THE DEFENCE PARTY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 32, 8 February 1939, Page 11

THE DEFENCE PARTY

OFFER BY BRITAIN

SEPARATE CONSULTATION

(British Official Wireless.") (Received February 8, 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, February 7. The following is an official statement regarding the composition of the Arab delegations at the Palestine Conference which was issued today:—

"His Majesty's Government invited members of all political parties amongst the Palestine Aabs to come to London to take part in discussions on the future policy in Palestine. Efforts had been made to arrange that these different parties should all be represented on one delegation. These efforts have not succeeded so far, but the endeavours to reach an agreement are being continued.

"In the meantime, as a satisfactory settlement has not been .reached, the representatives of the Defence Party informed his Majesty's Government that they would not attend the opening meeting of the conference this morning. The Government does not seek, to take sides In any, difference of opinion which may exist between the parties in Palestine. Oh the contrary, the Government is anxious that every party should have a fair opportunity of expressing their views during the forthcoming discussions.

"The Government is glad of the opportunity to enter into free and full consultations with the Palestine Arab leaders selected from parties other than the Defence Party. In view of its anxiety to exclude no important section of opinion from the discussions, fhe Government will.be glad also, if agreement on the composition of one Palestine delegation proves impossible, to hold a separate consultation with th delegation representing the Defence Party which has come to London." ,