reply to the boycott of German goods planned by Jews abroad.
The boycott is to begin at ten oÕclock on Saturday morning, April 1, and according to the instructions issued by the Nazi party, it is to be enforced in every town and village throughout Germany. Committees of action will be responsible for seeing that no innocents but only the ÒguiltyÓ suffer, and also for personal freedom of all foreigners without regard to their race or origin.
The committees are to popularise the boycott by propaganda and will also supervise the newspapers. If the latter fail to join in the boycott campaign they are to be banned from every German household and no German business man will be allowed to advertise in them.
PROPAGANDA ABROAD
The committees are further responsible for seeing that Òevery German with any account abroad should use it to spread the truth that peace and order prevail in Germany.Ó
The committees are to ensure that only a strict proportion of Jews corresponding to the proportion the total number of Jews bear to the whole population will be allowed to attend the high schools or be admitted to the medical and legal professions.
The boycott must be carried on in an orderly manner. ÒDo not ruffle one hair on any JewÕs head,Ó are the words of the proclamation.
The proclamation consists of eleven points and is introduced by a violently worded denunciation of the Jews, who are identified with the Marxists. Germany is blamed for having placed no restrictions on immigration during the last 15 years. ÒIn gratitude for our hospitality,Ó states the proclamation, Òa handful of Jewish litterateurs, professors, and business men are rousing the world against us.Ó
AN UNOFFICIAL START
The boycott began unofficially this morning at Gleiwitz, in upper Silesia, when Nazi Storm Troopers picketed all Jewish shops and appealed to would-be shoppers not to enter. Similar action was taken at Glogau, where Jewish doctors and lawyers, as well as Jewish shops, stopped business for the day Òat the requestÓ of uniformed Nazis.