2—T111, THE a r jili- End plinter Campaigns,' CFIATF Conference Urged PHILADELPHIA, (JTA), — An appeal to check multiple and un- coordinated campaigns for cash and materials for Israel and Eu- rope was made by numerous Jewish leaders - at the • opening session of the 17th annual General Assembly of the Council of Jew- ish Federations and Welfare Funds, attended by more than 1,000 representatives of Jewish communities from all parts of the country. The leaders urged the communities to take joint action to eliminate • the "miscellaneous and uncoordinated" drives and' to assure unified national fund- raising to meet overseas needs. . Pointing out that the "splinter campaigns" constitute. a formid able threat to the efforts of the United Jewish Appeal to raise funds on a national level, the speakers emphasized that unless the communities, a c t jointly; through the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, the situation will deteriorate to an important extent. The call to eliminate these multiple "mush- room campaigns" was voiced by Daniel Shirnan - of Newark, chair- man, of the Council's Committee on • National-Local R e. l a 0 ,6 n Harold Glasser ; 6birector of .the Council's. Institute on • Overseas Studies; 'and Herman L. Weis- man, national chairman of the United Palestine Appeal. Glasser bitterly .attacked the International Refugee Organiza- tion for ``shamefully neglecting" to carry out its "elementary res- ponsibilities"- for the care and re- settlement of displaced Jews in Europe. SChwartz, Euro- Dr. Joseph pean chairman of : the Joint „Dis- tribution Cornmittee, told the delegates that 1949 is the "critical Year" in the Prograi• in behalf of the Jews of Europe. - Michigan delegateg at the sessions included the following:. Benton Har- bor: David Ross. Detroit: William Avrunin, "Louis Bel, Mrs. Hyinan C. Broder, Mrs. Paul ' . Broder; Paul P. Broder, Mrs. Abraham Cooper, Abra- ham Cooper, Mrs. Lewis B. Daniels, Mrs. Max -R. Frank, Mrs. Samuel R. Glogower, Mrs. Joseph Holtzman, Joseph Holtzman, Mrs. John C. Hopp, Mrs. Harry L. Jackson. Herman Ja- cobs. Julian H. Krolik, Mrs. Theodore Levin. Judge Theodore Levin, Ben M. Mandelkorn, Esther R. Prussian, Irwin Shaw, Ben L. Silberstein, Harold Sil- ver,. Isidore Sobeloff, Mrs. Ira Son- nenblick. Ira Sonnenblick. Abraham Srere, Mrs. Joseph M. Welt, 'Mrs. Henry • Wine/nail, Henry Wineman. Flint: Rabbi . Morton 'Applebaum, Harry A. Heller. Purely Commentary By PHILIP SLOMOYITZ Weizmann on Aqaba: President Truman 'Ai Good as His Word" Dr. Chaim Weizmann's autobiography, "Trial and Error," pub- lished this week by Harper, throws light on the crucial issue affect- ing Israel's possession of Aqaba (Akaba). Israel's President, in his description of tense events which preceded the Nov. 29, 1947; UN decision, states, "it was proposed to cut out from the Jewish State a considerable part of the Negev, taking Akaba away from us. Ever since the time of the Balfour Declaration. I had attached great value to Akaba and the region about it. I had circumnavigated the gulf of Akaba as far back as 1918, when I went to see the Emir Feisal, and. I had a notion of the character of the country. At present it looks a forbidding desert, and the scene of desolation masks the importance of the region. But with a little imagination it becomes quite clear that Akaba is the .gate. to. the Indian Ocean, and constitutes a much shorter route from Palestsine to the Far East than via Port Said and the Suez Canal." A dramatic tale unfolds in Dr. Weizmann's . autobiography. - He tells for the first time the story of his visit with President Truman to whom he spoke of Akaba and pleaded that if there is to be a division of the Negev it Should be vertical and not horizontal, giv- AWARA ing Akaba to the Jewish State.- Here is the story in Dr. Weiz- mann's own words: "If Akaba were taken away from us, it would always remain a desert, or at any rate for a very • long time to come. As part of the CYPRUS Jewish State it will very quickly become a part of development YR1A and would make a real contribu- .0" tion to trade and . commerce by opening up a new route. One can , AU3TINE foresee the day when a canal will TRANS- \ be cut from some part of the JORDAN Mediterranean coast to Akaba. It Zane' is not an easy undertaking, but it has already been adumbrated by American and Swedish engineers. This would become a parallel • highway to the Suez Canal, and could shorten the route from Eu- rope to India by a day or more. "I pleaded further with the President that if the Egyptians chose to be hostile to the Jewish State, which I hope will not be the case, they can close navigation to us through the Suez Canal when this becomes their property, as it will in a few years: The Iraquis, too, can make it difficult for us to pass through the Persian Gulf. Thus we might be cut off entirely from the Orient. We could' meet such an eventuality by building our own canal from Haifa or Tel Aviv to Akaba. The project has a great many attractive pOssibilities; and the mere fact that such a thing could be clone,would 'probably serve as a deterrent against closing the road to India for the Jews. President Truman promised to communicate Dr: Weizmann's views to the U. S. representatives at Lake Success. As Herschel Johnson and General Hildring were communicating to Moshe Sher- tok the earlier U. S. decision to take the Negev and Akaba from the Jews, a call came through from Washington, and President Truman told them that "he considered the proposal to keep Akaba within the Jewish State a reasonable one, and that they should go forward with it." Dr. Weizmann adds: "Obviously the President had been as good as his word, and a few short hours after I had seen him had given the necessary instructions to the American delegation." Dr. Weizmann points out in the record .of the hostoric days of • November 1947 that he was "extremely happy to find that the Presi- dent read the map very quickly and very clearly" in his presence. Our readers will find the accompanying map of interest in explana- tion of President Truman's decision at the request of Dr. Weizmann. At Cyprus (1), where Britain continues to hold Jews in detention camps, there are British warships and British troops have been sent from Suez (2) to Aqaba (3), the excuse being that Jews are endan- gering the peace of the Middle East as a result of the shooting down of five RAF planes at Rafa (4). But there is irrefutable proof, pro- vided by the two captured RAF pilots at Tel Aviv, that the British planes were downed not over Egypt but over Israel's territory, one of the planes having crashed near the Jewish settlement of Nirim. On top of it comes the interesting revelation that the RAF pilots were advised, if attacked, to bail out over Israeli territory and not to risk being murdered by Egyptians if they make an emergency landing in Egypt. Evidence is mounting against British sabotage of UN decisions and the former mandatory power's disregard of the basic rights of Jews in Israel. It is the most disgraceful chapter in - modern history. In juxtaposition, President Truman's friendly and helpful attitude will place him on record as the Christian leader who has done more than any other non-Jew in advancing the cause of a Jewish State. Dr. Weizmann's persuasiveness has influenced such action. To under- stand the events just referred to, one must read the complete story in Dr. Weizmann's "Trial and Error." TURKEY - 11, 4 EGY 1949 Maximum Effort Asked for UJA in $250,000 Drive Jewish Congress Petition Demands DP Act Revision Plans for 'Little TVA' Revealed at Atlantic City Conference By Military Governor of Jertiisalein; Eban Says U. S. Won't Back Britain Against Israel The executive - committee of the Detroit. Division of the American Jewish Congress - has launched a campaign to secure 59,000 •signa- tures ..to a- petition, urging the 81st Congress of the United States to enact six.%amendments to the Displaced Persons :Act of 1948, "to bring it into conformity with American democratic praCtic es and principles:" • - -.- The Corigress petition urges the following amendments; 1. To allow any DP who entered the camps before April, 1947 to benefit by the Act.' 2. To repeal that section which mortgages future immigration quotas; 3. To repeal the section granting special preference to DPs from coun- tries defacto annexed by a foreign power; 4. To expand the definition of elig- ible displaced persons to include all victims of Nazi racial and religious persetution; . 5. To .repeal the. section giving per- sons of German etbnic origin special benefits; 6. To permit the legalization of the immigration status of DPs now in this country without requiring advance Congressional approval. `The New Israel' Theme of B and P Regional Meeting "The New Israel" is the theme of the Hadassah Business and Professional Institute to be held at. the Sovereign Hotel, Cleve- land, b., Jan. 29 and 30, under sponsorship of the Central States and Western Pennsylvania re- gions, of which Detroit is a mem- ber. Proceedings will be conduct- ed by Rose Bloom' of Toledo, na- tional board member of Hades.: sah. The Institute opens Saturday evening with a political session, followed by 'a reception at which the Cleveland- Business and Pro- fessional Division will be hostess. Sunday's• sessions are • geared toA stimulate, and promote 'Spirited membership participation through workshops and Clinics. At lunch- eon, a panel presentation will demonstrate how the Israeli cabi- net works. Reservations for this luncheon must be made no later than Jan. 23, and are being taken in Detroit by Roslyn A. Corn, 3211 Glendale; TO. 5-0071. military governor of Jerusaelm, revealed that the Israeli Govern- nient . is planning to launch a "little' TVA" at a cost of approxi- mately $206,000;000 to Make the Negev a home for 300,000 Jewish refugees. The establishment of many settlements in that , area has already been blueprint- ed and construction will begin as soon . as the necessary funds can be made available, Dr. Joseph re- pOrted. - Liquidate DP Camps Edward M. M. Warburg, chair- man of the JDC, said that barring accidents, the work undertaken for the displaced Jews of Europe would be completed within three years, Warburg told the delegates that by this time next year raised more than $500,000,000 dur- ing the 10 - years of its existence. Dr. Joseph J. Schwartz, chair-. man of the JDC European Execu- live Council, reported that the emergency phase of relief work for Europe's Jews is, practically completed and that during this., year major stress will be laid on emptying the Jewish DP camps, speeding *nearly 200.000 immi- grants to Israel and expanding the aid program in North Africa, Herman L. Weisman, acting na-, tonal chairman of the UPA, and. Edwin Rosenberg, USNA presi- dent, addressed the conference. Truman Praised President Truman's attitude in the present situation in Israel ' and his persistent efforts to liber- alize the DP Immigration Law in the U. S. were hailed in a reso- - lution adopted at the closing ses- sion of the UJA Conference. The Conference concluded with- out adopting any decision with- regard to inviting Henry Mor- genthau, J•., to retain the general chaiamanship of the United JeW- ish Appeal campaign. for , 000;000 in: 1949: The' matter was' left open for a decision to be taken , by the , Joint Distribution Committee and the United Pales-' tine Appeal, the two major eon-c Stituent , agencies of the UJA: (Detroit delegates . at the UM conference were: William Avru nin, 'Lbuia Berry, gm Max' R.' 'Joseph Holtzman, Mrs: " John C. Hopp,' Mrs; Harry . L: Jackson,' Julian H. Krolik, Daniel ' A. Laven, Judge Theodore Leviri, Mrs. Theodore Levin, Esther R. Prussian, Isidore Sobeloff and Mrs. Joseph M. Welt. Rabbi Mor- ton Applebaum represented the . Flint Jewish:community). By BORIS SMOLAR (Copyright, 1949,. Jewish Teleg:aphic Agency, Inc.) Diplomatic Notes Baruch Lumet, noted character actor of stage, screen and .radio, will make a personal appearance at 8:30 p. m, Monday, Jan. 24, at the Northwest Hebrew Congrega- tion social hall, CUitis at Santa Rosa, under sponsorship of the Northwest Men's Club. Luniet has wen acclaim in his portrayals as Fischke, The Lame Orie, Paramount's "One Third Of a . Nation," the Broadway Production of the "Eternal Road," and many other stage successes. A pioneer in the field of drama, he is actively associated with the Yiddish Art Theatre, N. Y., War- saw People's Theater, and the Vilna TrOupe. Lurnet's successes as a play- wright include a book of plays, "Theater for Children," and ar- ticles for current periodicals. He is 'a former director of drama of the Hebrew Literature Sotiety of Philadelphia. . Hamisha Asar Programs In adopting the $250,000,000 quota for 1949, the UJA confer- ence called upon American Jewry to make its maximum effort. "This is one historic Jewish hour; this is American Jewry's historic opportunity," the call :said.. Action on the quota was taken after_a special committee -analyzed the budg- etary requirements which the United Palestine Appeal, Joint Distribution Committee and United Service for New Amer- icans submitted. - Dr. Bernard Joseph, Israeli only 30,040 Jews should remairv, in the DP camps—these will in- clude people unable to go to Israel bebauie -they are ill; and those awaiting immigration to, the United States and other lands. He also dwelt at great length on the' plight- of the Jews iri North Africa: William 'Rosenwald, national UJA- chairman, in a keynote ad- dresk