The only dignified answer the Jews can give to the Nazis is to develop the Jewish homeland in Palestine, Dr. Chaim Weizmann, president of the congress, said yesterday in his first extended address since the sessions began.
Referring to Zionist relations with Britain, Dr. Weizmann said the Mandatory Power could greatly assist the Jews in Palestine work, but it has entered a path of neutrality within the frame
of the mandate. The British policy of dualistic methods, he pointed out, are being used not only in Palestine, but also in Kenya, East Africa, in dealings between native and white population. These methods, he said, are responsible for the planned establishment of a representative legislative council in Palestine.
It is to be regretted, Dr. Weizmann declared, that the present equilibrium in Palestine will be upset by the introduction of the council. He pointed out, however, that despite criticism that may be levelled at the British government, the Mandatory Power made it possible for the Jews to rebuild Palestine. He warned against non-cooperation with Britain as a measure arising from conflict over the council.
The Jewish policy regarding Palestine should be acquisition of land and intensification of building operations, Dr. Weizmann asserted. He said that despite lack of government aid, the Jews may be proud of the work already accomplished in Palestine, compared with colonization work in other countries such as Canada.
He denied that Arabs have been dispossessed and declared that the Jews have shown the Arabs the way to culture and civilization.
Dr. Weizmann lauded the Histadruth, Palestine labor federation and denounced the “reactionary” fight against the labor organization.
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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.