American Editors Discuss Palestine Problem with Commander Kenworthy

A group of American journalists and editors engaged in a discussion of the problems facing the reconstruction of the Jewish Homeland in Palestine, at a dinner rendered to Lt. Commander Joseph Montague Kenworthy, M.P., noted British parliamentary leader, at the Hotel Waldorf Astoria, on Monday. The dinner was sponsored by Norman Hapgood, United States Minister to Denmark during the Wilson administration, Herman Bernstein, Editor of the “Jewish Tribune” and H. V. Kaltenborn, editor of the “Brooklyn Eagle.”

In his introductory address, Mr. Hapgood, who acted as toastmaster, declared: “The doubts long shared by me and other non-Jews as to the possibility of reconciling Jewish nationalism with our international ideals has been dissipated by the remarkable spirit of understanding and goodwill which the Jews of Palestine have brought with them into the country. Enlightened nationalism such as Jewish nationalism is without imperialisitic policies and which does not engender a chauvinistic spirit may be regarded of inestimable value to mankind and international peace. This has been thoroughly demonstrated by the present Jewish achievements in Palestine, where Jews live in amity and helptulness with the Arab population.”

Commander Kenworthy in his address declared that not only was the British Labor Party, of which he is a member, giving its fullest support to the carrying out, both in the spirit and in the letter, of the Balfour Declaration, but that both Liberals and Conservatives were also similarly pledged.

“The British people and the Government supporters as well as the enlightened opinion of the civilized world stands squarely behind the Balfour Declaration and nothing can bring about a change in this policy.”

In discussing Jewish-Arab relations in Palestine, Commander Kenworthy declared “relations between the Arabs and Jews are improving from day to day. The Arab population has begun to realize that with the restoration of the Jewish Homeland its own standard of living and economic prosperity is being greatly improved.

“It has been proven that one hundred dunams of land, or twenty-five acres, cultivated in an intensive manner is sufficient to support an individual family,” he stated. “By careful analysis it becomes clear that the Palestine of today can support an agricultural population of one million. It is reasonable to believe that with increasing Jewish immigration the Jewish National Homeland will naturally expand into Transjordania where there are found vast stretchess of rich and uncultivated land now left idle. But agriculture is not the only source of livelihood for the Jewish population. Industry and commerce are constantly expanding and with the improvements and extension of railroads and the construction of the port of Haifa, untold possibilities lie ahead of the Jewish Homeland, which is naturally the key to the entire East.”

Among those present at the dinner were: Oswald Garrison Villard, editor of “The Nation”; Freda Kirchwey, of “The Nation”; Lester Markel of the New York “Times”; William L. Chenery, editor of “Colliers Weekly”; H. Blakeslee of the Associated Press; M. D. Tracy, Assistant General Manager of the United Press; C. R. Hope, General Manager of the Universal Service; Jacob Landau, Managing Editor of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency; George W. Gilmore, Editor of the “Homiletic Magazine”; Sewell Haggard, editor, “Shrine Magazine;” L. S. Richard, editorial writer of the “New York American”; William Z. Spiegelman, editor of the “Jewish Daily Bulletin”; John Sinclair, well known financial writer; Theron Bamberger of the “Evening Post”; Charles D. Isaacson of the “Radio News”; Nathan Kussy, Jos. J. Early of the “Brooklyn Standard Union”; E. H. Gauvreau of the “Graphic”; and Milt Gross of the “World.”

Governor A. Harry Moore of New Jersey addressed an audience of four hundred at the dinner in celebration of the dedication of the Jewish Community Center of North Hudson, Union City, N. J.

Justice Irving Lehman. William Ranuenberge, former Mayor of Union City, E. Halpern, Principal of the Talmud Torah, Harry L. Glucksman, Executive Director of the Jewish Welfare Board, and E. J. Londow, Field Secretary for New Jersey, Jewish Welfare Board, addressed the gathering. Felix Fuld, President of the New Jersey Federation of YMHA’s and YWHA’s, who was unable to be present, sent a message of greetings.

The afternoon services were marked by the formal opening of the building by Mr. Samuel Harber. Exercises were held in the gymanasium and addresses were delivered by Mayor Charles A. Mohn of Union City, Dr. B. S. Pollak, Medical Director, Hudson County Tuberculosis Hospital, and District Deputy President of the Federation; Arthur O. Smith, Superintendent of Schools, Harry Goldowsky, President Community Center of Jersey City, Abraham Lieberman, President YM-YWHA of North Hudson, N. P. Roe, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Center, Mrs. E. Pollack, in behall of the women of the community, and Rabbi Julius Silberfeld, Congregation B’nai Abraham, Newark.

The Jewish Welfare Board was in charge of the campaign for funds to erect the Center.