Congressmen of Both Parties Voice Sentiments on the Jewish Tragedy in Palestine

-“I regard the treatment being given the Jews by the Arabs in Palestine is a national tragedy and all the civilized nations of the earth should use their best influences to prevent further bloodshed and death.”

CONGRESSMAN TILMAN B. PARKS (ARKANSAS), CAMDEN, ARK

-“The horrible outrages against the Jews in the cities of Palestine puts upon England the sacred duty to give not only adequate but immediate protection on account of her being the Mandatory Power. Every civilized country should offer not only moral support in this tragic hour but should call upon the Mandatory Power to exhaust every effort to immediately put an end to this crime against civilization. England’s failure to act promptly may cause suspicion on account of the former relations with Arabs. America should demand ample protection for her nationals while extending her sympathy.

CONGRESSMAN HERBERT J. DRANE (FLORIDA), LAKELAND, FLA

-“My opinion is that the entire civilized world, regardless of religion, race, or political affiliation, is interested in terminating the atrocities in Palestine. The people of the United States are particularly interested because of the large population of American citizens there whose lives are endangered by the present disorders, in addition to the probable waste of the large funds sent there for humanitarian purposes. I further believe that the British authorities are able and willing to compel law and order until such a time as the final decision is reached as to the propriety of extending and enlarging the Mandate.”

CONGRESSMAN C. R. CRISP (GEORGIA), AMERICUS, GA

-“In common with the civilized world I am shocked and grieved at the persecution of Jews in the Holy Land. No race has a greater history or has contributed more to the civilization of the world. They have my admiration.

“America is not a member of the League of Nations and I am opposed to her assuming any Mandate anywhere. I am in sympathy with our citizens contributing financially to ameliorate conditions in Jerusalem.”

CONGRESSMAN CHARLES G. EDWARDS (GEORGIA), SAVANNAH, GA

-“Our government should protect American citizens the world over. If it has not done so already our State Department ought to call on Great Britain to stop the slaughter of Jews by the Arabs in Palestine, regardless of what the issues are. Humanity throughout the earth is shocked by the cruel and brutal murders committed by the heartless Arabs. Immediate redress should be demanded and paid by this government for the American lives already lost, and the Arabs put upon immediate notice that American citizens must not be harmed and must be protected.

“No feeling is deeper nor fight more bitter, than those growing out of religious persecutions and it is so un-American that protests from every quarter should be made and so inhumane that civilized peoples everywhere should denounce the brutality of the blood-thirsty Arabs. You are at liberty to repeat this telegram to the State Department at Washington, if you like. An outraged humanity demands that the high-handed Arabs be called to their senses and that the shocking and terrible tragedies be ended at once. My deep sympathies go out to the persecuted Jews and to those who have had sorrows growing out of this deplorable persecution.”

CONGRESSMAN S. RUTHERFORD (GEORGIA), FORSYTH, GA

-“President Woodrow Wilson evidently looked with a prophetic eye when he urged the adoption of the League of Nations to amicably adjust differences that might arise in foreign lands growing out of the rearrangement of territory. He evidently knew that if his policies were adopted America could assert a most whole some influence over the other powers of the east. Religious differences have brought about disturbances that should have been righted in the beginning. It is my opinion that the world powers should offer their friendly aid to England in bringing about an early settlement of the differences between the Jewish population and the Arabs in Palestine and I am willing to use my best efforts in this direction.”

CONGRESSMAN M. C. TARVER (GEORGIA). DALTON, GA

-“I wish to say that, of course, my sympathies are with the Jewish people in the disturbances occurring in Palestine.

“The attitude of the American government should be one of expectation and insistence that the lives and property of American citizens in Palestine will be properly protected by the British government and offenders in recent rioting punished. Today’s press dispatches indicate that Great Britain is slowly but surely restoring order.

“I shall be very much opposed to the assumption by the United States of the Mandate for Palestine either by itself alone or in conjunction with other world powers. The United States should, however, exhaust every means available under international law to secure proper protection for its nationals.”

