“forward”, “morning Journal” Differ on Passfield Interview

The “Jewish Daily Forward” welcomes the gesture of peace made by Lord Passfield, British Colonial Secretary, in an interview this week in the “Forward” and prophesies, in commenting on the interview, that the Jews will warmly accept it. Jacob Fishman, in the “Jewish Morning Journal” of Thursday, is on the other hand dissatisfied with Lord Passfield’s statements, and is of the opinion that the latter is endeavoring to sidetrack the important issues raised.

“The whole document breathes a warm desire to convince the Jewish world of the full friendship toward Jews and toward Jewish work in Palestine felt by the Labor Government,” says the “Forward” in an editorial in its Wednesday issue. “Again and again the Colonial Minister emphasizes that England appreciates the fruitful work of the Jews in Palestine, and he seeks to calm the tempers of certain Jewish circles which have become a bit too hysterical over the latest developments in the Palestine question. Comrade Webb seeks to throw a new light upon certain happenings and shows that these have been misinterpreted by the Jews. But from the whole conversation one can see that Lord Passfield is interested in removing doubts and suspicions, both with regard to the Labor Government and with regard to the attitude of England in general, that have been aroused among Jews.”

“With regard to the essentials of the questions that were raised, Lord Passfield did not succeed in refuting the Jewish accusations, although he has sought to sidetrack them,” declares Mr. Fishman. “And with regard to the White Paper, Passfield didn’t have a single word to say. Nor did he refer to the sending of Luke to Geneva. Of what importance is Passfield’s personal animus towards Weizmann in comparison with these brazen acts of unfriendliness towards the fourteen millions of Jews from every part of the world who for 13 years relied upon England as the mandatory power and made such great sacrifices for the upbuilding of Eretz Israel?”