Optimism about the future of Palestine was expresed by the American labor delegation which wa given a reception here last night. The delegation was composed of Abraham Shiplacoff, Morris Finestone and Isaac Hamlin.
Mayor M. Dizengoff welcomed the delegation in the name of the only Jewish city in the world, Tel Aviv, while M. Block spoke for the Vaad Leumi, Miss Henrietta Szold for the Jewish Agency, Mr. Kotler for Keren Kaymaeth, M. Halfman for Keren Hayesod, and M. Remez, Berl Katzenelson and Chaim Arlosoroff for the Histadruth.
Mr. Finestone conveyed the greetings of the National Labor Committee for the Organized Jewish Workers in Palestine, and of the American Federation of Labor. He read a message from President Green, greeting the Palestine Jewish workers and wishing them success in the building up of a fatherland for the Jewish people in accordance with the Balfour Declaration. President Green promised support to the Palestine Jewish workers in behalf of organized labor in the United States and Canada.
MORRIS KENTRIDGE ABSENT
Morris Kentridge, Labor member of the South African parliament, was unable to be present because he is touring the country. In an interview with the correspondent of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, he voiced his admiration of Jewish achievement in Palestine, especially “their unexpected success as manual workers.” He expressed the desire to see the tension which prevails among the Palestine Jews superseded by a greater spirit of friendliness. He stated, however, that before this could be accomplished, the British government must make tangible signs of cooperation and reveal a desire to be helpful. “If Arab politicians are eliminated,” he stated, “then Arab-Jewish cooperation is possible. But at present the attitude of the government hampers such cooperation.”
The most effective method, Mr. Kentridge said, of preparing people for self-government is to begin with the fullest development of the municipal government. He based this statement on his experience in South Africa. South African Jewry, he stated, was greatly interested in the future of Palestine and many South African Jews would be inclined to come to Palestine to invest their capital if political conditions were favorable.
Mr. Kentridge plans to remain in Palestine until the middle of September and during his stay he will confer with government officials, Arab and Jewish leaders.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
