A bi-partisan measure supporting establishment of a "free Hebrew state" in Palestine and its recognition by the United States was today introduced in the House by Representative Andrew Somers, Democrat, and Augustus Bennett, Republican, of New York. A similar resolution is expected to be introduced in the Senate in the near future.
The House resolution carries the support of thirty congressmen, a number of whom plan to introduce similar resolution. These sponsors include Democratic Representatives Helen Gahagan Douglas of California, Estes Kefauver of Tennessee, Thomas J, Lane of Massachusetts, Pat Cannon of Florida, and Republican Representative Homer Angell of Oregon.
Support of the resolution was expressed by House majority leader John W. McCormack and minority leader Joseph Martin. "Permanent solution to this great challenge to humanity is through statehood," McCormack declared, adding "the sooner this is done, the quicker this great human problem will be solved." He said that establishment of "the Hebrew nation" in Palestine will aid world-wide peace and strengthen any international security organization.
Stating that will continue his past support for establishment of a "Hebrew nation" in Palestine, Representative Martin said "I have always believed that the Hebrew people should be given an opportunity to found in Palestine a nation of their own where they can escape oppression and build a permanent home.
The Somers-Bennett resolution further provides that the United Nations create a special inter-governmental agency to effectuate repatriation of Hebrews in Europe to Palestine.
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