Resolution Asking Jewish Commonwealth Introduced in House of Representatives

A resolution urging the United States to take “appropriate measures” leading to the establishment of a Jewish Commentator in Palestine was introduced in the House of Representatives today with the support of leaders of both political parties.

The resolution, which was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, does not specify what measures should be taken, but favors “free entry of Jews” into Palestine and advocates “full opportunity for colonization” by Jews in Palestine. Sponsored the American Zionist Emergency Council and by the American Jewish Conference, the resolution was introduced by Representative James A. Wright (Penn. Den.) and Ranulf Hampton (Conn. Rep.)

FULL TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION

The full text of the resolution reads:

“Whereas the Congress of the United States on June 20, 1922, unanimously received, ‘that the United States of America favors the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be made which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of Christian and all other non-Jewish communities in Palestine, and that the holy places and religious buildings and sites in Palestine shall be adequately protected, and

“Whereas, the ruthless persecution of the Jewish people in Europe has clearly demonstrated the need for a Jewish homeland as a haven for the large numbers who have become homeless as a result of this persecution.

“Therefore be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the United States of America that the United States shall use its good offices and take appropriate measures to the end that the doors of Palestine shall be opened for free entry of Jews into that country, and that there shall be full opportunity for colonization, so that the Jewish people may ultimately reconstitute Palestine as a free and democratic Jewish Commonwealth.”

CONGRESS LEADERS SUPPORT PROPOSAL

Rep. John W. McCormack, majority leader, in a statement to the press declared, this resolution expresses the policy of our country in the light of the stern realities of the present hour, and voices the desire of the American people that the Jews who were the first victims of Nazi terror shall be given the chance to enter their national homeland, to settle and work there in farm and in factory and to join with those Jews who have preceded them to continue to build a free and democratic Jewish commonwealth.”

Rep. Joseph W. Martin, Republican floor leader from Massachusetts, in a statement also given to the press, stated; “The Palestine resolution meets with my hearty approval. This resolution is a reaffirmation of the established policy of the United States in favor of a Jewish National Home in harmony with the new and terrible realities with which the Jews of Europe are faced today.”