American Zionist Organisation Behind New President and Executive: Mr. Robert Szold Chairman of Organ

I was surprised to find instances of individual Zionists reluctant to accept the decisions of the Congress and to throw in their whole-hearted support to the new President and Executive, Mr. Robert Szold, the Chairman of the Zionist Organisation of America, who sailed today on board the “Majestic” for New York, said to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency before he left London. I was glad to note, however, he said, that such instances were few and isolated, and the great body of Zionists will have no patience with disgruntled persons who openly or covertly attack the new Executive.

For my part, Mr. Szold went on, I feel that the Congress took constructive steps forward, Prior to the Basle Congress the movement was in such a position that it could not go on in the old ways. Psychologically, materially and financially there was depression and confusion.

The Congress struck out with principles which should carry courage and enthusiasm to the movement. While declining to break completely with the past, and rejecting extremist views, it resolutely broke away from the policy of dwarfing our aims, it stood fast to our principles and international rights, and it took broad steps to set the financial house in order. The practically dictatorial power given the Executive on budgetary affairs carried with it the express responsibility, by way of injunction, to cut the garment according to the cloth; and the recognition of the necessity for increased economic effort, for stimulating the free play of economic forces, particularly in industry, trade, commerce and horticulture, is a new trend, which augurs most auspiciously for the accelerated development of the Jewish National Home.

Mr. Szold, in conclusion, said that he looks to a short period of readjustment, and a new era of quickened pace in the sound and permanent growth of Palestine, and in the Palestine movement throughout the world.