TRUMAN’S MESSAGE TO ATTLEE

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 October 1946, Page 5

TRUMAN’S MESSAGE TO ATTLEE

IMMIGRATION TO PALESTINE CANNOT WAIT

Washington, Oct. 4. In a Yom Kippur (Jewish festival) Day statement which he has cabled to the British Prime Minister, President Truman said: “In view of the fact that winter will come before the Palestine Conference in London can be resumed, I believe and urge that substantial immigration to Palestine cannot await a solution to the Palestine problem, and should begin at once. Preparations have therefore already been made by the United States Government, w’hich is ready to lend its immediate assistance.

“I state again,’ ' said Mr. Truman, “that the immigration laws of other countries, including the United States, should be liberalised with a view to the admission of displaced persons. I am prepared to make such a recommendation to Congress and to continue as energetically as possible collaboration with others on the whole problem of displaced persons.

“Furthermore, should a workable solution for Palestine be devised, I would be willing to recommend to Congress a plan for economic assistance for the development of Pales-, tine.”

Mr. Truman’s statement recalled that he had repeatedly urged the admission of 100,000 Jews to Palestine and added that he had been unable to support the Morrison plan for provincial autonomy, which was widely opposed in the United States.

“Meanwhile,” said the President, “the Jewish agency proposed a solution through the creation of a viable Jewish State in control of its own immigration and economic policies in an adequate area of Palestine. The agency also proposes the immediate immigration of 100,000 Jews. This proposal has received widespread attention in the United States, and it is my belief that a solution along these lines would be supported by public opinion here. I cannot believe that the gap between the proposals is too great to be bridged by men of reason and goodwill. The United States Government could support such a solution.”