Arab Executive to Accept White Paper, Simpson’s Conclusions; Not to Waive Protest Right

The Arab Executive’s official stand on the new Palestine policy of the British government will accept the White Paper and Sir John Simpson’s conclusions which are favorable to the Arabs but will not waive the right to protest what is objectionable to the Arabs. Although the Arab Executive’s stand will not be made public until about December 1, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency is in a position to forecast its general lines.

One-third of the 25-page document to be issued will survey political developments in Palestine in the last decade and will charge that Arab rights have been consistently trampled on and that even the Mandate’s provisions regarding self-government have been ignored. The statement is expected to steer clear of either accepting or rejecting the legislative council, the authors of the document deliberately choosing ambiguity in order not to commit the Arabs to either course.

Strong exception will be taken to the proposed land legislation giving the High Commissioner discretion over transferable lands. The Arabs will demand explicit regulations not subject to political considerations or to changes of policy in London. The statement will welcome Simpson’s suggestion that the government keep the Huleh lands and will protest against the release of 1,500 certificates for Jewish immigrants. It will also argue against the lack of changes in immigration categories other than that of labor.

The official Arab view regarding cooperation with the Jews will take the view that this is impossible because the Zionists must strive to become a majority or else resign themselves to a position in Palestine similar to that in other countries. The statement will point out that the hope for a Jewish majority clashes with the Arabs’ natural desire to predominate.