The address made by Israel Sieff. British industrialist and leading Zionist, before a United Palestine Appeal meeting in Albany, New York, on November 16, precipitated a heated discussion in Commons today.
In his address Mr. Sieff suggested that the Palestinian Arabs be transferred elsewhere and that Palestine be enlarged within its historic borders as a Jewish National Home. He also suggested the issuance of a document supplanting the Balfour Declaration and the Palestine Mandate.
C. T. Culverwell, Conservative, asserted that Sieff while in America is conducting anti-British propaganda and antagonizing the Palestine Arabs. Replying to Culverwell, Herbert Morrison, Home Secretary, stated that everybody was entitled to express their opinions on “controversial subjects.” Culverwell also asked why Sieff was in America and asserted that Britains who are granted exit visas should be instructed to “keep their mouths shut.” Agreeing that British subjects in America should be “discreet” Morrison declared that Sieff was here on a mission connected with Britain’s export trade to America. Morrison added, “I have no evidence that Mr. Sieff desires to stir up anti-British feeling.”
Oliver Locker-Lampson, Conservative, asked Morrison if it were not true that Sieff was a “much honored representative of his race who had offered to fight for England from the beginning of the war.”
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