American Zionist Leaders Warn Against Collection of Funds for a Jewish Army

A statement clarifying the attitude of the official Zionist groups in America on the question of the formation of a Jewish Army in Palestine was issued here today by the American Emergency Committee for Zionist Affairs under the signature of Dr. Stephen S. Wise, chairman, and in behalf of the Zionist Organization of America, Mizrachi, Poale-Zion and Hadassah. The statement reads:

The American Emergency Committee for Zionist Affairs which is composed of representatives of all parties and groups within the Zionist framework in this country, wholeheartedly supports the stand taken by the Jewish Agency for Palestine in favor of a Jewish Army based on Palestine to fight under their own colors, though under British command, as an ally of the United Nations. The Emergency Committee has conducted and is continuing to conduct an energetic campaign in that behalf.

2. There is no connection whatsoever between the Zionist bodies in this country and the ”Committee for a Jewish Army.” The latter is a self-constituted body owing responsibility to no one but itself. Connected with the formation of a ”Committee for a Jewish Army” are a number of persons formerly associated with an extreme section of the Revisionist Organization.

3. The American Emergency Committee for Zionist Affairs is opposed to the campaign for funds at present conducted by the ”Committee for a Jewish Army.” Such expenses as must necessarily be incurred in connection with the work of the Zionist Emergency Committee on behalf of the Army cause, are provided from the regular budget at the disposal of the Emergency Committee. Zionists throughout the country will wish to do their share in the movement in behalf of a Jewish Army through their respective organizations all of which are represented in the American Emergency Committee for Zionist Affairs.

4. The campaign on behalf of a Jewish military force which is being conducted by the American Emergency Committee for Zionist Affairs has the wholehearted support of the American Palestine Committee which under the chairmanship of Senator Robert F. Wagner has a membership of nearly 800 including many of the outstanding representatives of American political, religious and intellectual life.

5. In conclusion we would emphasize that in a matter of such fundamental importance as that of the Jewish Army ultimate responsibility must be vested in the duly appointed representatives of the Zionist movement. It cannot be assumed by a body which refuses to recognize the authority of that movement. To accept any other principle is to introduce chaos in Jewish life and to inflict grave damage on the Jewish Army cause itself.