Lloyd George, speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon, demanded an early debate on the Palestine question, pointing out that “when men like Baldwin, Chamberlain, Amery, and a man like Gen. Smuts, who is completely removed from our party controversies, all take the view that there has been a very serious departure in policy” there must be some virtue to their contention.
In commenting on the King’s address, Lolyd George said, “There’s a good deal that ought to be cleared up in regard to Palestine. The Premier said that there has been no departure in policy, but if there isn’t departure its very remarkable that the whole Jewish world takes a different view.”
Calling Zionism “the most remarkable movement in modern times, Lloyd
George continued, “Those who are responsible for the great movement for the colonization of parts of Palestine are extremely uneasy. I think we may have very serious consequences unless the situation is cleared up very satisfactorily.
“I don’t know that the government themselves realize that in their policy there is a certain commitment towards the Arabs. I don’t know whether the government has even thought out how to materialize that commitment.”
Speaking ironically, he raised the cheers of the house when he said, “If there is any meaning in it then we should assist financially in the development of Palestine for the surplus Arab population ! How is that money to be realized? Should it be done on Palestine credit?
“At any rate one thing is quite clear,” said Lloyd George, “and that is that this will be the subject of international discussion.
“There will be considerable movement in many parts of the world as a result of this question. Therefore there ought to be full opportunity for a debate, and there should be a clear statement by the government as to what it intended.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
