The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-08-30


 As early as December, 1888, the Amateur Athletic Union in annual convention assembled, passed U resolution to the effect that # evil dence were esta blished against the Maxi government of discrimination against the Jews in connection with the Olympic games, that 1t was the sense of the A. A. U. that America should not participate in the Olympiad to be held in 1936 if held in Berlin. This action was not precipitate, but was taken aft. CT deliberation ,and the delegates present voted that any final action to be subsequently, taken would be controlled by future events. c
 Nearly two years have passed since the adoption of this resoiu- tion and regret to say that ire. futable proof semes to exist that the dischiminations against Jewish athletes in Germany have been continued in such manner as to justify a definite and positive de. cision by America that she will not participate in the Olympic games in Berlin, unless conditions are redically changed and at once,
 It :s cardinal principle of true and loyal Americanism that all people should be permitted to wor- ship God as they see fit, and that no particular race, creed or color shall ever be necessary qualifca. ton for public honors ,or for the right sto represent America ath. letically or otherwise.
 It is. not denied that the Hitler regime has cruelty persecuted tho Jews, banished from Germany many of the most cultured and most respectable and responsible; has placed many others in con. centration camps, and has made 1t almost impossible for the Jews still remaining in Germany to even exist without fear that any mo- ment they may be brutally as. faulted, sent to prison or unjustly
 That there has been discrimina. ton against the Jews with respect to the competition In the Olympic games, has been proven. beyond a shadow of doubt. Attempt is made to explain this by saying that those who wish to try for the German team, are eligible only when they belong to a Nazi Ath- letic Organization. In the next breath 1t is conceded that Jews are not eligible for Nazi Athletic Or. ganizations. In other words, tlsere. fore, due to unfair rulings and dis. 'crimination, 1t is impossible for any Jew to qualify for the Ilympic games and no Jew has yet been given the chance to qualify. Ger. many, therefore, has not kept her pledges to the International Fed. eration. llfF'f
 Likewise. it seems to be con. ceded that Miss Mayer, q Jewess and the worlds leading lady fen. cer. has not been invited, nor has Miss Bergman, champion lady high jumper.
 Furthermore, no Protestant or Catholic can train or compete. or prepare for the Olympic games unless he or she is a member of a Nazi controlled athletic organiza- ton.
 All of the conditions which have attempted briefly to describe have been created by the Nazi government in defiance of the rules and laws of humanity and of the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. and contray to olym- plan principles. .5T't
 feel that the greatest aid that Americans can give to those count less millions suffering in Germany at the present time, Is to make as positive declaration to the Hitler government that America shall not participate unless the unjust and inhuman and unsportsmanlike conditions which have been crea- ted are eliminated forthwith.
 hope that the protests of fair minded Americans who have al- ready expressed their feelings and their indignation, will not be in vain, and that some benefits will soon result therefrom to, make easier the lot of the countless mill lions born and living in Germany, who love their country, are truly patriotic. are honestly <and sim cerely religious and wish to freely worship God as their conscience dictates. but who are not in a DO. sition to aggressively fight for principle without fear of dire, un- just and inhuman punishment.
 am talking only as an individ- ual and am expressing my views only as an individual. It is true, that am 6. member of the Ameri- can Olympic Committee, but do not attempt in any way to speak for that committee, or for the A. A. U. am speaking and acting according to the dictates of my own conscience, but when a meet ing shall be held of the Executive Committee or of the delegates of the Amateur Athletic. Union, to discuss existing conditions and to determine whether or not the A. A. U. shall favor participation, now declare in view of the pres ent record, that shall emphatic ally vote against Americas par ticipation in any Olympiad in Ser lin in 1936."