alternatehistory.com
Part Two: The End of Subtly
Tel Aviv, Mandate of Palestine
1945
Ten years previously, David Ben Gurion became Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Jewish Agency. Within that capacity, he drafted policy for the Yishuv in Palestine, and was recognized by the world community as a spokesperson for the dominant Labor Zionist cause.
"Hmm," he licked his lips, "do you expect this to prove fruitious?" he blanketed the fist of his left hand under his right, awaiting reply. The overhead fan continued to cycle, to little avail for them.
"Certainly," replied the young officer sitting across the desk with most delicious geniality, "all representatives are entering with the mindset of conceiving a just and effectable solution; great potential for progress is opportune."
He frowned. "What role does Mr. Weizmann intend to take at this conference?" the younger fellow wisped at the edges of his lips. "He intends to represent our cause alongside yourself, sir, and other leaders."
"Of course," he agreed, "within an organized, unified delegation." the officer recognized the statesman's tact; he nodded slightly. "Mr. Weizmann hopes that all will be in agreement as to the goals of this Conference," his eyes cornered for a second, "but we must allow for the expression of all proposals if we are to take advantage of this monumental event."
Ben Gurion clapped one palm against the other. "Of course," he repeated as earlier, "but, as representative of the Jewish community in Eretz Yisrael, it is my duty to ensure consensus among the factions composing it. Internal disputes must be settled within such a context."
"If all involved concur on certain basic, specific tenets of argumentation, then there will be no need for confining disagreement to within our own delegation. This should be reasonable?"
"Reasonable," he continued, "we must finalize these tenets before we are to prepare to appear before the Commission. That is the most logical course of action."
"Certainly." the officer opened his briefcase. Ben Gurion relaxed; it appeared that for the moment, the representatives of the two factions have found common cause. It was not to last.
1945
Ten years previously, David Ben Gurion became Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Jewish Agency. Within that capacity, he drafted policy for the Yishuv in Palestine, and was recognized by the world community as a spokesperson for the dominant Labor Zionist cause.
"Hmm," he licked his lips, "do you expect this to prove fruitious?" he blanketed the fist of his left hand under his right, awaiting reply. The overhead fan continued to cycle, to little avail for them.
"Certainly," replied the young officer sitting across the desk with most delicious geniality, "all representatives are entering with the mindset of conceiving a just and effectable solution; great potential for progress is opportune."
He frowned. "What role does Mr. Weizmann intend to take at this conference?" the younger fellow wisped at the edges of his lips. "He intends to represent our cause alongside yourself, sir, and other leaders."
"Of course," he agreed, "within an organized, unified delegation." the officer recognized the statesman's tact; he nodded slightly. "Mr. Weizmann hopes that all will be in agreement as to the goals of this Conference," his eyes cornered for a second, "but we must allow for the expression of all proposals if we are to take advantage of this monumental event."
Ben Gurion clapped one palm against the other. "Of course," he repeated as earlier, "but, as representative of the Jewish community in Eretz Yisrael, it is my duty to ensure consensus among the factions composing it. Internal disputes must be settled within such a context."
"If all involved concur on certain basic, specific tenets of argumentation, then there will be no need for confining disagreement to within our own delegation. This should be reasonable?"
"Reasonable," he continued, "we must finalize these tenets before we are to prepare to appear before the Commission. That is the most logical course of action."
"Certainly." the officer opened his briefcase. Ben Gurion relaxed; it appeared that for the moment, the representatives of the two factions have found common cause. It was not to last.
- Israel
- Word Count: 340