The hope that Palestine will in the near future be settled with three million Jews and that it will become as important a strategic and economic base as Singapore was expressed here last night at a banquet attended by more than 600 of the most outstanding Jews in England.
The banquet took place at the Guild Hall and was arranged in conjunction with the campaign now being carried on in England to enable the planting of a forest in Palestine in the name of King George, whose Silver Jubilee is being celebrated throughout the United Kingdom this year. Lord Melchett was chairman.
“With three million loyal and devoted Jews to protect it,” Lord Melchett said, “Palestine can become the most valuable link in the great trading route to the Near East and other British possessions. It certainly can be as important to Great Britain as is Singapore at present.”
URGED PALESTINE RESTORATION
Sir Herbert Samuel, first High Commissioner in Palestine, disclosed the fact in his speech that he advocated the restoration of Palestine to the Jews under British auspices while the World War was at it height.
Soon after Turkey entered the war, Sir Herbert said, he was the first to draw the attention of the British Cabinet to the significance of acquiring Palestine and aiding the Jews to establish their national home there.
Stating that work for Palestine is the most sacred duty of every
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