Leaders of the Zionist movement in America today joined Dr. Chaim Weizmann, president of the Jewish Agency for Palestine, in expressing “profound satisfaction with the message of hope and encouragement” sent by President Roosevelt to the dinner held here last night by the American Palestine Committee, marking the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of a joint resolution by Congress favoring the establishment of a Jewish National Home in Palestine.
President Roosevelt’s message, which was read at the dinner before 500 leaders from all walks of American life, was addressed to Senator Robert F. Wagner, chairman of the American-Palestine Committee. It stated:
“As you know, I have on several occasions expressed my interest in the efforts of those seeking to establish a Jewish national home in Palestine. I think that we all take renewed encouragement in the fact that the immediate military danger to Palestine, which existed some time ago, has been very definitely removed.
“The great physical, economic and educational development which has taken place in Palestine in the last two decades has been a perfect example of what can be accomplished by a free people working in a democracy. We are all looking forward to the day when that type of development may be continued in peace and harmony in the general march of mankind toward the accomplishment of the four freedoms everywhere in the world.
“I know that all of you assembled at this anniversary dinner will always have clearly in mind the duty and responsibility resting upon all of us to work and fight toward attaining this great objective in the days to come.”
“WE SHALL NOT FORGET YOU, IF YOU FORGET US,” SAYS WEIZMANN
Dr. Chaim Weizmann, emphasizing that he spoke “in behalf of millions of Jews, including those who are voiceless in the concentration camps and ghettos of Nazi Europe,” hailed the President’s letter as “a message of hope and encouragement. ” He estimated that twenty-five percent of the Jews in Nazi-held countries were doomed to destruction, and called upon the free nations to support the establishment of a Jewish National Home in Palestine for those who, after the war, wish to emigrate to Palestine.
“We shall never forget that the British people made the first substantial contribution to the solution of the Jewish problem,” Dr. Weizmann said, alluding to the Balfour Declaration, “and with reference to the peace conference, we shall not forget you, if you forget us.”
Dr. Weizmann was preceded on the program by two-score diplomats and senators who joined with him in appealing to the United Nations to support the principle of establishing Palestine as a Jewish National Home. Spokesmen of 17 of the United Nations pledged their support.
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