ARAB PLAN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 303, 4 October 1946, Page 3

ARAB PLAN

INVITATION TO JEWS CO-OPERATIVE PARTNERSHIP (N.Z. Press Association— Copyright.) (Rec. 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 3. An invitation to the Jews to enter into a co-operative partnership with the Arabs was issued by the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Azzam Pasha, when he disclosed an Arab plan for an independent United Palestine to the press.

Azzam Pasha declared that the Jews would find in the co-operation of the Arabs a kindlier and more understanding spirit than they could command by the use of British force or American pressure. He held out the prospect of .Jewish Ministers participating with the Arab leaders in the Arab League. The Arab plan envisages the formation by the High Commissioner of a provisional Government of seven Arabs and three Jewish Ministers, the High Commissioner retaining veto power in the transitional period. A constituent Assembly of 60 would be elected on adult male suffrage representing all important sections of the population, but the Jews would in no case hold more than a third of the total seats.

The provisional Government would prepare a constitution which would be submitted to the Constituent Assembly. If the Assembly failed to ratify’ it. within six months, the provisional Government would enact it after considering points raised in Assembly debates. Future relations with Britain would be on the basis of the treaty. Azzam Paslia, replying to a question, said the question of British troops in Palestine would he a matter for settlement by treaty.

Other Arab proposals are that all communities should he* permitted to maintain schools and universities subject to the compulsory teaching of Arabic. Hebrew could he used as the second official language in districts where there was a Jewish majority. Jewish immigration would be prohibited until provided for by legislation.