1937 TRACT ADVOCATING BRITISH SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIAN SELF-RULE AND CONDEMNING BRITISH SUPPORT FOR ZIONISM

BECK, Frank H. The Case of the Palestine Arab. [London]: (W. & J. Rounge, 1937). Slim octavo, staple-bound as issued, original blue-gray paper wrappers respined and reinforced; pp. 28. $1500.

First edition of this compelling work written a decade before Israeli statehood arguing that the British government had an obligation to be loyal to the Palestinian Arab community.

Written right before the outbreak of World War II, this concise and forceful work enumerated the reasons why Britain should have placed its support behind the Arab nations and, specifically, the Palestinians. It attempted to show the economic and social disadvantages of the Palestinian population in a region that was being subjected to heavy Jewish immigration (particularly following the new racial policies in Europe). Beck objected to the justifications underlying Zionism and asserted that Britain had showed favoritism and excessive leniency toward the Jewish community. He argued that Palestinian Jews and Jewish immigrants to Palestine were overtaking the Palestinian population economically and turning the Palestinians into "half-serfs," a situation he predicted would eventually result in catastrophe. Thus, Beck stated, the only choice was to uphold the original promises Lawrence had made to the Arab community and to stop becoming mired in the mess of Balfour, the White Paper, and the promises made to the Jewish community.

A few tiny spots of soiling to interior, a bit of toning and soiling to extremities of wrappers and paper reinforcement. A very good copy.