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Vice-president Barkley Says Israel Can Become Leading Nation in Middle East

May 13, 1949
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Confidence that Israel can and will become the leader of nations in its part of the world was expressed last night by Vice-president Alben W. Berkley, who hailed Israel’s admission to the United Nations in a speech at an Israeli independence rally at Constitution Hall.

The Vice-President said: “All men will recognize the righteousness of the United Nations in taking Israel to their bosom for consultation and guidance.” He suggested the valley of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Iraq as a possible location for Arab refugees from Israel.

Some 3,000 persons heard him pay tribute to “the new star in the firmament.” He compared the birth of Israel to the founding of the United States. Speaking of Israel’s dealings with the Arabs, he said: “I think I know that people who for nineteen centuries were victims of persecution will not visit that wicked thing on those among whom they live.”

Ambassador Eliahu Elath, addressing the meeting, expressed thanks for the support of the United States at Lake Success. Jacob Blaustein, president of the American Jewish Committee, spoke of the necessity for investment and industrial development in Israel.

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