CONGRESSMAN BURTON L. FRENCH (IDAHO), MOSCOW, IDAHO

-“I am profoundly shocked that the 20th century finds any people capable of unrestrained fanaticism against the Hebrew people, and I trust the responsible authorities may speedily establish order.”

CONGRESSMAN JOHN C. ALLEN (ILLINOIS), MONMOUTH, ILL

-“The tragedy in Palestine appears to be caused by lack of British forces.”

CONGRESSMAN WILLIAM H. HULL (ILLINOIS), PEORIA, ILL

-“I have been in sympathy and have subscribed to funds to assist the Jewish population in Palestine. Poor people as they are need the consideration and sympathy of all American citizens. Some of the best people we have in this country are related to the Jewish people in Palestine. The travel of American citizens through Palestine should be protected by this country.

“The protectorate of England over Palestine should be enforced, the same as the United States government enforced the protectorate over Nicaragua. I hope at least our government will extend a moral message to those who have jurisdiction and power over Palestine.”

CONGRESSMAN JAMES T. IGOE (ILLINOIS), CHICAGO, ILL

-“It is the duty of other world powers to take over the mandate for Palestine. Americans are most keenly interested, aside from condemning brutality and murder, because it has been largely through American liberality that funds have been provided for the rehabilitation of the Holy Land. I am confident that the ultimate reaction of this outburst of savagery will bring greater strength to the creation of the Jewish national center in Palestine, with the consequent more effective spread of western civilization and prosperity. Our heartfelt regret is that so many precious lives have paid the supreme sacrifice at the hands of brutal savagery in order that this magnificent result may be accomplished.

“I am confident that the British government will take speedy measures to restore order and to appoint such officials in Palestine as will administer that land in the spirit of the mandate to Great Britain. The world expects it of her.”

CONGRESSMAN ED. M. IRWIN (ILLINOIS), BELLEVILLE, ILL

-“I deeply deplore the religious intolerance in Palestine. I endorse President Hoover’s views expressed last week and trust the British government will discharge its obligation under the mandate.”

CONGRESSMAN ELLIOTT W. SPROUL (ILLINOIS), CHICAGO, ILL

-“I believe that our government should in every way possible guarantee safety to American citizens in any country. I am deeply grieved over the tragedy in Palestine.”

CONGRESSMAN RICHARD N. ELLIOT (INDIANA), CONNERSVILLE, IND

-“I am opposed to the persecution of the people in Palestine. However, I have not yet received sufficient information about the matter to advise interference on the part of the United States.”

CONGRESSMAN A. J. HICKEY (INDIANA), LA PORTE, IND

-“My sympathies are with the Jewish population of Pales-

CONGRESSMAN WILL R. WOOD (INDIANA), LAFAYETTE, IND

-“With all right thinking people I greatly deplore the Palestine tragedy and concur in the message of the President with regard to same. If Great Britain cannot give the protection that it has undertaken over there, the other civil powers of the earth should provide it before greater outrages are permitted.”

CONGRESSMAN WILLIAM F. KOPP (LOWA), MOUNT PLEASANT, IA

-“The great tragedy in Palestine is a shock to civilization and my deepest sympathy goes out to the Jewish people who have achieved so much for mankind. I hope the persecution of the Jewish people will be brought to a speedy end and that Palestine may become a real homeland for them.”

CONGRESSMAN F. DICKINSON LETTS (LOWA), DAVENPORT, IA

-“The tragedy now being enacted in Palestine is an offense to civilization, if indeed it is not also the shame of civilization, and the civilized world has a positive duty to end it. If the mandatory power does not or cannot restore peace and order, other world powers should take over the Mandate for the preservation of life and property. The people of the United States are deeply concerned in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Holy Land and earnestly desire that justice and fair play be accorded the Jewish race the world over. It is the wish of America. I am sure, that intolerance which has caused this mania be uprooted and that peace and good will may prevail for Jews and all men. The United States government should do its part, whatever that part may be, and do it now to justly and fully meet the demands of outraged humanity.”

