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Congressmen Fight in House Against U.S. Aid to Britain As Long As She Helps Arabs

June 6, 1948
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A final fight to exclude Britain from Marshall Plan dollars as long as she aide Arabs in Palestine was expected at a special session of the House scheduled for tonight.

Reps. Arthur Klein, Emanuel Caller, and Leo Isacson, all of New York, were ready with an amendment cutting Britain out of the E.R.P. appropriations bill. They expected more than 60 Congressmen to support their amendment. As the Bulletin went to press, they told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency the following:

1. Klein: “Many of us who voted for the British loan and for the Marshall Plan may vote against this E.R.P. appropriations bill if this amendment is defeated.” He said reported British willingness to cease aid to Arabs in Palestine “is an empty gesture and will have no effect on our determination to block any monies for Britain.”

2. Isacson: “Appropriating money to Britain would be a mockery to democratic peoples the world over who-are watching the efforts of a democratic Israel. Hitler could not exterminate the Jewish people and neither will betrayal by Britain conquer the new state of Israel. The grave is not the destiny of Israel and we can most effectively tell this to the British by denying them American dollars.”

3. Celler: “By refusing to grant money to the British, we can stop Bevin in his plans to extort land from the Jews in Israel and give it to Abdullah. I am assured the support of more than 30 Congressmen who have personally told me they will vote for my amendment.”

4. Rep. Adolph Sabath, Democrat and dean of the House, declared: “I will vote to curb money to Britain. She has willfully and deliberately postponed adjustment between the Arabs and the Jews.” He said he wanted to end the “British war against the Jewish people.”

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