Cooperation in Economic Field Will Facilitate Understanding with Arabs, Sokolow Says

The possibility of mutual understanding between the Jewish and the non-Jewish communities of Palestine would be facilitated by cooperation in economic endeavors and if such economic relations were developed “then we might expect that amity would progress, particularly if the others realized how many advantages they receive from our work.” Nahum Sokolow, new president of the World Zionist Organization, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in an exclusive interview.

“I am not an adherent of patched-up and superficial peace declarations,” Mr. Sokolow declared. “I am looking forward to a real peace between the Jewish National Home and the non-Jewish communities of Palestine as soon as our antagonists give up their obstructionist policy, as soon as they appreciate that their protests against the Mandate are futile and that our work is as much in the general interest of the country as in our own. As soon as they realize that the Mandate is of international concern and cannot be revoked, the road to mutual understanding will be open.”

“The possibility of mutual understanding will be facilitated by cooperation in economic endeavors,” he said. “The non-Jewish communities will find that they cannot isolate themselves from us, nor can we isolate ourselves from them. If we really begin to get together in such practical matters, we shall come closer to each other. The political propaganda is effective just because of this lack of economic cooperation.”

MUST CONTINUE WORK

Admitting that he had taken over a difficult task, Mr. Sokolow asserted that the most immediate and most important job is the continuation of the work in Palestine, particularly the work of colonization and industrial development “which we have promoted partly with our own means, and partly by helping it from time to time to develop. We must endeavor not only to maintain what already exists but to add new enterprises. The carrying out of the thousand family settlement plan, which was decided upon some time ago, will be one of our first efforts. At the same time, and no less important, there is the need of effecting the consolidation of the existing settlements in every possible way.”

In this connection Mr. Sokolow pointed out that in spite of the difficulties encountered by the movement with regard to finances “we have nevertheless made progress in a way which is unfortunately not appreciated by public opinion. What I want to bring out is that our working population in Palestine is gradually acclimatizing itself; it has learned much and has gained experience.

“Quite independently of the extent to which we have progressed quantitatively and the rate of our progress, Continued on Page 4

“I hope that in spite of all difficulties, the Jews of the world will participate in this work of consolidation to the maximum of their ability. In particular, our two great funds, the Jewish National Fund and the Keren Hayesod, must be strengthened. We shall have to make a fresh effort to induce our brothers in every part of the globe to unite in this great and sacred task of the Jewish people to secure its position in Palestine.”

Mr. Sokolow also said he hoped he could count on the Jewish middle class engaging in private initiative, and developing various enterprises, particularly in the field of home and small industry. “We shall make an earnest endeavor to help such enterprises with advice and to the best of our ability,” he said.

Speaking of the internal Zionist situation, Mr. Sokolow said that he regretted that there seemed to be a misunderstanding existing among the various Zionist parties. The opinion seems to prevail, he declared, that “we have given up Herzl’s conception of Zionism, and that we are attempting to cripple Zionism and to minimize it into a small colonization work. This is not the case.

“We shall endeavor to make every Zionist realize that there is no real rift between the fundamental principles of Herzl and ourselves. We shall appeal to every Zionist, to whatever group he may belong, to lend his strength and energy for the realization of our ideal. The common views and aspirations which bind us are more powerful than the divergent views which separate us. The work of quiet persuasion and argument forms the solid foundation on which the success of Zionism will be reared.

“I am confronted,” Mr. Sokolow concluded, “with the urgent task of restoring peace in our Zionist rank and file, and with the support of all devoted Zionists I shall do my duty to fulfil the trust of the 17th Zionist Congress.”