CONGRESSMAN ROBERT BLACKBURN, (KENTUCKY), LEXINGTON, KY

-“I deeply concur in President Hoover’s concern for the safety of American citizens in the Holy Land, and the conviction that out of the present crisis the Jewish National Home will emerge with greater strength for further spreading of Western civilization and prosperity in Palestine. I sincerely hope that steps will be taken immediately to create some plan to prevent further bloodshed, and cure conditions, which, if let alone, may lead to worse tragedies and prolonged conflict.”

CONGRESSMAN MAURICE H. THATCHER (KENTUCKY), LOUISVILLE, KY

-“Great Britain should live up to and fulfill her obligations to give protection to life and property in Palestine and if she fails further to do this, I believe the civilized powers should immediately confer with the idea of meeting the situation in an adequate way.”

CONGRESSMEN JAMES O’CONNOER AND J. ZACH SPEARING (LOUISIANA), NEW ORLEANS, LA

-“We are in thorough accord with President Hoover in his expression and attitude towards the lamentable massacre of the Jewish people in Palestine. It is needless for us to say that our whole-hearted and sincere sympathy goes out to the Jewish people of the world in this new affliction which has aroused the profound sorrow of all people regardless of creed.”

CONGRESSMAN WILLIAM P. CONNERY, JR. (MASSACHUSETTS), LYNN, MASS

-“I believe that the United States government, through our State Department, should make it plain and unmistakable to the British government that the United States expects Great Britain to give absolute protection to American citizens in Palestine and also expects and demands that Great Britain will immediately take means to put a stop to the horrible massacre of inoffensive people whose only crime is their desire to live peaceably and amicably with all other peoples.”

CONGRESSMAN JOHN W. MCCORMACK (MASSACHUSETTS), BOSTON, MASS

-“I have already wired the Secretary of State urging adoption of an American policy which will assure the continuity of the Jewish settlement in Palestine. The present situation is disgraceful. Not only should those who are responsible for the present outburst be punished, but the origin should be investigated to prevent further recurrences. It the nation entrusted with the duty of protecting life and property under the mandate of the League of Nations is unable to do so. America should assure protection at least to its own citizens. The settlement should not be permitted to be destroyed through intolerance or any similar influence. You can rest assured that I will do everything that I can to assist not only in the present situation but to obviate future recurrences.”

CONGRESSMAN JOSEPH W. MARTIN, JR. (MASSACHUSETTS), NORTH ATTLEBORO MASS

-“The civilized world has been shocked at the stories of the massacres which have come out of Palestine. It confidently expects Great Britain, having put its hand to the plow, will not withdraw but will quickly restore order and will give the Jewish people the protection in their aspirations to which they are entitled by agreement of the nations. Out of all this suffering will emerge a stronger Palestine which can go forward with its reconstruction plans with a greater certainty of security.”

CONGRESSMAN GEORGE R. STOBBS (MASSACHUSETTS). WORCESTER, MASS

-“I greatly deplore the tragedy and will do my utmost by way of presentation of any protest or resolution to the State Department not only to bring about relief from the present condition of affairs and a restoration of law and order, but to insist upon some stabilized system of protection which will take care of the situation permanently and for all time to come.”

CONGRESSMAN ALLEN T. TREADWAY (MASSACHUSETTS), STOCKBRIDGE, MASS

-“I am in hearty accord with the views expressed by President Hoover in his message to the Zionist Organization of America. All citizens of this country are naturally concerned for the safety of their fellow citizens in the Holy Land. I regret the existing crisis. Whatever can be done through our State Department or through governmental agencies in accordance with our general obligations will, I am sure, be ably handled by Secretary Stimson and the proper representative of our government.”

CONGRESSMAN EDGAR C. ELLIS (MISSOURI), KANSAS CITY, MO

-“The amazing and shocking tragedies happening in Palestine demand the exercise of all the good offices of the American people and their government. It is to be hoped British forces will adequately cope with the situation. I am in accord with the view that it is humanity’s duty to supplement the efforts of the Mandatory now charged with this responsibility.”

