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Britain’s Obligation Regarding Palestine Part of International Law, Says Smuts

March 12, 1944
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Britain’s obligations to the Jews in regard to Palestine are a “part of international law” and a “matter for the conscience of mankind,” Prime Minister Jan Christian Smuts of the Union of South Africa declared in a message addressed to the United Palestine Appeal here on the occasion of the opening of its 1944 drive to raise $4,000,000.

Premier Smuts, who substituted for Prime Minister Churchill as head of the War Cabinet during the latter’s illness, described the UPA as “another reminder of the profound suffering endured by the Jewish people and of the setback to their cause in Palestine. Twenty-seven years ago,” he added, “the Allies renewed the ancient promise to Israel that a national home would be founded for them in their ancient homeland. It is part of international law of the world.”

It was announced here today that contributions of $300,000 have already been received for the UPA although the campaign does not open officially until March 15. The Marks family, which is prominent in Jewish life here, contributed $200,000 of the $300,000 already received. This is the first year that Zionist fund-raising groups in Britain have combined in a united appeal.

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