STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR THOMAS E. DEWEY On October 12, 1944, Gov. Thomas E. Dewey of New York, the Republican candidate for President, issued the following statement: I heartily indorse the Palestine plank in the Republican Party platform. Again I repeat what I previously stated to the great leader of the American Zionist movement and distinguished American Dr. Abba Hillel Silver, that I am for the reconstitution of Palestine as a free and democratic Jewish commonwealth in accordance with the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and the resolution of the Republican Congress in 1922. I have also stated to Dr. Silver that in order to give refuge to millions of distressed Jews driven from their homes by tyranny I favor the opening of Palestine to their unlimited immigration and land ownership. The American people have time and again declared themselves in favor of these principles. The Republican Party has at all times been the traditional friend of the movement. As President I would use my best offices to have our government working together with Great Britain to achieve this great objective for a people that have suffered so much and deserve so much at the hands of mankind. THE WAR DEPARTMENT On March 17, 1944, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, Seventy-eighth Congress, second session, issued the following statement concerning House Resolutions 418 and 419 relative to the Jewish National Home in Palestine. At an executive meeting held on March 17, 1944, by the Committee on Foreign Affairs on House Resolution 418 and House Resolution 419, relative to the Jewish National Home in Palestine, and following the receipt of a letter from the Secretary of War, the committee approved the issuance of the following statement: Advice and information given to us by those responsible for the conduct of the war have convinced the committee that action upon the resolutions at this time would be unwise. (Letter from the Secretary of War:) Hon. SOL BLOOM, Chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee, WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C. March 17, 1944. House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR MR. BLOOM: Concerning our converstation with respect to House Resolutions 418 and 419, it is the considered judgment of the War Department that without reference to the merits of these resolutions, further action on them at this time would be prejudicial to the successful prosecution of the war. Faithfully yours, HENRY L. STIMSON, The military reasons which prompted Secretary Stimson's opposition to passage of the resolution last March no longer prevail as indicated by the following letter from Mr. Stimson to the Hon. Robert A. Taft, senior Senator from Ohio, the author of a similar resolution now pending in the Senate. Hon. ROBERT A. TAFT, United States Senate, Washington, D. C. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, October 10, 1944. MY DEAR SENATOR: I refer to your letter of September 12, 1944, regarding Senate Resolution 247, introduced by Senator Wagner and yourself, on the subject of opening the doors of Palestine to the free entry of Jews into that country. "Whereas the ruthless persecution of the Jewish people in Europe has clearly demonstrated the need for a Jewish homeland as a haven for the large numbers who have become homeless as a result of this persecution: Therefore, be it "Resolved, That the United States shall use its good offices and take appropriate measures to the end that the doors of Palestine shall be opened for free entry of Jews into that country, and that there shall be full opportunity for colonization so that the Jewish people may ultimately reconstitute Palestine as a free and democratic Jewish commonwealth." Mr. President, I deem it a great privilege to join the Senator from Ohio in sponsoring this resolution, concerning one of the greatest humanitarian movements before the American people today-to right the tragic plight of the Jews of the Old World, to help them rebuild their ancestral homeland, where they may live as freemen and useful citizens. This resolution reaffirms the historic policy of the Government of the United States, formulated by the Congress in June 1922, when it unanimously passed a joint resolution sponsored by the late Senator Lodge, of Massachusetts, then chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations. The Congress then declared"That the United States of America favors the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of Christian and all other non-Jewish communities in Palestine, and that the holy places and religious buildings and sites in Palestine shall be adequately protected." The Lodge resolution confirmed the famous Balfour Declaration. Although it was issued in the name of the British Government, the Balfour Declaration was, as a matter of fact, a joint policy of the Governments of Great Britain and the United States. Before its official publication, it was the subject of prolonged and cordial negotiation between Mr. Woodrow Wilson and Mr. Lloyd George, the respective heads of the two Governments. In the words of Hon. Josephus Daniels, the United States was a moral cosponsor of the entire plan. It was hoped then by the Allied Governments and by men of good will everywhere that the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine would solve an age-old problem. It was contemplated that the disgraceful era of economic and social persecution of the Jews in Europe would terminate, and that once again this people, from whom we derive our Christianity, our basic literature, and our basic laws, among many other contributions, would once again be allowed to work out their salvation in peace and freedom. With this in mind, the British Government, after World War No. 1, with the approval of the United States and the Allied and associated nations, assumed the mandate over Palestine. While Palestine achieved remarkable growth in the next 20 years, a new day did not dawn for the world at large. Instead, under the prodding of Hitler and Mussolini, and under other influences, a series of unfortunate developments conspired to divert the orderly fulfillment of a great objective. During that Munich period, the then British Government adopted the so-called White Paper, restricting immigration, land