Report to the ... Zionist Congress and to the Council of the Jewish Agency in ... · 1935-08-01 · 8.1935 · p. Seite 162

D.—REPORT OF THE JEWISH NATIONAL FUND. KEREN KAYEMETH LEISRAEL, LTD. Introduction. The acquisition of land in Palestine grows more difficult from day to day. Jewish land possessions increase at a slower tempo in spite of the fact that no slackening is to be noted in this direction. In spite of tremendous efforts and very considerable expenditure the Keren Kayemeth was not even able during the last two years to redeem for the Jewish people an area equal in extent to that acquired during the period covered by our previous report. The 40,388 dunams acquired during 5691 cost the Keren Kayemeth £P. 196,846, which represents an average price of about £P.4.875 per dunam, whilethe 7,845 dunams acquired during 5694 cost £P.51,633, that is £P.6.580 per dunam, which represents an increase of 35% in the price of land. In these two figures is perhaps to be found the key to an understanding of the present position in Palestine. Numerous factors have united to hinder Jewish land acquisition and slow down its tempo. Among them are factors of an external nature, over which we can exercise only a very slight influence. In the first place the attitude of the Government, which tends to put grave obstacles in the way of our work, chiefly laws hindering land acquisition and, in particular, those governing disputes in connection with agricultural land. In practice it often happens that even lands that have been in our possession for many years cannot be settled in consequence of this legislation. Numerous and sometimes lengthy lawsuits, which cause a large and unproductive expenditure, are required to assure our rights as landowners. Another difficulty is the attitude of the Arab land sellers, who are more reluctant to come forward with offers, as they believe, in view of the increase in prices, that the latter will rise continuously. The most important factor, however, was created by the Jews themselves through the speculation which has driven prices to fantastic heights. The large immigration of the last few years has brought to the country a considerable stream of capital which is seeking profitable investment. Land may be considered in the first place as such an investment, where easy profits, reaching hundreds per cent., may be made. Innumerable societies have been formed for conducting a wild land speculation, which is not restricted in any way. The speculators no longer restrict their activities as before to the sale of building-plots in towns, but have now invaded the rural areas as well. No limits are set to the driving up of prices, and any price is accepted for land, without taking into consideration its economic value or capacity for production. The Keren Kayemeth naturally could not take part in these activities, and was forced to retire from the regions where this corrupt land business flourishes, limiting itself to other places, where it is to be hoped that specula- 162