Henry Morgenthau, Jr., general chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, who arrived at Lydda Airport this morning, told a press conference that he came to Israel at the invitation of Premier David Ben Gurion for discussions on the new state’s major financial problems.
The former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury stated: “I want to see how well the U.J.A. helps Israel cope with its peace problems, particularly the needs of hundreds of thousands of new immigrants.” Mr. Morgenthau said that Americans now display a “greater understanding for the courage of the Israelis.” He forecast “prompt and increased financial support to Israel,”
The U.J.A. general chairman emphasized that under President Truman’s Point Four program, the United States should give Israel the help she needs “for getting on her feet. Larger American aid would represent a solid investment in world freedom,” he added.
“All recognize that Israel’s problems and needs in peace are greater than in wartime,” he declared. “For this reason I am confident that the U.J.A. will raise larger funds in 1950 than in 1949.” Mr. Morgenthau was welcomed at Lydda Airport by Labor Minister Golda Myerson and by representatives of Premier Ben Gurion and U.S. Ambassador James G. McDonald.
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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.