Mystery surrounds the political conversation which took place recently in Amman between Sir Arthur Wauchope, High Commissioner of Palestine, and Emir Abdullah, ruler of Transjordan. Details of this conversation are kept in strict secrecy. It is, however, certain that the Jewish problem was one of the questions touched upon during the conference.
It is no secret that Emir Abdullah would like to see his country opened up for Jewish enterprise. Adjoining Palestine, the inhabitants of Transjordan are suffering starvation while the Arabs in Palestine are enjoying the benefits of Jewish prosperity.
As a result of pressure exercised upon him by leaders of various Arab tribes in his country, the Emir two years ago made his first approach to the Jews, granting an option to representatives of the Jewish Agency for leasing a large stretch of land in Transjordan for a period of ninety-nine years. This option was the first official step toward opening the doors of Transjordan to Jewish enterprise.
Unfortunately the Palestine government became aware of the transaction, stepped in and prevented its realization. The Emir was diplomatically informed that the admission of Jews into Transjordan would be looked upon very unfavorably by the Palestine government which is interested in keeping a strict line of demarcation between Palestine and Transjordan as far as Jewish efforts are concerned.
This move on the part of the Palestine officials left the option pending, without any action being taken on it. The initial payments advanced by the Jewish Agency to Emir Abdullah under this option have, however, not been returned as yet. The option is still valid.
With Syria now opening its gates for Jewish immigration, there is no reason why the Palestine government should stubbornly maintain its policy of preventing the Jews from entering Transjordan.
Would it not be better for British interests in the Near East that Jewish capital flow to Transjordan rather than to Syria?
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.