purchase, and colonization of Palestine by Jewish settlers. This policy then, as now, shocked the sensibilities of men of good will everywhere. No one was more outspoken in opposition than the great statesman who guides the British Commonwealth today, Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In the meantime, the present war began, and Hitler's murder squads undertook their deliberate program of exterminating the Jewish population of Europe. At a time when Palestine should have been open to welcome these unfortunate people and utilize their contribution to the utmost, the gates were virtually closed. Those Jews who were fortunate enough to be in Palestine have made and are making a truly glorious contribution to the Allied cause. While General Montgomery and his valiant Eighth Army were fighting with their back to the Suez Canal, and Rommel already had invited guests to his contemplated first dinner party in Cairo, the Jews of Palestine were performing heroic deeds as commandos and as other shock troops. In Palestine the entire community of men and women dedicated their lives to the defense of their homeland and to the production of urgently needed materials of war for the Allied forces. President Roosevelt, Mr. Churchill, and other Allied leaders have spoken most generously of their contribution. Now and in the post-war period this Jewish community stands ready to give refuse to their persecuted brethren in Europe. From 1933 to 1939 Palestine welcomed more refugees from Hitler terror than were absorbed by all the (A) THE UNITED STATES SENATE The 77 Senators represent the following States: (2 Senators each from 29 States and 1 Senator each from 19 States) 4 377 HON. ROBERT F. WAGNER, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM NEW YORK Joint author, with Sentator Robert A. Taft, of Ohio, of the Palestine Resolution (Submits Palestine Resolution. It is the greatest humanitarian movement before the American people. The Resolution reaffirms the historic policy of the American Government, formulated by Congress, 1922, confirming the Balfour Declaration. Although issued by the British Government, it was in fact a joint policy of the British and the American Governments, resulting from negotiations between President Wilson and Prime Minister Lloyd George. Hoping it would solve the Jewish problem the Allied Nations turned over the Palestine Mandate to Great Britain. During the Munich period she adopted the White Paper Policy, which shocked everyone including Mr. Churchill. The glorious contributions of Palestine Jews to the Allied cause, militarily and otherwise. Since 1933 Palestine absorbed more Jews than the rest of the world. Stands realy to do it again. Every American President since Woodrow Wilson favored a Jewish Homeland as the permanent solution of the problem. The Senate Resolution is to uphold the Government's hand.) Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I may submit a resolution for appropriate reference, and I should like to make a brief statement in connection with it. The resolution is submitted on behalf of myself and the senior Senator from Ohio [Mr. Taft]. The VICE PRESIDENT. Without objection, the resolution will be received, and the Senator from New York may proceed. The resolution (S. Res. 247) submitted by Mr. Wagner, on behalf of himself and Mr. Taft, is as follows: "Whereas the Sixty-seventh Congress of the United States on June 30, 1922, unanimously resolved "that the United States of America favors the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of Christian and all other non-Jewish communities in Palestine, and that the holy places and religious buildings and sites in Palestine shall be adequately protected"; and And 6 more Senators listed on the last page. A speech delivered on the floor of the United States Senate, March 1, 1944. "Whereas the ruthless persecution of the Jewish people in Europe has clearly demonstrated the need for a Jewish homeland as a haven for the large numbers who have become homeless as a result of this persecution: Therefore, be it "Resolved, That the United States shall use its good offices and take appropriate measures to the end that the doors of Palestine shall be opened for free entry of Jews into that country, and that there shall be full opportunity for colonization so that the Jewish people may ultimately reconstitute Palestine as a free and democratic Jewish commonwealth." Mr. President, I deem it a great privilege to join the Senator from Ohio in sponsoring this resolution, concerning one of the greatest humanitarian movements before the American people today-to right the tragic plight of the Jews of the Old World, to help them rebuild their ancestral homeland, where they may live as freemen and useful citizens. This resolution reaffirms the historic policy of the Government of the United States, formulated by the Congress in June 1922, when it unanimously passed a joint resolution sponsored by the late Senator Lodge, of Massachusetts, then chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations. The Congress then declared"That the United States of America favors the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of Christian and all other non-Jewish communities in Palestine, and that the holy places and religious buildings and sites in Palestine shall be adequately protected." The Lodge resolution confirmed the famous Balfour Declaration. Although it was issued in the name of the British Government, the Balfour Declaration was, as a matter of fact, a joint policy of the Governments of Great Britain and the United States. Before its official publication, it was the subject of prolonged and cordial negotiation between Mr. Woodrow Wilson and Mr. Lloyd George, the respective heads of the two Governments. In the words of Hon. Josephus Daniels, the United States was a moral cosponsor of the entire plan. It was hoped then by the Allied Governments and by men of good will everywhere that the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine would solve an age-old problem. It was contemplated that the disgraceful era of economic and social persecution of the Jews in Europe would terminate, and that once again this people, from whom we derive our Christianity, our basic literature, and our basic laws, among many other contributions, would once again be allowed to work