Palestine is Under Populated, British Government Report Shows

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

Palestine of today is an underpopulated and under cultivated country, according to an official government report published here.

The report, which deals with the economic situation of Palestine, was compiled by Mr. Stead, director of the Palestine Trade Department.

Jewish immigration has been an important factor in the increase of the population of Palestine, which, according to the 1922 census was 757,182, the report states. The country is still under populated and under cultivated. It lacks capital, but little poverty exists. Modern business methods are making headway and there is every reason to hope for further developments and progress.

The commercial situation became more stable in 1924 and received stimulus in 1925 owing to the large number of immigrants possessing capital. Over two million pounds were invested in 1925 for buildings to accommodate the new settlers, principally in Tel Aviv.

The country’s requirements have increased considerably, especially for foodstuffs, machinery and clothing. The immobilization of capital in building operations and land purchases caused a shortage of capital, resulting in the trade depression which still continues. Several bankruptcies have occurred, but the liabilities are relatively small. The urban population, especially in Tel Aviv suffers most, but the hope exists that the depression is only temporary. The adverse balance of trade is unsatisfactory, but not alarming, the report states.

The cooperative movement is spreading chiefly among the Jews. Great Britain holds the first place in exports to Palestine and the United States fourth.

Palestine is essentially an agricultural country. The industries, which have been developing only recently, are stimulated by the supply of electric power. There are 30,000 Jewish workers in Palestine, 24,000 of whom are members of trade unions. Several hundred Arabs belong to the Jewish Labor Federation.

From January, 1922, to June, 1926. 24,289 workers, mostly Jews, entered Palestine. The wages of the Jewish laborers decreased during the last eight months between 29-30 per cent. There were 29 strikes during the year, involving 2581 workers. The government maintained an impartial artitude in the strikes.

The tourist season in the summer is a satisfactory feature, but the lack of adequate hotels hinders progress in this enterprise, the report declares.

Four local cloak unions were dropped from the International Ladies Garment Workers’ Union by the General Executive Board. Charged with being controlled by the Communist Party. their charters were revoked and they were ordered to turn over all books, funds and other assels.

The suspended locals were behind in payment of dues and failed to apply for a time extension, the Executive stated.

The locals are Cloak Operators’ Union No. 2, Cloak Finishers’ Union No. 9, Cloak Pressers’ Union No. 35 and Dressmakers’ Union No. 22. New charters were immediately granted to workers in the same trades under the same designations.

Mr. and Mrs. Simon Guggenheim and Mr. and Mrs. Adolph S. Ochs were among the guests at the dinner given by Secretary of the Interior Hubert Work to President and Mrs. Coolidge at the Pan-American Union, Washington.