21 MARCH 1947, Page 16

UPROOTED HUMANITY

Stn,—Mr. Tracy Philipps is right: the Jewish race is not easily absorbed by any other nationality, and the Brazilians, by birth, culture and religion, are not likely to be more successful in this direction than other nations. This was not, however, my proposal. It was that U.N.O. should acquire from Brazil the necessary land in which to set up a separate Jewish State, which would be self-governing except for inter- national issues. Here the Jews could live their own lives, and work out their own destiny. Brazil has an area of 3,300,000 square miles, with a population of 13 (mostly nomadic) to the square mile, as against 720 for the U.K. It is virtually undeveloped; it is irrigated by some of the world's greatest rivers; and has an amazing fecundity. Its natural resources are capable—if properly developed—of providing for a popula- tion of at least 200,000,000. Its tropical and sub-tropical climate is suitable for a Jewish population, and its agricultural and industrial resources are virtually untapped. Admittedly, it has great areas of arid land, but much of this could be cultivated with proper irrigation. It is certainly one of the future great centres of the world. No country offers greater financial attractions if a long view is taken of investment, and land could be purchased at a low price. It would, therefore, appear to offer a solution of the Jewish problem. The Brazilians are a tolerant race politically and religiously, and there need be no conflict between their own and Jewish ideals.

Mr. Tracy Philipps' alternative of settling dispossessed Jews in Great Britain is not practical. We need labour here for the development of coal mining, agriculture and skilled craftsmanship, in none of which have the Jews shown themselves adept. It is in a new country, and freed from the restrictions of an old civilisation, that their special gifts are most