FUTURE OF PALESTINE

Evening Star, Issue 23123, 24 November 1938, Page 13

FUTURE OF PALESTINE

THE LONDON DISCUSSIONS EXPECTED ID OPEN IN NEXT FEW WEEKS (British Official Wireless.) Press Association --By Telegraph—Copyright RUGBY, November 23. (Received November 24, at 11.30 a.m.) Mr MacDonald told the House of Commons that ho hoped that 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, Saudi Arabia, Transjordan, and the Jewish Agency. The Government was still in communication with Yemen on the matter. Regarding the Palestinean Arab delegation, he had informed the High Commissioner that Britain desired that all-important leading groups in the country should be represented, and had asked him to endeavour to arrange this in consultation with the groups or individuals concerned and to report as soon as possible. “ I have already informed the House of Britain’s attitude towards the present Grand Mufti of Jerusalem,” he said, “but as to the individuals at present deported or subject to the exclusion order, if, as the result of the High Commissioner’s consultations it is proposed that any of these should be amongst 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 on the Grand Mufti was final, and re-emphasised Britain’s intention that the discussions should not be unduly prolonged.