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U.S. Studying White Paper, Hull Tells Goldman; Brandeis “deeply Moved”

May 19, 1939
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Secretary of State Cordell Hull this afternoon assured Dr. Solomon Goldman, chairman of the National Emergency Committee on Palestine, that the American Government is closely studying the British White Paper and is keenly concerned by the latest developments. Dr. Goldman visited the State Department to convey the deep sorrow of American Jewry at the British decision and to appeal for President Roosevelt’s intercession to prevent nullification of the Palestine mandate.

Dr. Goldman also talked to ex-Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis and later stated: “Mr. Brandeis is deeply moved by the White Paper and is confident in the ability of the Jewish people to go forward and to build the Jewish national home regardless of obstacles.”

Mr. Brandeis’s belief in the Jewish homeland’s future, declared Dr. Goldman, was based on the following four points:

“1. The legal obligation assumed by Great Britain is the basis for Jewish constructive enterprises in Palestine. That legal right, sustained by humanitarian needs cannot be obliterated for private advantage.

“2. What does the world propose to do with the Jews for whom exile is enforced?

“3. Absorptive capacity is stated to be the criterion by which Jewish entry into Palestine should be determined. Palestine can absorb 100,000 annually, according to experts.

“4. On a legal basis, Jews should exercise the right to continue to enter Palestine.”

Dr. Goldman added: “Jews should defy Great Britain’s laws to exclude them from Palestine.”

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