Four Senators and two Representatives, in statements today, urged Great Britain to take immediate steps to halt Arab disorders and not to weaken in the face of terrorism or halt Jewish immigration.
Max Rhoade, Washington attorney, described as representative of the Zionist Organization of America, announced receipt of telegrams from Senators William H. King of Utah, David I. Walsh of Massachusetts, Morris Sheppard of Texas and Arthur Capper of Kansas, and Representatives John J. O’Connor, majority leader, and Isaac Bacharach of New Jersey.
The cable from Senator King came from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and issued in his capacity as president of the American Palestine Committee, formed a number of years ago under the sponsorship of the late Vice-President Curtis, Senators Robert F. Wagner, William E. Borah, Robert M. LaFollette Jr. and other prominent non-Jewish friends of the Jewish homeland movement. The cable says:
“As president of the American Palestine Committee, I have followed with much anxiety and concern the serious disorders for the past few months in Palestine.
“I do not wish at this time to discuss the reasons for American Justified interest in the satisfactory administration of the Palestine mandate. Suffice it to say that these reasons go back to President Wilson’s support of Zionism at the Peace Conference. The subsequent mandate convention with Great Britain, and the Joint Lodge-Fish Resolution adopted by Congress in 1922, and approved by President Harding.
“Most of us, including myself, have refrained from any public express-with regard to Great Britain’s policy since the commencement of the current disorders in Palestine several months ago. However, not only has the British Government failed to curb the Arab terror, but the situation is now more alarming than ever, despite the presence of 15,000 troops in the country. This is very curious and disturbing.
“I am convinced we can rely on the good faith of Great Britain to carry out her pledge to the Jews and to the League of Nations for the establishment of the Jewish National Home in Palestine. I therefore strongly urge that if there has been any indecision or lack of firmness by the local officials in utilizing the resources at hand to stop the terror, such a mistake should be rectified by immediate and firm steps to protect those Jews already in Palestine and those who may hereafter seek refuge there.
“The report that a suspension of immigration is contemplated is unthinkable. That has been the prime objective of the Arab terrorists, and surely England will not disclose weakness by yielding. This would not only encourage the blood-stained Arab fanatics into a constant repetition of violence and prejudge the findings of the recently appointed Royal Commission of inquiry, but severely shake the morale of persecuted Jews in Europe, especially in Germany. I sincerely hope Great Britain will speedily vindicate our confidence by immediate and effective action.”
The other telegrams were as follows:
Senator Walsh stated: “I have every confidence that the British Government will conform to its mandate guaranteeing the Jewish National Home in Palestine. It would be most unfortunate were Palestine not to be continued as a refuge from European Jewish persecution.”
Senator Capper states: “People everywhere who believe in the rights of free men cannot fail to be shocked by Arab terrorism and persecution of Jews in Palestine. It is to be hoped that the British Government will not find it necessary to suspend Jewish immigration, but that it will take all possible steps to protect the right of Jews and meet fully the obligations accepted by it under the mandate guaranteeing the establishment of the national home for the Jewish people in the Holy Land.”
Senator Sheppard telegraphed: “I am deeply concerned over the situation in Palestine. I am confident Great Britain will keep its pledge in conformity with the mandate of the League of Nations guaranteeing the establishment of the Jewish National Home, and will apply firmness to restore order.”
Congressman O’Connor wired: “Permit me to express to you my sincere sympathy with the Jewish people because of the terrible persecution they are now suffering at the hands of the Arabs in Palestine. The British Government should in the name of justice refuse to even attempt to relieve itself of responsibility in the matter.
“I know it is the hope of all Americans that Britain will keep its pledge guaranteeing the establishment of the Jewish National Homeland, and if necessary will exercise absolute firmness to restore order.”
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.
