Congressman Henry Allen Cooper (Wisconsin), Racine. Wis.-“The present massacre of the Jewish population in Palestine is a tragedy which deeply concerns the whole civilized world. It especially concerns our own conutry because many American citizens have already been murdered, while others still survive there in terrible danger. Everything lawfully possible should be and I have no doubt will be, promptly done by our government to protect American citizens in Palestine. Such action by our administration is demanded by the facts and will be strongly approved by the American people.”
Congressman James A. Frear (Wis-contin), Hudson, Wis.-“The civilized world sympathizes with the Jewish people in Palestine as it did with the Greeks in Smyrna and Turkey, and with the Armenians during similar massacres. The Jewish pogroms in Russia under the Czars are also remembered. A hundred fatalities and casualties occurred in each case, compared with recent Arab outrages.
“I have been in Kiev. Alexandrople, in the Greek refugee camps recently, and learned of no interference by the United States as expected through any joint mandate in those riots, nor in Mexico during more recent disturbances. Our last interference in Europe cost a thousand American lives for every one recently lost in Palestine and warns us against undue interference now. The world abhors massacres, little or big, in war or peace times, and also recognizes the debt civilization owes to the Jewish race. But no apparent necessity exists for any mandate, joint or several, by our government in a country now governed by Great Britain.”
Congressman Florian Lampert (Wisconsin), Oshkosh, Wis. “The present tragedy of the Jewish population in Palestine is something appalling and the guilty should be speedily punished. Among those whose lives are in great danger are many of our American countrymen. American Jews who are in the Holy Land visiting or in line of business. These raids by the Arabs concern the United States government because the safety of the American citizens must be guaranteed, no matter where we sojourn.
“President Hoover has recognized this and has expressed his deep concern and if the British government which has the Mandate Power over the Holy Land cannot guarantee safety for the American Jews, I am of the opinion that the United States government should, consistent with its foreign diplomatic policy, use its influence to insure the American Jews in Palestine such protection which it has in its power to do, and I will direct my efforts toward that end.”
Congressman Hubert H. Peavey (Wisconsin), Washburn, Wis. “The outrageous massacre of the Jews in Palestine by the Arabian tribes appears to be a needless sacrifice of an innocent people. A mandate held by England over these helpless souls fixes upon her the responsibility for immediate and effective action to prevent further discord and persecution.
“President Hoover in pledging the support of this country for the immediate relief of American tourists and visitors within the disturbed area will have the moral backing of every American citizen. Regardless of the schemes or scheming on the part of the internationals with their foreign influences this country owes immediate protection to its innocent citizens. Religious wars with their awful atrocities are an offense to civilization and public opinion in this country and England will require their extirpation.”
Statements by Other Leaders Secretary Department of Agriculture Arthur M. Hyde, Washington, D. C. “The terrible tragedy which has been written in Jewish blood in Palestine must necessarily rouse the wrath of all right thinking people. The persecution and murder of American citizens peacefully engaged in lawful pursuits in foreign lands is a matter of great national concern. The situation remains acute but steps already taken and in process of accomplishment are rapidly bringing it under control.
“I am in complete sympathy with the sentiment and the aspiration of Jews to establish a national Home in the land made forever notable by their forefathers. It is to be hoped that there will be guaranteed out of the present travail, conditions so stable and secure as to make the great Zionist movement more successful.”
Frank T. Hines, Director, United States Veterans Bureau, Washington, D. C. “While the spirit of all America recoils at the cruelty of the recent massacres of the Jewish population in Palestine. I am confident that the forces of Great Britain will take such steps as are necessary not only to prevent any repetition of the outrages, but to impose just punishment upon those responsible.
“It is hoped that out of the present turmoil and suffering there may emerge a better understanding between the peoples involved that will be productive of the tolerance, liberty and peace which the Jewish people are seeking in their original Holy Land, and in which quest they have the deep sympathy of America.
“The recent occurrences must not be allowed to impede further progress in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Holy Land; the liberal support of American citizens which has so far been a worthy factor in this movement will, I am sure, be not only maintained but increased by the urge of a great and understanding pity for the sufferings these people have undergone, and they must be encouraged in every way to continue their mission.”
United States Employees’ Compensation Commission, Bessie P. Brueggeman, Washington, D. C. “I have been deeply shocked at the news of the present tragedy being enacted in Palestine. It has aroused my indignation against those responsible for it and my sincere and deepest sympathy for the victims of it, particularly when I consider the valuable and undying contribution which the Jewish race has made to humanity and to civilization.
“The world has now arrived at the point where all prejudices, animosities and misconceptions which separate races, creeds and groups, should be eliminated and any nation or group that refuses its contribution to this high aim should be considered by the world an outlaw. Let all nations and religions manifest a deeper sense of the true value of life, and then our efforts towards real brotherly love, if sincere, will be fruitful.”
Alien Property Custodian Howard Sutherland. Washington, D. C. “I deeply deplore the horrible tragedies being perpetrated by Arab hordes upon the Jewish people in Palestine. The conscience of the civilized world will undoubtedly be aroused and appropriate and speedy measures should be taken to terminate same and punish the perpetrators.”
Chairman United States Board of Tax Appeals Benjamin H. Littleton, Washington, D. C. “I deplore the Palestine affair, but I have full faith in the ability of those in authority to cope with the situation.”
Cardinal Patrick J. Hayes, New York. N. Y. “I am inexpressibly shocked at the atrocities committed in the Holy Land against the Jewish people. My sincerest sympathy goes out to the race at home and afar. My prayer is that the civilized world will take firm measures to put a speedy end to the present outrages and any recurrence in the future.”
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.
