There is no serious obstacle against cooperation between Syria and the Jews, declared Senator Justin Godart, former French minister, at a banquet given in his honor by Count De Martel, high commissioner, in Beirut.
“There is a great difference between the international situation of Palestine and that of Syria, said Godart. “The status of Palestine is regulated by the acceptance of all the powers of the principle of the Jewish National Home. The immigration of Jews into Palestine is guaranteed by international right. The situation in Syria is altogether different. It is a country under mandate, which can tomorrow obtain its complete independence.
“It is consequently free to receive foreigners of note, can give or not give hospitality to the Jews. For my part, I see no serious obstacle against cooperation between Syria and Jews.
“The Jews have completely transformed Palestine in these years. Gifted with their energy and their capital, the country has finally recognized that this energy, finally recognized that this prosperity has profited greatly the Arab population. Cooperation between Syria and Palestine does not preclude cooperation between Arab countries, because history shows that the Jews in the middle ages had been great friends with the Moslems.
“Since 1929 I have studied the situation in Palestine and find that an accord between Arabs and Jews is easily realisable. There is place in the country for these two brother-peoples.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
