Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Plan to Set Up Jewish State in No. Rhodesia Offered to British Body

May 1, 1939
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

A plan to establish a Jewish State in the northeastern part of this British colony has been submitted, it was disclosed today, to the British commission investigating possibilities of refugee colonization on behalf of the Intergovernmental Refugee Committee.

The plan was offered by Captain Campbell, an expert attached to the commission, w## pointed out that the Mwilunga territory, occupying the north-eastern extremity of Northern Rhodesia between Belgian Congo and Portuguese West Africa, was twice the size of Palestine (not including the Transjordan).

The territory is well watered, but except for the northern part is infested with tsetse flies (carriers of sleeping sickness). Only two white farmers live in the area. The black population is described as friendly and easily manageable.

Meanwhile, apprehension lest refugee settlers jeopardize the economic position of existing industrial and commercial enterprises was expressed at a meeting addressed by Col. Stephenson, member of the Legislative Council. He gave assurances that only selected refugees with the necessary training and capital would be allowed into the country. The meeting adopted a resolution expressing willingness to help refugees but demanding guarantees for existing enterprises.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement