Evening star., 1948-06-12
Political Concessions to Zionists

To the Editor Of The Star:
The Arabs, while apparently mSre than hold
ing their own in the Palestine fighting, seem to
be taking fearful beating on the propaganda
front in the United States. This situation is
dangerous. It prevents the American public
from making realistic appraisal of a situation
to which this countrys welfare is closely tied.
1t seems to me that the real issue in Pales-
tine is whether the Arabs or the Zionists have
better claim to the territory now designated as
Israel. Historians state that the Arabs have
been in uninterrupted possession of the area
for we'll over 1000 years. Only about $4,000
Jews were inhabitants prior to World War l.
But since then, under the British mandate,
and over Arab protests, more than 100000 Jews
have migrated there. Certainly, under these
circumstances, it is presumptuous for either the
British or the United Nations to carve out a
part of Palestine and give 1T to the Zionists,
who are, in reality, aliens.
Despite this background we have the spec
tacle of the Truman administration commit
ting this country to support the Zionist objec-
tives Before the 1916 elections, both Mr.. Tru-
man and Republican leaders Wed IN catering
to the zionists. Now history is repeating.
Meanwhile, the American public Is being
stuffed with propaganda. The wording Of dis
patches from the fighting area would have us
believe that the Zionist struggle for Israel is
closely akin to our own battle for independence
The terroristic and communistic Stern Gang
underwent euphemistic change and over
night was referred to as the Stern group" An
unfounded charge that the Arabs were planning
to use gas to attack Tel Aviv gained 'front.'
page prominence in United States newspapers
Substantiated reports that the Zonists seized
Christian holy places in Jerusalem as forts re-
ceived less recognition. Seizure of Al Ameri-
can zionists from an American vessel by Leba-
non made almost every front page. but the fact
that most of these people had left the United
States under false pretenses was almost ig-
nored
The Arabs certainly have every reason to dis
trust the United States. Zionist youth groups
have been permitted to hold military drills In
this country without interference, although
their avowed objective was to tight the Arabs in
Palestine. Recently I read in The Star that
recruiting Of Jewish fighters was being con-
Quoted in Baltimore. On several occasions
Zionists here have been caught preparing to
ship arms to Palestine, but to date, so far as
am informed, there have been no convictions,
and the illegal activity continues.
y Even in the United Nations meeting at Lake
Success, Arab delegates must feel as If they are
in a hostile land. These sessions have been
well attended-if not packed-by Zionist sup
porters who frequently have demonstrated their
sympathies
And certainly the establishment Of an indie
pendent Jewish state cannot be regarded as
setting up an outpost of American democracy.
For besides the Stern Gang Irgun Zvai Leumi
has shown its true colors-appealing to the
Soviet Union for help. These extremist groups
might we'll gain wide support for their pro-
Russian policies in an Independent Israel
Meanwhile, other zionists are attempting to
create discord between the United States and
its natural ally Great Britain.
I submit that 1t is time to reappraise our
stand on Palestine. II selfish interest must be
the deciding factor, let it be for the selfish
interest of America this time, not OF political
parties intent on winning presidential elec-
ton. G. L. A.