What chance there still remained for Dr. Chaim Weizmann to be returned to the leadership of the Zionist movement which he led for 13 years appeared to have disappeared completely yesterday afternoon when the Zionist political commission adopted, by a vote of 15 to 12, a resolution on the ultimate aims of Zionism which in effect blocks the way for Dr. Weizmann’s reelection.
The deadlock in the political commission was broken when it finally drafted and approved a resolution which could command a majority with in itself after more than thirty-six hours of weary deliberation and dicussion in which four different resolutions submitted by as many blocs and parties received minute consideration. The resolution in its present form will be submitted to the plenary session of the Zionist Congress tomorrow night at 10 P. M.
The resolution expresses regret that Dr. Weizmann’s explanation of his statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, in which he said that he has no sympathy or understanding with the demand for a Jewish majority in Palestine because the world will construe this demand only in one sense, that the Jews want to acquire a majority in order to drive out the Arabs, is not adequate.
PROGRESSIVE SETTLEMENT
On the ultimate aims of Zionism the resolution calls for progressive Jewish settlement in Palestine moving ultimately towards a Jewish majority.
The deadlock in the political commission resulted primarily from the difficulty in reaching a formula on the issue of a Jewish majority which would satisfy all parties. The Congress had instructed the commission to bring in a resolution on the ultimate aims of the Zionist movement as well as on Dr. Weizmann’s interview, which when called to the attention of the Congress on July 6 by the Revisionists led to a heated debate. Eventually, Dr. Weizmann was called upon to explain his interview which he did at some length, and the political commission has now rejected this explanation.
While the resolution of the political commission represents the majority opinion of that body the Revisionists will submit their own resolution on the ultimate aims of Zionism to the Congress tomorrow night. However, in the event that their resolution is rejected by the Congress they will vote for the resolution framed and approved by the political commission. With the Revisionists ready to support the resolution as it now stands it appears practically certain that the resolution can command a majority in the Congress.
The Revisionists are introducing their own resolutions because the one approved by the political commission omits a demand for a Jewish majority on both sides of the Jordan River.
When the Congress resumes its plenary session tomorrow night it is expected to remain in session throughout the night.
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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.
