March 12th, 1946 Letter by Chaim Weizmann First President of Israel

March 12^th, 1946 British Restrict Jewish Immigration to Palestine – Letter by Chaim Weizmann First President of Israel

The Joint Secretariat,

Anglo-American Inquiry Committee,

Jerusalem.

Gentlemen,

After going over the transcript of my evidence before the Committee on Friday afternoon, I take the opportunity of clarifying my reply to Mr. Buxton when he asked me whether I thought President Truman’s proposal of 100,000 immigration certificates for this year was reasonable figure.

I replied that this was a reasonable proposition. I pointed out that these people had to be fed anyway at the expense of UNRRA, and that in Palestine UNRRA’s burden would be partly lightened by the efforts of the Jews. I added that this matter has nothing to do with the absorptive capacity of the country. In elaborating this point, I stated that I did not yet know whether this would take one year or two. By this I did not intend to convey any definite estimate of the time required, which will largely depend on the effort and desire displayed by all concerned to achieve the result. If, as I hope, it can be done in one year, I need not say that I shall be more than happy.

My intention was to convey that these 100,000 immigrants (25,000 children and 75,0000 adults) should be admitted forth with as an emergency measure, and without reference to the immediate absorptive capacity, they being maintained by UNRRA grants supplemented by Jewish help. Most of them would at first have to be given temporary accommodation. In the meantime. Their gradual absorption in the economic life of the country would begin which might take a year or two according to circumstances. In Fact, the memorandum addressed by the Jewish Agency to the Government of Palestine in June, 1945, in support of our application for 100,000 certificates shows that all of them who are able to work can find immediate employment. This memorandum, brought up to date, will be submitted to you by our Executive.

I am, Gentlemen,

Your obedient servant,

(Sgd.) CH. WEIZMANN

Source: Letter from (Sgd.) CH. WEIZMANN