Jacob Fishman, Back from London, Discusses “new Spirit” in Zionist Ranks

Further light on the decisions of the Zionist Actions Committee meeting in London and the new harmony which resulted therefrom in the major Zionist groups, was shed by Mr. Jacob Fishman, Managing Editor of the “Jewish Morning Journal” and first member of the Actions Committee to return from London to the United States.

When interviewed by the representative of the “Jewish Daily Bulletin,” Mr. Fishman objected to Mr. Emanuel Neumann’s definition of the last Actions Committee session’s resulting in harmony as the “Zionist Locarno.” “The comparison hardly holds good. Locarno reminds one of the evils before Locarno. The Zionist differences at the Congresses can never be likened to the pre-Locarno period in world politics,” he stated.

“The meaning of the ‘new spirit’ which found expression at the recent Actions Committee meeting is simply that internal Zionist differences are never fundamental, and that our greater responsibilities are never forgotten in a maze of dogmas. The differences have been sunk–I hope for good–because, it is necessary to be frank, of the serious economic situation prevailing in some of the Palestinian towns, particularly in Tel-Aviv. This situation has arisen not because the recent immigration proved to be too much for Palestine, but because of the mal-adjustments resulting from the pressure of many other items in the Zionist budget. Trade and industry were not looked after sufficiently, and the crying need of Palestine, credit for the home ###der, for the merchant and the artisan, remains as yet to be fulfilled. It was in this direction that the Actions Committee made a decided step forward, while the Left parties waived their opposition.”

Also with regard to the political situation, Mr. Fishman brought an encouraging report. “Dr. Weizmann’s tone at the Actions Committee meeting was more optimistic than at any previous reference. He has convinced the members that the political situation has improved greatly, both as regards the Mandatory Power and the Arabs. The Jewish national loan proposal, as outlined by Dr. Ruppin, estimated at about $55,000,000, was received with much confidence.

“It is premature to speak of the Syrian project except to say that this may be of help to the Zionists in other directions. For the first time Dr. Weizmann agreed almost entirely with Mr. Ussish### on the future colonization program, which is to embrace Hula, East of the Jordan and South Palestine.”

Mr. Fishman also urged the continuation of the Schwartzbard defense fund. “It is idle to try to hush up the matter. Ukrainians in Paris have organized a pernicious propaganda, which is beginning to have its effect on public opinion in France. Something must be done to combat this propaganda in the open. Although the case of Schwartzbard is in good hands, it will be necessary to present properly the data on the Ukrainian massacres, proving Petlura’s guilt. This will involve an expenditure of nearly $10,000. Of course, there can be no question of extending any help to anyone personally from this fund, but the general work of enlightening public opinion is imperative. Attorney Torres, who is Schwartzbard’s council for the defense, scouts the idea that the collection of a defense fund would have a bad effect on the proceedings. It must be borne in mind that even Ukrainian Socialists have not taken a fair attitude in the matter, having rallied mainly to Petlura’s defense,” Mr. Fishman declared.