IN PALESTINE

Hokitika Guardian, 10 March 1939, Page 5

IN PALESTINE

THE SOLUTION

PROPOSED BY BRITAIN,

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

LON DON, March 8

It is authoritively 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 formal talks this week. The British Ministers are colaborating 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 MacDonald), 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-proposals 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 in that case the Jews might he prepared to discuss plans involving the end of the Mandate.

The diplomatic correspondent of “The Times” says that the Jews in a letter to Mr MacDonald (reaffirm their refusal to accept a settlement based on the ultimate grant of independence to Palestine in which there would be an Arab majority.