The Palestine problem developed today into a major issue in the Presidential election campaign following President Truman’s issuance of a statement last night declaring that he favors no plan for the partition of Palestine unless it is acceptable to the Jews. His statement followed publication during the week-end of a letter by Gov. Thomas E. Dawoy, in which the Republican candidate for President indorsed the partitioning of Palestine as originally sanctioned by the U.N. General Assembly last year.
“The Republican candidate for President has seen fit to release a statement with reference to Palestine,” President Truman said. “This statement is in the form of a letter dated Oct. 22, 1948, ten days before the election. I had hoped our foreign affairs could continue to be handled on a nonpartisan basis without being injected into the Presidential campaign. The Republican candidate’s statement, however, makes it necessary for me to reiterate my own position with respect to Palestine.
“I stand squarely on the provisions covering Israel in the Democratic platform. I approved the provisions on Israel at the time they were written. I reaffirm that approval now,” Truman emphasized.
The President then quoted in its entirety the Democratic Party platform plank on Israel, “so that everyone may be familiar with my position.” He added:
“On May 14, 1948, this country recognized the existence of the independents state of Israel. I was informed by the Honorable Eliahu Epstein that a Provisional Government had been established in Israel. This country recognized the Provisional Government as the de facto authority of the new state of Israel. When a permanent Government is elected in Israel it will promptly be given de jure recognition.
“The Democratic platform states that we approve the claims of Israel to the boundaries set forth in the United Nations resolution of Nov. 29, 1947, and consider that modification thereof should be made only if fully acceptable to the state of Israel. This has been and is now my position.
“Proceedings are now taking place in the United Nations looking toward an amicable settlement of the conflicting positions of the parties in Palestine. In the interests of peace this work must go forward. A plan has been submitted which provides a basis for a renewed effort to bring about a peaceful adjustment of differences. It is hoped that by using this plan as a basis of negotiation, the conflicting claims of the parties can be settled.
“with reference to the granting of a loan or loans to the state of Israel, I have directed the departments and agencies of the executive branch of our Government to work together in expediting the consideration of any applications for loans which may be submitted by the state of Israel. It is my hope that such financial aid will soon be granted and that it will contribute substantially to the long-term development and stability of the Near East,” the President concluded.
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.
