Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

British Foreign Secretary Assures League Council Britain Does Not Intend to Abandon Balfour Declarat

September 8, 1929
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

There is no idea of reconsidering the British tenure of the Mandate for Palestine, Arthur Henderson, British Foreign Minsiter, declared before the League of Nations session today. No inquiry is contemplated which might alter the position of this country with regard to the Mandate or the policy laid down by the Balfour Declaration, he declared. When the Commission has reported, it will be a matter for earnest consideration by the government along what lines, within the terms of the Mandate, the future policy of Palestine would be directed.

Though he hesitated to say that the disorders in Palestine were definitely at an end, it might be said that the situation had been kept well in hand, Mr. Henderson stated. Martial law was not in force in Palestine, he emphasized. Those arrested are being tried in the civil courts and impartial tribunals will be provided. A Commission of Inquiry has been appointed, he said.

The discussion of the Palestine events was opened by M. Procope, Finnish delegate, who spoke of the “grave, unhappy incidents in Palestine” of which the Council heard with deep mourning. The well-being and development of the Mandated territory was the sacred trust of civilization. In exercising its sacred rights of supervision, the Council of the League assumed indirect responsibility in the matter. He was sure that all of them profoundly regretted the incidents.

Minister Henderson thanked M. Procope for his sympathetic words. These grave, unfortunate incidents had occurred during his absence from London, but he would give the Council the latest information, which he had obtained. The British government regarded the Mandate as a trusteeship and very profoundly regretted these grave, unfortunate incidents. The Prime Minister, he said, had fully expressed the sympathy of the government with regard to those who had suffered loss, in his speech at the assembly.

Until order had been more com- (Continued on Page 12)

pletely restored, it is difficult to offer any full explanation as to the causes of the disturbances. Mr. Henderson gave an account of the disturbances and the measures taken to deal with them. He also gave the number of casualties as follows: “Killed or died from wounds : Moslems 83. Christians -Jews 109 : wounded in hospitals : Moslems 122. Christians 10, and Jews 183.”

Mrs. Helle C. M. Kaufmann. widow of Isaac Kaufmann. Pittsburgh. Pa. died Tuesday in Allegheny General Hospital in that city.

Widely known in charitable circles. Mrs. Kaufmann’s latest gift was one of $25,000 to the new Moutefitore Hospital of Pittsburgh in memory of her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Meyer.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement