Washington, Oct. 27.
Senator William E. Borah, Independent Republican of Idaho, has declined to speak at a Jewish meeting in New York protesting against reports that Britain plans to close Palestine to Jewish refugees. It was revealed here today.
Senator Borah's reply was telegraphed to Dr. Stephen Wise, leading American Jewish rabbi. The protest meeting is planned for November 2.
Senator Borah's message said he had the "utmost sympathy for the Jewish refugees" but that he did not believe it his place to direct Britain in the conduct of her affairs.
"Britain is now in a delicate position," Senator Borah replied. "We may not be helping the cause in which you are interested by a mass meeting which would have no jurisdiction except on the theory that Britain is proposing to do a reprehensible thing."
He said that if the meeting plained to protest to Britain, he could not support such a course. He said Americans would lose Europe's respect and their own self-respect "by directing other Nations how to carry out their treaties and obligations and then do nothing but direct."—United Press.
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