New High Commissioner Welcomed by Thousands on Arrival in Jerusalem

Will Conduct Administration in Accordance with Palestine Mandate Terms, Declares Chancellor (Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

Official and civic Jerusalem welcomed Sir John Chancellor, the new British High Commissioner for Palestine, who arrived here today to assume the duties of his post in succession to Lord Herbert C. Plumer, who retired following a three year term.

The new High Commissioner was met at the station by high government authorities. A parade of the Jerusalem police, to the tunes of the British anthem, escorted the Commissioner to the Jaffa gate where a tabernacle was erected for the welcoming reception. Four hundred government officials, consuls and notables were present for the welcoming ceremonies. The Mayor of Jerusalem in his address declared that he is sure Sir John will carry out valuable projects and development plans, guaranteeing the welfare of the country’s inhabitants. His previous services endorse Palestine’s belief that the country will have prosperity under his administration.

In reply, Sir John Chancellor stated he had held several appointments, but never before felt so heavily his responsibilities as in this post. “I regard it as my solemn duty to conduct the Palestine government in accordance with the terms of the Mandate to the interests of every section of the population. Palestine has lately suffered an economic depression. All well wishers have watched with sympathy the courage with which the hardships were endured. The depression is now closing and for the future prospects are brighter.

“I hope to concentrate my attention on the development of the resources of the country,” he continued, “by government action and by encouragement of private enterprise. The economic development of the country necessitates both to enable the country to sustain a larger population and increase the wealth of the old inhabitants.

“I trust that every section of the population will realize the development of the country is a common interest which will create common patriotism. I have confidence that a great future is awaiting Palestine, in no less a measure than the reverence for the sacredness of its historic past,” the new High Commissioner concluded.

Following the ceremony, Sir John proceeded to the Government House where he took the oath of office administered by the Chief Justice of the Palestine Supreme Court. Tens of thousands of the population of the Holy City thronged in the streets to welcome the new High Commissioner. The houses were decorated with flags. Pupils of the Jerusalem schools and boy scouts paraded.