out their salvation in peace and freedom. With this in mind, the British Government, after World War No. 1, with the approval of the United States and the Allied and associated nations, assumed the mandate over Palestine. While Palestine achieved remarkable growth in the next 20 years, a new day did not dawn for the world at large. Instead, under the prodding of Hitler and Mussolini, and under other influences, a series of unfortunate developments conspired to divert the orderly fulfillment of a great objective. During that Munich period, the then British Government adopted the so-called White Paper, restricting immigration, land purchase, and colonization of Palestine by Jewish settlers. This policy then, as now, shocked the sensibilities of men of good will everywhere. No one was more outspoken in opposition than the great statesman who guides the British Commonwealth today, Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In the meantime, the present war began, and Hitler's murder squads undertook their deliberate program of exterminating the Jewish population of Europe. At a time when Palestine should have been open to welcome these unfortunate people and utilize their contribution to the utmost, the gates were virtually closed. Those Jews who were fortunate enough to be in Palestine have made and are making a truly glorious contribution to the Allied cause. While General Montgomery and his valiant Eighth Army were fighting with their back to the Suez Canal, and Rommel already had invited guests to his contemplated first dinner party in Cairo, the Jews of Palestine were performing heroic deeds as commandos and as other shock troops. In Palestine the entire community of men and women dedicated their lives to the defense of their homeland and to the production of urgently needed materials of war for the Allied forces. President Roosevelt, Mr. Churchill, and other Allied leaders have spoken most generously of their contribution. Now and in the post-war period this Jewish community stands ready to give refuse to their persecuted brethren in Europe. From 1933 to 1939 Palestine welcomed more refugees from Hitler terror than were absorbed by all the rest of the world. When the war ends, Palestine has the capacity to absorb the uprooted and the destitute Jews. who will survive Hitler's vengeance. The need then will be greater than ever before. Our Government has done and is doing its utmost to alleviate the conditions of European refugees during the war. Every President of the United States since Woodrow Wilson has looked with favor upon the Jewish homeland as the permanent solution of a vexing problem. The resolution jointly submitted by the Senator from Ohio and myself will help uphold the hand of our Government in support of its traditional policy-a policy that is in furtherance of the ideals of all the United Nations. The overwhelming sentiment of the American people is expressed in the simple words of this resolution: "That the United States shall use its good offices and take appropriate measures to the end that the doors of Palestine shall be opened for free entry of Jews into that country, and that there shall be full opportunity for colonization so that the Jewish people may ultimately reconstitute Palestine as a free and democratic Jewish commonwealth." 5 HON. ROBERT A. TAFT, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM OHIO Palestine resolution Mr. President, I am joining today with the Senator from New York [Mr. Wagner] in offering a resolution favoring the establishment of Palestine as a place for the permanent settlement of millions of European Jews. The resolution recently reported by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee provided for the establishment of a commission to investigate and report on one of the most serious problems which faces the world today. Without waiting for the Senate to act, the President has set up such a commission, which shall determine the best method of saving those Jews who have not been massacred, who are in Germany or its satellite countries, and those who are wandering without homes throughout the earth. Until a place is found to which the unhappy Jews of Europe can repair and get a new start in life, free of unreasonable economic sanctions and a blind religious and racial hatred, the fundamental causes for anti-Semitism will continue in Europe. It seems to me that the only solution of this problem lies in the restoration of free and unrestricted immigration of Jews into Palestine, at least until that land has absorbed as many people as it can. Palestine was set aside as a homeland for the Jews during the First World War. The League of Nations approved this solution, and our Government and the British Government also agreed to it. In 1922, under the leadership of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, a Republican Congress unanimously gave its approval to Palestine as a Jewish homeland. A Republican President signed the legislation. Unfortunately, considerations of military policy led the British Government to change that policy, and forbid, in effect, the further immigration of Jews into Palestine, when the Jewish population is still only one-half the Arab population. The resolution now presented is merely a reaffirmation of the historic policy of the Congress. It is a step toward the solution of. one of the problems which must be solved if peace is to exist throughout the world. I hope that all people of good will can join in approving the resolution. HON. ALBEN W. BARKLEY, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM KENTUCKY" MAJORITY LEADER OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE (Favors the Palestine Resolution. Increased Palestine population is due to common interest in the Jewish Homeland and, recently, to absorb refugees. Visited Palestine. Saw marvelous achievements there in commerce, farming, reclamation. Natural link binds Jews to Palestine. Hitler's ruthless persecution and slaughter of Jews. Is inspired by Jewish devotion to Palestine. Land is able to absorb 3,000,000 Jews. American citizens and Government should facilitate Palestine immigration. Ludwig's "The Mediterranean" shows all ancient empires, except Palestine, vanished. Hopes Zionist aspirations will succeed.) A speech delivered on the floor of the United States Senate, March 1, 1944. |