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Danger for Palestine is Over; Volunteer Force Will Be Disbanded This Week

December 8, 1943
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The Palestine volunteer force, which was organized in 1940 when it was feared that the German army would invade Palestine, will be disbanded this week, the London press reported today.

The step is being taken as a result of the fact that Palestine is no longer in any danger. The volunteer force has been trained and equipped by the British army for cooperation with regular army units. It was composed of government officials, bankers, businessmen and employees who were given training with anti-aircraft units.

Pro-Zionist circles today indicated that Wallace Murray, the State Department expert on Near Eastern Affairs, may soon leave Washington for London on a special mission in connection with the future of Palestine. This was taken to mean that the United States Government has certain concrete plans with regard to Palestine which are to be discussed by Mr. Murray with high British officials in London.

(At the State Department it was stated today that Mr. Murray “has no plans at present” for a trip abroad. Mr. Murray, who bears the title “Adviser on Political Relations” has been reported on his way to the Near East at least once before in recent months, but the report proved false.)

Government offices here are following with interest the campaign by the Jews of American against the White Paper. Special interest has been aroused by the news from New York that more than 200 Emergency Committees for Palestine have been formed throughout the United States for the purpose of rallying public opinion behind the drive to have the White Paper annulled.

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