CONGRESSMAN ROBERT S. HALL (MISSOURI), HATTIESBURG, MO

-“The Jewish people deserve and must have ample protection in Palestine. Many American citizens are involved in the unlawful assault of the Arabs. I favor this nation standing firmly with a demand that the massacres cease at once.”

CONGRESSMAN ROWLAND L. JOHNSTON (MISSOURI), ROLLA, MO

-“I concur in President Hoover’s expressed views on the Palestine situation. The immediate prevention of further outrages is a responsibility of the civilized world. Guaranteed protection of the inhabitants of Palestine should be the Mandate of all nations.”

CONGRESSMAN RALPH F. LOZIER (MISSOURI), CARROLITON, MO

-“The unprovoked persecution and assassination of the Jewish population in Palestine has shocked all right-thinking people the world over and calls for immediate and aggressive repressive and punitive action by the British government, the Mandatory Power. It is unthinkable that in this tolerant and enlightened age, fanaticism and murder should run riot as has been the case recently in Palestine. All races, creeds and peoples should in no uncertain or hesitating manner express their horror at and condemnation of the brutalities inflicted on the helpless and unoffending Jews of Palestine and immediate and aggressive action should be taken by the nations of the world to prevent a recurrence of these unspeakable atrocities.”

CONGRESSMAN EDGAR HOWARD (NEBRASKA), COLUMBUS, NEB

-“The appalling tragedy now being enacted under the Mandate flag of Great Britain and France in Palestine calls for more action and less diplomacy than hitherto

CONGRESSMAN ISAAC BACHARACH, BY ROBERT J. BOURKE (NEW JERSEY), ATLANTIC CITY, N. J

-“Mr. Bacharach is away on his vacation. However, I may say to you that Mr. Bacharach is very deeply concerned with the deplorable state of affairs existing in Palestine and is very much in sympathy with the efforts now being put forth by the Jews of America for the relief of the Jewish population in the Holy Land. In this connection he has accepted the Chairmanship of the local Committee organized for this purpose. I might say to you that the Congressman is very much in accord with the views of President Hoover, and it is hoped that the British Government, through the mandatory powers confered upon it, will, without further delay, take such action as will once and for all put an end to such outbreaks.”

CONGRESSMAN HAROLD D. HOFFMAN (NEW JERSEY), PERTH AMBOY, N. J

-“Civilization demands that England as Mandatory Power take immediate and effective steps to bring about the sessation of the tragic outrages in Palestine and to perfect military and police organization to prevent a recurrence. Should Great Britain fail in this duty other steps must be taken by the world powers to insure adequate protection for Palestine during the reconstruction and the rehabilitation period.”

CONGRESSMAN EMANUEL CELLER (NEW YORK), BROOKLYN, N. Y

-“It is apparent from the continuation of the Arab onslaughts on the Jews and new attacks upon Christians that law and order have not yet been restored in Palestine. Further loss of life and property are hourly occurring. Directly upon the heels of news that quiet had been restored to Palestine came the news of massacres at Hebron and Safed. British promises of safety do not square with performance. Not one further drop of blood should be shed or a stick of property further destroyed. British forces in the Palestine zone are woefully inadequate to cope with the situation.

“The British Foreign Office continues to flout the solemn obligation assumed by the League of Nations’ Mandate. This matter is of special concern to the American public, which is now prepared to pour millions of relief funds into Palestine. American citizens have been murdered and others are still imperiled. The British powers have not given suitable guarantees of protection. In the name of common humanity, I. as representative of the American Congress, demand of the British government such guarantees forthwith. These guarantees can only take the shape of sufficient troops, aeroplanes and warships. Great Britain has pussyfooted long enough with the Moslems; now is the time for action.”

CONGRESSMAN JOHN D. CLARKE (NEW YORK), DELHI, N. Y

-“Every right thinking person abhors the atrocities now being perpetrated in Palestine and it does seem as if our boasted civilization is a failure unless, through proper instrumentalities, a permanent peace cannot be evolved between the Jews and Moslems. We already know the sympathetic attitude of President Hoover, the great humanitarian with years of good deeds on his record. It will be my duty to support him in every recommendation that he makes.”

