The attitude of the three chief British political parties towards the question of British recognition for the state of Israel was reviewed at a symposium yesterday arranged by the Hapoel Hamizrachi organization of Great Britain.
Chapman Walker, Conservative leader who recently visited the Jewish state, expressed support for the Bernadotte proposals on Palestine. He said that, after conferring with numerous Israeli officials in Tel Aviv, including Premier Ben Gurion and Foreign Minister Shertok, he was convinced that what “Israel needs most is peace, which can be achieved only by moderation and by submission to the United Nations.”
John Ellis, a Progressive-Liberal spokesman, urged Britain to recognize Israel immediately and pointed out that the Liberal Party passed a resolution to that effect at a recent meeting. Calling for a renewal of ties between Britain and Israel, Ellis stated that the Jews have a right to Israel because “only they can make it prosper and bring civilization to the Middle East.”
David Weizmann, Socialist M.P., told the meeting that many Socialists in Britain are disappointed in the British Government’s policy on Palestine but stressed that Britain’s support of the Bernadotte plan indicates a change of heart since it involves the extension of recognition to Israel. Weizmann asserted, however, that he did not approve the proposal to give the Negev to the Arabs.
Synagogues throughout Britain today heard sermons voicing the hope that Britain will recognize Israel in the near future and universal peace will be firmly established. A special prayer written for the occasion by the British Chief Rabbi, Israel Brodie, was rend in all synagogues.
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