Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Nazi Invasion of Palestine in Spring is Likely, Ben-gurion Declares

March 10, 1942
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Hitler’s desperate need for oil makes in likely that an attempt will be made by the Axis to get to the oil fields of Iraq and Iran through Turkey or Egypt and Palestine or both it was prophesied last night by David Ben-Gurion in an address at the closing dinner of the Greater Boston Palestine Pioneer Campaign in the Hotel Bradford here.

“Palestine occupies a singularly important position in the Middle East at this moment because of the commercial pact that Turkey has concluded with Hitler which means that her attitude in the case of a Nazi invasion is very doubtful,” he said. “The new Egyptian government has made clear its unwillingness to fight on the side of the democracies and even to defend its own country from a Fascist invasion. Even the Iraq government can hardly be expected to fight for England,” Ben-Gurion stated. He ridiculed Britain’s excuse of lack of equipment as the reason for her refusal to accept Jewish help and to establish a Jewish army.

It was announced at the dinner that $45,000 had been raised in the Greater Boston area for the Histadruth and the Pioneer workers of Palestine.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement