PALESTINE ISSUE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 38, 24 November 1938, Page 5

PALESTINE ISSUE

DISCUSSION IN A FEW WEEKS.

QUESTION OF REPRESENTATIVES.

FACILITIES FOR THE ARABS

(United Press Association —Copyright.)

(Received This Day, 10.40 a.m.) LONDON, November 23

The Secretary for the Colonies (Mr Malcolm MacDonald) told the House of Commons that ho hoped the discussions on Palestine would open in London within the next few weeks. Formal invitations to send representatives had already been sent to Egypt, Iraq, Saude Arabia, Transjordan and the Jewish Agency. The Government was still in communication with the Yemen on the matter regarding the Palestinean Arab delegation. He informed the High Commissioner that Britain desired that all the important leading groups in the country should be represented, and lie had asked the Commissioner to endeavour to arrange this in consultation with groups or individuals concerned and to report as soon as possible. “I have already informed the House of Britain’s attitude toward the present Mufti of Jerusalem,” said Mr MacDonald, “but as to individuals at present deported or subject to the exclusion order, if, as a result of the High Commissioner’s consultations, it is proposed that any of these should be among the representatives of the Palestinean Arabs, Britain will give facilities to them to*proceed to London for the purpose of the discussions.”

Mr MacDonald intimated that the decision regarding the Mufti was final, and he re-emphasised Britain’s intention that the discussions should not be unduly prolonged. British Official Wireless.