Speech #780177500

Next Saturday will become one of the black days of the history of England. Mr. President. unless in the remaining few days of this week the British Government rescinds its iniquitous white paper which halts Jewish immigration into Palestine. After next Saturday a total of not more than 23.000 Jews will be permitted to go to Palestine. which will include only the men. women. and children who have heretofore obtained visas but have been unable to complete their pilgrimage to their "promised land" because of transportation difficulties. The British Colonial Office charged with the administration of Palestine has graciously consented to extend the validity of their admission certificates until they can be utilized. But after that- the gates of Palestine will be closed. For the past 5 years. Mr. President. or since the whitepaper policy has been operative. the British Government has permitted -only 10.000- Jewish refugees a year to enter a land which was set aside after the last war. under the initiative of. the United States and other Allied Nations. as the haven where these oppressed and harassed people would have the opportunity to rebuild their lives. as was stated to the Senate by the Senator from Missouri. In the meanwhile. Hitler the maniac. and his henchmen. have been exterminating Jews in Germany. in Poland. and in the occupied countries at an estimated rate of more than 10.000 per day.