CONGRESSMAN S. WALLACE DEMPSEY (NEW YORK), LOCKPORT, N. Y

-“The whole civilized world sympathizes with the Jewish people in the sudden and wholly unjustifiable attack made upon their people in the Holy Land. The British Empire has deservedly enjoyed for centuries, the reputation of protecting those entitled to look to it to safeguard them against unlawful aggression. The attack in this case seems to have taken the British by surprise. As soon as they realized the situation, it is inconceivable that they will not afford the adequate protection they have always given their citizens and those who have the right to look to them for protection. That they perform this obligation is the wish and the expectation, I am sure, of the civilized people throughout the world.”

CONGRESSMAN SAMUEL DICKSTEIN (NEW YORK), NEW YORK CITY, N. Y

-“Notwithstanding continued assurance by the British government that it is taking all steps to restore order in Palestine, the latest reports received by the public press do not bear out this assertion. The Jewish population of Palestine is living in continuous dread and fear and does not know whether its salvation is near at hand or whether it will be compelled to bear the brunt of Arab outrages for some time to come. The tragedy of our people has now reached its second week and almost every hour we hear of a new Jewish settlement being attacked by Arab bands. I am not one of those who will place the entire blame for this unhappy situation on the British government. Perhaps it is not entirely the fault of that government and perhaps any other Mandatory Power, if placed in a similar situation, would be subject to the same trouble. But the situation was not unforeseen, and the British government, by the use of proper safeguards, might have prevented a great deal. Something must be done to put an end to this intolerable situation. I have heretofore communicated with the Secretary of State and requested him to order American war ships to proceed to Palestine in order to remove therefrom all American citizens who feel that, in view of what has happened, their lives and property are in immediate danger. After all, it was the British government which invited the Jews to come to Palestine, and it is up to the British government to ameliorate conditions and restore Jewish conditions and property in that unhappy country to its former status. Nor must England alone be compelled to take the necessary steps to restore conditions in Palestine. The entire civilized world has been looking at the Jewish experiment in Palestine with interested eyes and our own American Jewry has contributed very largely both financially and morally to make the Jewish settlement in Palestine a success. We cannot permit that this experiment should be allowed to die. We must see to it that Jewish colonization of Palestine proceed apace and that all be done both by this government and the governments of all civilized countries to give Palestine proper police protection and to make the Balfour Declaration not merely an empty phrase but a reality.”

CONGRESSMAN JAMES M. FITZPATRICK (NEW YORK), BRONX, N. Y

-“I think the Arab attacks on the Jews in Palestine is one of the most shocking crimes not only against the Jewish people but against the civilized world, and it is hard to believe that such a thing could occur at this date. I also believe that our government should do everything possible to prevent a reoccurrence, and if it is necessary for President Hoover to have a special resolution passed by Congress giving him power, that I would be ready at a minute’s notice to return to Washington to vote for it. If, at any time, I can be of any assistance or service, I am ready. I am in sympathy with the people in Palestine.”

CONGRESSMAN C. E. HANCOCK (NEW YORK), SYRACUSE, N. Y

-“Civilized people of all creeds and nations are outraged by the barbaric outbreaks against the Jews in Palestine. This is particularly true in America, whose citizens are more concerned with the success of the Zionist movement than those of any other land. The sentiment of this country demands that England take prompt and adequate measures to fulfill its obligation under the Palestine mandate.”

CONGRESSMAN GRANT E. MOUSER, JR. (OHIO), MARION, O

-“As a member of the United States Congress, I deeply deplore the suffering taking place in Palestine as the result of the atrocities of the Arabs. I am in hearty accord with the message of President Hoover extended to the Zionist Organization of America on the occasion of the mass meeting held at Madison Square Garden last week. I assure you of my interest in the Holy Land and the welfare of the Jewish people.”