British Labor M.p. ‘s Debate Party’s Stand on Palestine Issue in Closed Meeting

Introduction of a second amendment to the government bill calling for termination of the Palestine Mandate which is due to receive its second reading in Commons tomorrow was understood to have forced leaders of the Labor Party to call a closed meeting of the Labor M.P.’s today rather than tomorrow as originally scheduled.

While “welcoming” the government’s decision to terminate the Palestine Mandate and withdraw its troops from the country, the motion “declines to give a second reading to the bill while the government pursues a policy in respect of Palestine which undermines the authority of the United Nations.” It was offered to force a full-fledged debate on the Palestine issue, because the Speaker may disregard one amendment to a bill, but must call for a floor discussion of bills to which two or more amendments have been offered. It was also reported after today’s secret debate, the Labor Party will demand that every member vote as the party caucus votes or give up his status as a member of the party.