Sir Herbert Samuel, a leader of the Liberal party in England and first High Commissioner of Palestine, speaking Friday at a luncheon held in his honor by the English Speaking Union of the United States at the Hotel Astor, sounded a warning against backsliding by the world to principles that were rampant in the Middle Ages. He cited the repressive measures being practised by the German government as an instance of “backsliding.”
Speaking of the peaceful relations between Great Britain and the United States, which he said fostered the ideals of peace, liberalism and liberty, Sir Herbert said that if English or American leaders would propound “notions propounded in Germany they would be hooted off the stage.”
Sir Herbert emphasized the new freedom which prevails among the dominions of Britain. Referring to Palestine, which he said is under British mandate because it is still in the “pioneer stage,” Sir Herbert echoed the hope that it will soon be admitted into the Commonwealth of British nations on a parity with other dominions.
“We must stand firm in the defense of principles which our fathers fought for,” he said, speaking of Hitlerism, although he made no direct reference to it. “Mankind will not permit itself to slip back into the Middle Ages.”
He assailed the forces of economic nationalism which are the direct cause for the world-wide depression. He denounced war and pleaded that “judgment, and not cannon, be the final argument of kings and statesmen.”
The luncheon proceedings, which were arranged by the English Speaking Union, were broadcast over a coast-to-coast network. It was the first address of Sir Herbert delivered in New York City since his arrival on the continent.
Sir Herbert’s itinerary, which has been arranged by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, included a public appearance last night at the Jewish pageant, “The Romance of a People.” He will also be the guest of honor at a dinner to be tendered by Felix M. Warburg and Judge Irving Lehman. Tuesday evening at the Harmonic Club. The following will attend:
Circuit Court Judge Julian W. Mack, Dr. Cyrus Adler, president of the American Jewish Committee; Arthur Hays Sulzberger, Sidney Blumenthal, Nathan Straus, Jr., Paul Block and Dr. A. S. W. Rosenbach.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
