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Little Likelihood of Extensive Reforms in Palestine for Present

September 19, 1929
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British official circles in London are reluctant to say much at the present stage, pending the result of the investigations of the Inquiry Commission, the diplomatic correspondent of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency learns. Generally, little likelihood appears of any extensive reforms for the time being. The question of responsibility of British officials in Palestine will be a matter for the Commission’s inquiry. It is impossible to say whether any officials will be dismissed or replaced, or whether there will be no changes, the Colonial Office’s decision depending entirely on the Commission’s report.

Official circles in London deny any partiality is shown toward the Arabs or any discrimination made against the Jews regarding the carrying of arms, urging that all sections of the Palestine community must be disarmed as a necessary step toward the restoration and maintenance of order.

The question of recruiting Jews for the police and other defense forces is also relegated to the future. It is unlikely any new steps will be made in this connection pending the Commission’s report.

Compensation to Jews suffering damage is not definitely promised, depending on the outcome of the investigation. Claims will be given full consideration, but nothing more definite is obtainable.

The British administration’s outlook with regard to religious ceremonies at the Wailing Wall is that the status quo will remain. This is understood to mean that Jews will be accorded full rights to continue ceremonies at the Wall unmolested, but will not be permitted to erect any permanent structure there, although a screen may

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(Continued from Page 1) be erected, provided it is not permanent or a carpentered structure.

The feeling of the Colonial Office is that the Palestine troubles may tend to slacken immediate immigration. The administration stands outside this subject, putting no objections either to an increase or a decrease in immigration, but expects in time, the situation returning to normal, the extended Jewish Agency may succeed in increasing immigration.

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