HOPES FOR TALKS ON PALESTINE

Southland Times, Issue 23675, 25 November 1938, Page 6

HOPES FOR TALKS ON PALESTINE

BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE TO DEPORTED ARABS (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, November 23. The Secretary for the Colonies (Mr Malcolm MacDonald) told the House of Commons that he hoped discussions on Palestine would open in London within the next few weeks. Formal invitations to send representatives had already been sent to Egypt, Iraq, Saude Arabia, Transjordan and the Jewish Agency. The Government was still in communication with Yemen on the matter.

Referring to the Palestinian Arab delegation, Mr MacDonald said 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 persons concerned, and report as soon as possible. “I have already informed the House of Britain’s attitude towards the present Grand Mufti of Jerusalem,” said Mr MacDonald, “but as far as persons at present deported or subject to an exclusion order are concerned, if as a result of the High Commissioner’s consultations it. is proposed that any of these should be among the representatives of the Palestinian Arabs, Britain will give facilities to them to proceed to London for the purpose of the discussions.” Mr MacDonald indicated that the decision on the Grand Mufti was final, and re-emphasized Britain’s intention that the discussions should not be unduly prolonged.