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Moslems Build at Wailing Wall to Strengthen Their Right to Jewish Holy Site

August 7, 1929
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The building operations now carried on by the Moslems on and around the Western Wall of The Temple, for which they now have the official permission of the Palestine government, have no other purpose but to strengthen the claims of the Moslems to the Wall.

This statement was made by the Grand Mufti who is also the President of the Moslem Supreme Council in Palestine, the body responsible for much of the bitter feelings aroused among Moslems and Jews in the Wailing Wall controversy. Interviewed by the correspondent of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, the Grand Mufti asserted that “the Jews have only one right at the Wailing Wall and that is to come there for prayer. The entire area, however, belongs to the Moslems, who have in their possession docu- (Continued on Page 2)

ments proving their right. The Jews must observe the status quo,” he said.

When asked concerning the rumors that the Palestine Moslems plan to establish an “Arab agency” similar to the one provided for in the Palestine Mandate in the form of the Jewish Agency, the Grand Mufti stated that the Moslems oppose such a plan because it will disturb the government work.

Sir John Chancellor, the High Commissioner, who is now in England on vacation is expected to return to Jerusalem on August 28.

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