Weizmann Made Important Scientific Contribution to U.S. War Effort, Wallace Reveals

Dr. Chaim Weizmann, president of the Jewish Agency who, as a chemist of international distinction, made important scientific contributions to England during World War I, was credited here last night by Vice President Wallace with making an important contribution to the present American war effort.

"I know it from my own definite personal experience that Dr. Weizmann made it possible for us to avoid a very very serious mistake in terms of the war effort," Vice President Wallace revealed. "Dr. Weizmann came over to this country because he saw us on the point of making some very serious mistakes with regard to our rubber program and because he felt that oil could not do by itself. And so he brought in alcohol to do the job."

Vice president Wallace made this revelation during his brief address last night at the dinner of the American Palestine Committee attended by 800 Christian leaders from all walks of life, including members of the House and the Senate. While not mentioning Palestine by name, the Vice President expressed the hope that "the day will come when there will be established a Jordan Valley Authority which will make the desert blossom for the interests of the common man both Jewish and Arab." He emphasized that "the Jewish people deserve greatly" and voiced the hope that they would get what they deserve, and would make what they get "a blessing for all mankind."

FOUR FREEDOME MEAN MORE TO JEWS THAN TO ANYONE ELSE, WALLACE STATES

"The Four Freedoms" the Vice President stated, "mean more to the Jewish people than to anyone else, because they began fighting for these freedoms 3000 years ago, and have never stopped. No people have suffered so continuously for freedom of religion and for freedom of expression as the Jew. No people have longed so passionately for freedom from fear and freedom from want. In their age-long search for freedom and toleration they have sought a haven among every people. They have fought the intolerant fascist gang-spirit ever since the time of Christ. The vast Hitler

"Small wonder the Jews were the first to recognize Hitlerism for what it really was. For their keen perception of the Fascist danger, I say the Jews are deserving of the undying gratitude of all friends of democracy everywhere. Naturally they want that debt paid in terms of the welfare of those who have suffered most on the continent of Europe – the remnant which have suffered a worse captivity than that of Egypt or Babylon. Even as Hitler surpassed in his barbarity Nebuchadnezar of old, so may the modern deliverer too, on equal degree surpass in his wisdom, bravery and charity, Cyrus and Nehemiah." (Cyrus was a King of Persia who, in 539 B.C., conquered Babylonia and issued a proclamation allowing the captive Jews to return to Palestine.)

Senator Taft, addressing the dinner, said; "It is now stated in some high quarters that the opening of Palestine to immigration and even the consideration of the present resolution by Congress, will interfere with progress of the war, presumably by antagonizing the Arab people. But today from higher sources – from one who has just returned from Cairo and Casablanca – I am informed that either we shall not antagonize the Arab people by the resolution, or else it does not matter if we do."