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Tells of Arab Efforts to Organize United Front Against Zionism

October 28, 1929
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That the events in Palestine have eliminated the tension between Sultan Ibn Saud and the Hussein dynasty is the contention of Theodor Berkes, special representative of the “Berlin Tagblatt” in the Near East. Ibn Saud and the Hussein family are about to join forces in their opposition to Zionism, the correspondent says.

Emir Abdullah’s visit to Bagdad is connected with this attempt to create a united Arab front against the Zionists. Theodor Berkes, who interviewed members of the legislative assembly and the government at Amman, states that all were unanimous in the demand that the Balfour Declaration be withdrawn, otherwise the Arabs are determined, if necessary, to use force. The minimum demand of the Arabs is to unite Palestine, Syria and Transjordania into an Arab state. Benisacher, head of the powerful Bedouin tribe, stated to the correspondent that the Arabs have been nationally awakened. They know that only armed force secures rights. They are therefore ready to fight, certain of victory. The sheik added that Ibn Saud, too, would rise against the Zionists.

The correspondent interviewed Emir Abdullah before he left for Bagdad. The ruler of Transjordania stated that he received a reply from the High Commissioner, Sir John Chancellor, to his protests with regard to the measures taken by the government concerning the Wailing Wall. The High Commissioner declared that these measures do not violate the status quo. They are only of a temporary nature, until the special commission finally solves the question. In his letter. Sir John gave expression to the hope that Abdullah will calm the population of Transjordania. He further stated he does not believe military measures would suffice to pacify the population, but the government is considering a number of steps which would dispel (Continued on Page 4)

It is evident from the High Commissioner’s leter, the correspondent says, that his main concern is to reestablish friendship between the Jews and Arabs. Emir Abdullah indicated to the correspondent that the letter of the High Commissioner had satisfied him.

With regard to Zionism, Abdullah expressed himself diplomatically, saying, “We wish each nation’s good. Zionism represents an experiment against which we are defending ourselves.”

Hassan Chalid, prime minister of Transjordania, in his interview with Mr. Berkes, stated that the Zionist Congress aroused the misgivings of the Arab world. Peace between Jews and Arabs is possible if the Jews will resign their national plans, which can only be based on continued armed protection by the British. The Zionists should confine themselves to work on economic lines. The attempt of some Zionists to include Transjordania in Palestine represents an impossible request, because the independence of Transjordania has been definitely recognized, the Prime Minister declared.

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