WHAT IT MEANT

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 100, 25 October 1930, Page 9

WHAT IT MEANT

BALFOUR DECLARATION PEOMISE TO THE JEWS SMUTS TELLS MACDQNALD United Press Association—By Electric Teli* graph—Copyright. (Received 25th October, 11 a.m.)] ' 1 CAPE TOWN, 24th October. As one of those responsible for thai Balfour Declaration, General Smuti has cabled Mr. Mac Donald stating that the Declaration was a definite promise to the Jewish world that the policy of a National Home would be actively prosecuted and was intended to rally the powerful Jewish influence for the Allied cause- at the darkest hour. It was as such" that it was approved by the United States and the other Allies, and accepted by the Jews iii good faith. "It cannot now be varied unilaterally by Britain. It represents a debt of honour, and must be discharged in full at all costs. I strongly urge the Govern* ment that a statement be issued that the Balfour Declaration will be carried out and the Government policy; be recast accordingly." Mr. Mac Donald replied: "I feel; sure your views are based on an in- , complete telegraphic summary of the} statement of policy. I think you will) admit in the light of facts recently; brought to our notice the statement of policy cannot fairly be described! as a retreat from tlie Declaration* which ensured that nothing should! be clone to prejudice the civil andj religious rights of existing non« Jewish communities." He was convinced that the policy] was not only in accordance with mandatory obligations, but designed is. the best interests of the two sections of the Palestine population, whose welfare was the sincere concern a$ the Government. • .