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Arabs in Palestine Not Yet Ready for Independence, London Times Says

March 9, 1943
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The Arab population of Palestine will probably take another twenty years to reach a point of maturity where it can take care of its own destiny, the London Times writes today. The article stresses the fact that “Jews have brought prosperity to Palestine, enabling the Arabs to enjoy lavish government services.”

The Jewish population of Palestine at the beginning of the year totalled 517,000, or 31.3 percent of the entire population, it was estimated today by the Statistical Department of the Jewish Agency. Of this number, 369,000 entered the country between 1919 and 1943.

Sir Ronald Storrs, former Governor of Jerusalem, in a dispatch from Palestine to the Sunday Times, yesterday, opposed demands by the Histadruth, the Palestine Labor Federation, for increased wages, pointing out that there is a danger of steep inflation. Reviewing the economic situation in Palestine, Sir Ronald stated that after the war many of the industries in the country may have to shut down because no orders will be available.

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