Moroccan Nationalists Admit Arab League Pressure

An admission that the decision to liquidate Kadimah and to ban organized Jewish emigration from Morocco was due partly to pressure of Arab League countries upon the Moroccan Government is contained in an article published in “El Alam,” organ of the Moroccan nationalist Istiqlal Party.

“The decision to ban collective Jewish emigration,” the paper says, “was taken after lengthy investigation. The activity of such an organization, which enjoyed full liberty in Morocco, is a danger to the economy of the country and a threat to our brethren of the Arab countries who see important forces flowing toward their borders every day.”

The newspaper also interpreted the move as an act of benevolence toward Moroccan Jews. “We all know,” the article claimed, “that many Moroccan Jews who emigrated have come back to Morocco, after realizing that the promises which had been made them were illusory. They have come back without a penny and have but increased the number of poor people in our country. It is intolerable that at a time when Morocco has recovered its independence and serenity prevails among all elements of the population that such activity should be carried on in our land.”

The newspaper said the decision to ban collective Jewish emigration “will check the evil which threatens the country, first, through “departure of its children and, second of their money. It is also in the government’s interest to tale steps for the expulsion of members of the Kadimah organization who are Israelis. It is also necessary that strict controls be imposed to prevent the departure of any group and the exit of money.”