Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

U.S. Holds Key to Palestine Peace, Says Weizmann; Asks Loan, De Jure Recognition

September 8, 1948
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The United States holds the key to a permanent peace in Palestine, Dr. Chaim Weizmann declared in the first interview granted by him since ho because President of Israel. The interview, given to Bartley C. Crum, publisher of the New York Star and former member of the Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry on Palestine, appeared in today’s Star.

President Weizmann said that much depends upon American de jure recognition of Israel and the immediate granting of a $100,000,000 loan by the U.S. to Israel. “There is a leg jam now as far as our recognition by western European states is concerned,” he declared. “Only America can break it. If the United States, through President Truman, gives us de jure recognition, I believe all of western Europe will follow-meaning France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, perhaps even England, will recognize us. The effect upon Arab states would be immediate,It would mean permanent peace, not only in Israel, but throughout the Middle East, With the loan we could then go on with our work of rescue and of rebuilding,”

Speaking of the relationship between Israel and America Jews, Dr. Weizmann said: “It’s a clear-cut matter. The citizens of Israel are Israelis; the citizens of the United States are Americans. A parallel is that between an American of Iris descent and Eire. This is a perfectly normal relationship. He has sympathy for Eire follows Eire’s fortunes with interest, he-welcomes visits to Eire, he helps Eire in many ways. At will be the came way with the Jews.”

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement