Evening star., 1938-10-20

way to intervene in the internal poll-
cies of the British Empire, found a
way to express his belief that set
tlement Of the Irish question was a
prerequisite to American national unity
in prosecuting the war.
The true story of Mr.. Wilson's inter-
est in Ireland has never been re-
vealed, but history in due time will
learn that Americas war President
urged the very first steps which have
since been followed by a wise policy in
Britain with respect to Irish freedom.
Helped Inspire Policy.
So, too, did President Wilson find
way to express on behalf Of public SEN
tinent in the United States an interest
in The setting aside of Palestine as a
homeland for the Jews. The famous
Balfour declaration, whereby the Brit
ish agreed to accept trusteeship for
Palestine, was in no small degree in
spired by the informal views of Mr..
Wilson.
Today President Roosevelt is con-
fronted with the delicate problem Of
keeping an American tradition alive.
The Jews are being maltreated in Eu-
rope, and to add to their difficulties
Palestine, which was to be a haven of
refuge, is in danger of being taken
from them by change of British
policy. Restriction Of the number of
Jews who can enter Palestine has been
undertaken already and this makes it
difficult for the International Commit
tee on Refugees to find haven for
the Jews who are being mistreated in
Central Europe.
The United States, Of course, has q
definite restriction on immigration Of
all kinds. so there is no effort likely to
Be made to change this policy. But
the influence of the Washington Gov
eminent can be factor in the other
countries Of the Western Hemisphere
and also in amelioration Of the treat
ment of Jews In Europe.
Minorities Embarrass U. S.
In the United States are many large
minorities. Thus there are more than
100000 Germans and more than
100000 Italians and when delicate
questions arise in the relations between
Germany and the United States or
italy and this country there is always
= strain which produces all sorts Of
embarrassments.
American unity is a desirable ma
tional policy and when internally there
is friction due to developments abroad,
it Is customary for American officials
to point out to the offending govern
ments abroad that the United States
has a deep interest in maintaining
principles Of humanity and fair treat
ment.
Unfortunately, there are many per-
sons in the United States who do not
Immediately see the implications Of a
domestic situation in which the former
homeland of one set OF citizens is
doing grave injustice to the friends
and kinsmen OF another group of
American citizens. To preserve har-
mony Inside the United States the
National Government here is aware
that the first remedy must be applied
in the policies of other governments
abroad.
Treatment of the Jews, like the ques-
tons arising out of the treatment Of
the Irish by Britain, is viewed by some
as external matters, but gradually
they become internal problems, too.
That's why President Roosevelt, stand
ing on the same humanitarian ground
as President Wilson, is endeavoring to
find a way to secure modification of
those policies abroad which, if un-
changed, cannot but affect Americas s
relations to Britain in the case of
Palestinian policy and Germany in
the case of fair treatment for Jewish
mincrities.
(Cooyrisht, 1889