emphasized that the UJA Between You and - NW Men Present Baruch Lumet Monday Evening Farband Schools Plan - ATLANTIC CITY, (JTA)—The governMent and the people of the United States will not assist Britain in any attempt that may: threaten :-the existence of Israel; Aubrey. S. Eban, Israeli repre- sentative to the United Nations, told the 1,200 delegates attending the national: cbriftrenee of the United -Jewish. Appeal which pro,: claimed a $250,000,000 quota for 1949. - Bitterly attacking British mili- tary manipulations against Israel and charging the British ,Govern- ment with endangering the peace and sabotaging truce- negotiations between Israel and the Arab states, Eban said:- "It has been made abundantly plain to me in conferenees in Washington and New York that .the assistance of the United -States Governinent and people is not available for any project which threatens the existence of Israel." — The miscalculations of British military men with regard to Israel are now becoming obvious in Washington to. the great embarraes- ment of the British government Also, some U..S. military experts have reason to feel embarrassed . . . A 'year ago they predictednot for publication—that the Jews in Israel would be wiped out in a :war with the Arabs ... Now they cannot help but admit that foreca.sting a war is like forecasting an election... . • It is now recognized in Washington that next to Turkey, Israel is the most dominating factor in the Middle East . Opinion in Washington today is that military strategy must adjust itself to the fact of a strong Israel in the midst of unstable Arab countries .. Although, no more forecasting is now being done with regard to Israel, there are elements in Washington who believe that Israel, can be dominated by the U. S. . .. They argue that, although winning battles, larael is facing economic diffi- culties and needs American dollars .•Diplomats feel that they can use this situation as a lever. The UJA Issue The national conference of the United Jewish Appeal at Atlantle City was the most peculiar Jewish gathering I have ever attended . Here 'were 1,200 leading Jews from all -parts of the country discuss- ing behind the scene and in the lobbies the major issue but carefully avoiding raising it from the floor of the Conference. . .. Such a model of self-imposed discipline of 1,200 Jewish community leaders is hard' to find in the annals of American Jewish history... . It was prompted by the, desire for Jewish unity ... The issue was': should Henry Mor- genthau, Jr., be--asked to retain the WA general chairmanship for 1949. 'unconditionally, or should it be stipulated that he cannot re- employ Henry Montor . . Everybody;' wanted Morgenthau but, as could be expected, there was a sharp split 01i:the' question of Montor, and it was obvious that Morgenthau might not accept the chairman- ship if conditions weer attached to it. • . Stormy caucus meetings were held by the pro-Montorites and anti-Montorites, and at times it. looked as if the. issue might explode on the floor of the convention. . . . But this did not happen due to the self-imposed control on the part of each of the delegates. Under the existing UJA agreement, each of the two partners- JDC and IJPA—must approve the selection of a general chairman for the campaign . . . While JDC wants -Morgenthau with no strings attached, the UPA executive decided by, a majority vote against the re-employment of Montor ... Both partners will now try to induce Morgenthau to accept the general chairmanship. . . Some -Zionist leaders suggested, that Dr. Joseph Schwartz, European director of JDC, be named general chairman of the UJA campaign ... How- ever, neither Schwartz nor JDC leaders accepted this suggestion. David Sislin was installed as chairman of the Farband schools at a recent meeting. Arrangements are being made for the observance of Hamisha Asar b'Shevat. Trees will be planted in Israel- by the children and there will be special pro- The JDC and the UPA—the two principal partners in the grams. United Jewish Appeal—have reached an understanding on the New children will be enrolled in all classes during the coming . distribution of the UJA funds during 1949 ... JDC is to get 45 percent of the first $100,000,000 collected . . . The proportion is weeks. even more in favor. of UPA on anything collected above that stun. Israeli movies are being shown . . . The agreement has to be approved by the Jewish Agency at Farband schools. and by the Jewish National Fend in Jerusalem. .