THE FUTURE OF PALESTINE

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22656, 10 March 1939, Page 11

THE FUTURE OF PALESTINE

BRITISH PLANS MAY BE ANNOUNCED PREDICTED CLOSURE OF CONFERENCE (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) (Received March 9, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 8. It is authoritatively stated that British proposals for a solution of the Palestine problem, which are not subject to modification in principle, will be submitted to the Jews and Arabs next week. A short period will be allowed for discussion, and if there is no agreement, the conference will be closed and the British policy announced. Those in well-informed circles admit that the odds are against agreement. There will be no further for-; mal talks this week. The British Ministers are collaborating in consulting the High Commissioner in Palestine (Sir Harold Mac Michael) on proposed constitutional changes. The remaining members of the American Jewish delegation have left for home. The Colonial Secretary (Mr Malcolm Mac Donald), it is reported, may be in a position to formulate the British proposals more precisely in the light of the recent discussions, within the next day or two. “The Times” understands that the Jewish Conference Committee, after considering possible counter-pro-posals as alternatives to the British suggestions, decided to ask the Government to clarify its proposals, and in particular to state whether it intends to safeguard the future growth of the Jewish national home, as m that case the Jews might be prepared to' discuss plans involving the end of the Mandate. The diplomatic correspondent ot “The Times” says that the Jews in a letter to Mr Mac Donald reaffirm their refusal to accept a settlement based on the ultimate grant of independence to Palestine in which there would be an Arab majority.