ZIONISM.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1104, 18 April 1911, Page 5

ZIONISM.

* — VIOLENT OPPOSITION IN TURKEY. 1 By Telegraph—Press Aosociation-Coqyrieht Constantinople, April 16. The propaganda of Zionism, under German auspices, is being violently opposed on the ground that the movement foreshadows a German economic conquest and the exploitation of Mesopotamia. A WARM DEBATE. During the debate on' the Budget' in the Turkish Chamber Ismail Bey, an Opposition deputy, severely criticised the action of Djavid Bey, the Minister of Finance, in, the matter of the loans, the position in regard to which .he attributed to the inconsiderate policy of the Cab' inot, Zionism, he contended, played ah important part in the loan business. He added that the object of the Zionist movement was to Settle Jewish emigrants in Palestine. At this point the Jewish deputies raised protests. Ismail Bey pejsisted in his affirmation. He spoke of tho acquisition of extensive lands in Damascus and Haifa, and asserted that the Zionists were now creating financial difficulties for the Government in order to compel tho latter to have recourse to them, adding that Sir Ernest Cassel, among others, played a great role in tho matter. Ho also alluded to the favourable terms offered by tho Jewish bank-ing-houses in Paris for tho late loan. Talaat Bey, the ex-Minister of the Interior, and the Grand Vizier refuted Ismail Bey's statements. The Grand Vizier characterised Zionism as a Utopia which was not shared by serious, thinking Jews. He de.nied that Zionism had any connection with tho late loan, and said tho present passport regulations for Je«:s were being maintained pending the elaboration of tho emigration law. Alluding to Sir Ernest Cassel, tho Grand Vizier said he was one of the greatest financiers in England, and was a sincere friend of Turkey. In conclusion, he observed that it was probable that in the syndicate of banks which concluded the late loan there were some Jewish firms, but the majority, were Christian.

The sitting closed with a violent altercation between Übeidullah and Lutfi Fikri. An exchange of insulting opithets nearly led to a free fight between the parties, because of the statement of Übeidullah that the object of the Opposition was to sow hatred.