The transplanting of 3,000,000 Jews from Europe to Palestine is “a practical proposition which can be perfectly well carried out if proper conditions are created,” Lord Melchett, British industrialist and Jewish leader, declared tonight at a dinner in his honor.
Describing Palestine as “an alternative to suicide” for persecuted Jews, he estimated the Holy Land could potentially absorb 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 inhabitants, and, with the opening of Transjordan, another 5,000,000 to 6,000,000 people.
He urged large-scale development of the Jewish homeland to “relieve the appalling pressure on the Jewish populations of Europe” and to restore the “self-respect and basic personality of the Jewish people” throughout the world.
Lord Melchett addressed 1,000 persons in his only speech to a large public function during his present visit to this country. The dinner was held at the Hotel Astor under the auspices of the United Palestine Appeal. Dr. Stephen S. Wise, Judge Julian W. Mack, James G. McDonald and Felix M. Warburg were among the others on the speakers’ list.
Referring to the forthcoming Royal Commission report Lord Melchett said: “I sincerely hope that we shall be fairly and honorably treated, and I can only say that no setback, however grave it may appear, can destroy our movement. No obstacle placed in our way can prevent our ultimate triumph.”
Governor Lehman sent a message to the dinner in which he announced a $4,000 donation in behalf of Mrs. Lehman and himself to the United Palestine Appeal.
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