Histadruth Leaders Split on Jewish Commonwealth Issue; Strong Opposition Demonstrated

The serious differences of opinion within the ranks of the Jewish labor movement in Palestine with regard to the demand that Palestine be made a Jewish Commonwealth were demonstrated here today at a meeting of the executive committee of the Histadruth when 24 members voted to support the Biltmore Declaration and 21 voted against it.

The vote was taken in connection with the instructions which the executive committee will give to a Histadruth delegation which will go to London to participate in the international labor conference called by the British Trade Union Congress. It is expected that the conference will take a stand on the post-war status of Palestine, Voting against the Biltmore Declaration, which demands a Jewish Commonwealth in Palestine, were the members of the executive representing group “B” of the Palestine Labor Party, the Hashomer Hatzair and the left wing of the Poele Zion Party.

Following announcement of the results of the vote, Meir Yeari, leader of the Hashomer Hatzair, issued a statement declaring: “The world does not belong to the majority. We shall find a way to put forth our viewpoint.”

Today’s voting may result in serious developments in the Histadruth where an internal crisis has existed for some time. It is especially embarrassing for David Ben Guion, a staunch supporter of the Biltmore Declaration, who is slated to proceed to London following reported settlement of his differences with Dr. Chaim Weizmann. In order to prevent further complications, the Jewish Labor Party of Palestine is calling a nation-wide conference for next week to discuss the entire is issue.