Zionist Organ Discusses Idea of Seventh Dominion

The pros and cons concerning the Seventh Dominion idea are discussed at length in an article by Abe Goldberg in the current issue of “Dos Yiddishe Folk, fortnightly organ of the Zionist Organization of America.

The quid pro quod proposal embodied in the Wedgwood plan of a Seventh Dominion has both advantages and disadvantages, the writer states. It has a strong theoretical basis, it is of interest not only to the English but also to the Jews and has in it the element of give and take. It also has the effect that the main motive which has brought together the Jews and Great Britain in relation to Palestine is brought into public discussion and is leading to its logical consequence. Until now, the idealistic motives were emphasized on the part of Great Britain. The impression was thus created that whatever the British government did for the Jews in Palestine was purely for altruistic reasons. The result was that many Englishmen were grumbling at the enterprise and the cost involved. British officials for this very reason failed to understand their proper role in Palestine.

The Seventh Dominion proposal would radically change the situation and insure the whole hearted cooperation of Great Britain in the establishment of the Jewish National Home and in the creation of a Jewish majority. It would lead to Britain’s investment of capital, securing of markets, conferring the same rights enjoyed by British citizens abroad upon Palestine citizens.

The proposal, however, has disadvantages, Mr. Goldberg continues. Instead of the Zionist dream of a Jewish state, the enterprise will be reduced to a part of the British Empire. Palestine as the Seventh Dominion would involve it in the British Empire’s problems. England has not only friends throughout the world, but also many enemies. “Her enemies would suddenly become our enemies as well,” the article states. A concrete example can already be found in Soviet Russia. The Soviet government does not permit Zionist activities in the country, declaring them to be counter revolutionary, because Zionism is interpreted there as purposing to help English Imperialism.

This is a false accusation. The Jews have nothing to do with English Imperialism. If Palestine, however, becomes the Seventh Dominion, the situation would be more complicated and in particular, during the time of a crisis or a war. Under the old Zionist plan, Palestine would be a neutral country. It would also create difficulties for the Jewish communities in those countries which might be on one side or another should a conflict arise.

“These facts must be taken into consideration before a decision is reached. The pros and cons must be weighed carefully. The prospect of securing at once the active assistance of Great Britain in the rebuilding of Palestine is a strong argument for the proposal. But perhaps it may also be possible that Palestine as the Seventh Dominion could secure such a status which would not compel it to go to war unless attacked. This may be possible of achievement in view of the special circumstances of Palestine as the Holy Land harboring the holy sits of half of the world. If this could be achieved, one of the strongest arguments against the Seventh Dominion idea would be removed,” the article concludes.