Rankin Attacks Jews in Speech on Floor of Congress

Rep. John Rankin, long known for his anti-Jewish outbursts, made a vicious attack on Jews in the House declaring that “the same element of Yiddish Communists has control in Russia, in Czechoslovakia, and in every other Communist country in Europe.” He spoke in connection with the investigation of the Katyn massacre of Polish officers.

Rep. Ray J. Madden, of Indiana, chairman of the subcommittee which is conducting the investigation, agreed with the anti-Semitic view of the Mississippi Congressman. “The gentleman is absolutely correct.” he said. Chairman Madden made this observation after Rankin finished an anti-Semitic statement which included the expressed hope that Congress “will not only investigate all the angles of these atrocious Katyn outrages but that you will investigate the so-called Nuremberg trials.”

Rankin said: “Some months ago the Michigan delegation invited me down to hear a very distinguished man who, I believe, is now president of a great military academy in the United States. He had just come back from Poland. His statement was to the effect that the people of Poland were reduced to slavery of the most beastly character, and that a little gang of Yids at the top were in complete control.”

The discussion in which Madden and Rankin participated concerned the killing of Polish officers during World War II in the vicinity of Katyn, Poland. Rankin, Madden, and other members of Congress have urged action on requests that an investigation be held to fix the blame for the massacre. Rankin, among others, asked that the Germans be exonerated for the anti-Polish atrocity and that the Soviets be held responsible.