POLICY IN PALESTINE.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18159, 25 October 1930, Page 7

POLICY IN PALESTINE.

CONSERVATIVE CONCERN. LETTER BY the LEADERS. EARLY DEBATE EXPECTED. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel, Copyright LONDON, October 23. The newspapers anticipate that the overnment’s policy in Palestine will he the subject of an early debate in the House of Commons. In a joint letter to the press the Government’s policy in Palestine will be win, Nlr Austen Chamberlain and Mr L. s. Amery, express deep -concern at the Jewish National Organisation, to whose work they pay a high tribute. The writers regret that the Government rejected Dr. Weizrnann’s proposal for a round-table conference and that the Government, “ without giving either Jewish or Arab epmiun an opportunity to-express itself, or allowing the voice of Parliament to be heard, has laid down a policy of so definitely negative a character.” 1 FEELING IN AMERICA. jPROTESTS BY JEWS. DR. CYRUS ADLER'S WARNING. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. NEW YORK, October 23. Tbe Washington correspondent of the New York Times says that, although the State Department has declined to comment upon the Palestine situation, present indications are-that it will follow a “ hands off ” policy. The American Palestine Jewish Legion to-day cabled to Viscount Allenby in the name of 5000 Jewish soldiers recalling their services and appealing to him to prevail upon his fellow citizens in Britain to resist this latest attempt to impugn British honour.

A large meeting of Zionists to protest against Britain’s policy is proposed to he held in Madison Square Garden, New York on November 2. Dr Cyrus Adler, one of the most distinguished figures in American •Jewry, warns his co-religionists in a statement published to-day against any anti-British feeling.. “ Politicians come and politicians go,” he says, “ but the spirit of a nation lives for ever and the people of Britain can he trusted in the long run to carry out their obligations." LATER. GENERAL SMUTS’ VIEW. DEFINITE PROMISE GIVEN. AN APPEAL TO MR MACDONALD. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received October 25, 10.45 a.m.) CAPETOWN, October 24. As one of those responsible for the Balfour declaration, General Smuts has cabled to Mr Ramsay MacDonald, stating the declaration was a definite promise to the Jewish world that the policy of a national home would be actively prosecuted, and it was intended to rally the powerful Jewish influence for the allied cause at the darkest hour in the war. As such it was approved by the United States and other Allies, and accepted by the Jews in 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. General strongly urges that a Government statement be issued that the Balfour declaration will be carried .out, arid the 'Government policy recast accordingly. Mr MacDonald’s Reply. Mr MacDonald replied: 'I feel Sure your views are based on an incomplete telegraphic summary of a statement of policy.! I think you will admit, in the light of facts recently brought to our notice, that the statement of policy cannot fairly be described as a retreat from the declaration, which insured that nothing will be done to prejudice the civil and religious rights of the existing nonJewish communities." The Premier adds that lie is convinced the policy is not only in accordance with the mandatory obligations, but is designed in the best interests of the two sections of Palestine •population, whose welfare Is the sincere concern of the Government.