871.4016/272: Telegram
The Minister in Rumania (Gunther) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:47 p.m.]
866. In connection with the Jewish pogrom at Iasi reported in my 599, July 1, 7 p.m., and 610, July 3, 2 [11] p.m., Rebecca M., wife of Joseph M. [Hirsch?], a naturalized American citizen who resided at 22 Stradamarzesu, has just informed the Legation that her husband died on July 2 last of suffocation in a sealed freight car in which he was being transported with other Jews to a college [village?].
Bela Spitzer, wife of Nathan Spitzer, a native American citizen of Iasi, likewise reports the death of her husband under similar circumstances; [Page 869] and Jacob Nimovitz, a naturalized American of Iasi, has been reported as missing.
The Foreign Office in a note of October 1 has confirmed the deaths of Joseph M. [Hirsch?] and of Jacob Nimovitz but without mentioning the causes thereof.
Official reports of death will be submitted to the Department and relatives of the deceased in the United States provided the Legation obtains the required documentary evidence.
Inasmuch as the aforementioned citizens were entitled to passports for immediate return to the United States only and could not claim protection during their continued residence in Rumania the Legation will make no official protest unless instructed to do so.