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Truman’s Victory Evokes Hopes of More Positive U.S. Policy on Israel. Dp Admission

November 4, 1948
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The election of President Truman was received today with great satisfaction in Jewish circles. Zionist leaders expect him to act more vigorously now on the Palestine issue in the light of the statements which he made during his election campaign. Jewish groups interested in the admission of more displaced Jews to the United States are convinced that the recent DP legislation which President Truman termed “anti-Semitic” will be amended by the new Congress.

In Washington it was predicted today that with the election of Truman, full recognition for Israel will come through before the end of this year. It was pointed out that he has committed himself to de jure recognition to Israel after the Israeli elections, which are scheduled to take place next month. It was also felt in Washington today that the chances for a lean to Israel are greatly improved.

On the other hand, it was reported that in British circles in Washington the reaction to the Truman victory is one of pleasure at the possible effects on the Palestine issue. These circles seem to feel that the pro-Arab position of the State Department is more likely to be continued under Truman than under Dewey. They are said to be skeptical of reports that the President is now set to clear out of the State Department those officials who have openly shown their opposition to his wishes on Israel.

It was recalled here today that President Truman has repeatedly asked Congress to admit at least 400,000 displaced persons to the United States. One of his main objections to the Revercomb Bill for the admission of 205,000 DP’s within two years was its discriminatory feature–the out-off date of Dec. 22, 1945 that bars many displaced Jews from eligibility. Senator Chapman Revercomb, who was the leader of the anti-immigration bloc in the Senate, has now been defeated in the elections. A study of general immigration procedures begun by Revercomb, a Republican, will be completed by a Democratic committees.

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