Israeli Finance Minister Restoration of Unity in U.J.A. “within Few Days”

The belief that unity will be restored in the United Jewish Appeal “within a few days” and that the 1949 U.J.A. campaign will then start “in full swing” was expressed here today at a press conference by Israeli Finance Minister Eliezer Kaplan, who is scheduled to leave on Sunday for Paris en route home.

Paying tribute to President Truman and to the board and staff of the Export-Import Bank for showing “a most sympathetic understanding and consideration” for the needs of the Jewish state in making the $100,000,000 loan available to Israel, Kaplan said that the loan will strengthen economic and financial relations between Israel and its United States, “It is a demonstration of confidence in the stability of the state of Israel and its economic structure, “he stated.

The Israeli Minister emphasized at the same time that in addition to financial sources like taxation at home and international borrowing, Israel now needs contributions and must attract investment by private capital, especially for the absorption of new immigrants.

SAYS ISRAEL WILL GIVE MAXIMUM ASSISTANCE TO PRIVATE INVESTMENTS

“I hope that unity within the United Jewish Appeal will be reestablished with a few days and that under the leadership of Henry Morgenthau, Jr., and his associates, the U.J.A. campaign will be in full swing next week,” he said. An historic responsibility rests upon the Jewish community of the United States,In the name of Israel I appeal to all to give their whole-hearted and full support to this campaign in order to keep the gates of Israel open. I should like to use this opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Morgenthau and has associates for their devoted work in the United Jewish Appeal during the last two years.

“We are deeply interested in the mobilization of private funds and the Government of Israel is firmly committed to give all possible assistance to investments in Israel aimed at the development of the economic resources of the country–to grant customs exemption to machinery and tools needed for the expansion, and development of existing and new industries and to extend tax reductions during the initial period of establishing new enterprises in the field of industry, agriculture, construction and transportation.

“The signing of the armistice with Egypt means, we hope, the speedy conversion of our economy from war to peace. Great responsibilities and great opportunities stand before us. We shall welcome the assistance of our many friends in the United States to help us forward in our task,” he concluded.