The future of Tunisia “must depend on the friendly cooperation of the Moslems and Jews of France, ” Maurice L. Perlzweig, director of the international affairs department of the World Jewish Congress, declared today at a press conference following his return from an extended tour of Europe and North Africa. This combination would be the “best guarantee both for the future of Tunisia and the maintenance of the important interests, human, cultural and strategic, of all parties concerned, ” he continued.
Dr. Perlzweig commended the government of Premier Mendes-France for its “far-sighted policy of liberalism in North Africa, ” He revealed that in France and in North Africa he had expressed his “deep appreciation” to French officials for their “complete understanding of the aims of the World Jewish Congress and the aspirations of the Jewish people. “
He termed an “act of courageous statesmanship” the recent statement by Tunisian Premier Tahar ben Ammar expressing friendship for the Jewish people and revealing that he intended to place a Jew on his Cabinet within the near future. The WJC leader reported that one of the most distinguished leaders of the Jewish community of Tunisia was on the Tunisian commission negotiating with France for greater independence for Tunisia.
Assessing Moslem Jewish relations in Morocco, Dr. Perlzweig noted: “Moslem Jewish cooperation which is so much in evidence in Tunisia is largely lacking in Morocco. The leaders of the Tunisian national movement have set an example which is a challenge to their opposite numbers in Morocco. “
Under existing law, the Jews of Morocco occupy a position in some respects of legal inferiority, Dr. Perlzweig said. “The situation in the overcrowded Jewish mellahs (ghettoes) is difficult, and for this, there is only one immediate solution available: emigration. ” The Jewish Agency, he said, has taken this situation into consideration and is prepared to make an immediate contribution on a scale which will at least ease the pressure of population in the overcrowded mellahs.
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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.
