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Gypsies have historically been criticized and persecuted in Western countries.[1] In June 1908 the pan-German press publicized the "dangers" of the "Gypsy scourge," largely as the result of a motion introduced into the Cisleithanian parliament by the Pan-German representative Karl Iro on 5 June 1908.
Iro claimed that Gypsies were one of the worst scourges for Austrian farmers and that "Gypsy broads" who were under indictment in Hungary had confessed that "they made their living only by stealing." Gypsies in general, Iro stated, were responsible for "many of the most horrible murders and robbery" in the Austrian-Hungarian empire.
Iro introduced a rather sophisticated method for contending with the "Gypsy scourge." The principal problem was identification of the Gypsy.
Knowing their names is of tremendous value for the administration of justice, since upon his arrest, each Gypsy invariably pretends to have only one prior conviction at most. It is impossible to prove to the contrary, precisely because his correct name is not known.... [To remedy this] each Gypsy should be marked in a manner that will make it possible to recognize him at any time. For example, a number could be tattooed on his right forearm, plus the name the Gypsy has given himself .... the numbers could be transmitted to the district courts, similarly to those of automobiles being transmitted ....
The identification method would be supplemented by forced resettlement of the Gypsies. The settlements would be supervised and "controlled by a constabulary patrol....[similar to methods] in penitentiaries and correction facilities ....[and] treated as if they were put under police surveillance."
In addition, Gypsy families would be broken up and young children would be "re-educated" to serve "useful" social purposes.
Children should be taken away [from those] ... who don't comply ... for example, between their fifth and sixth year. They could be sent to schools where they would have to be instructed in various crafts according to their disposition, not to be released until they were journeymen. These institutions would be some sort of correctional facilities.... If their native homeland is unknown, strong young Gypsies aimlessly wandering about should also be sent to forced labor institutions.
These measures would be expensive but to subsidize the costs, Gypsy property should be confiscated. Iro summarized by stating that
To be sure, these are drastic measures, in particular taking away their children .... [however] more moderate measures appear to be entirely futile.</blockquote.>
The legislative motion was introduced by the three Pan-German delegates in the Parliament and was seconded by another fifteen delegates, including some Czechs, a Ruthenian and a Pole --nationalities which usually were deadly enemies of the Pan-Germans. The motion was rejected by the Parliament.
- ^ All information in this article can be verified at Hamman pp. 116-31.
