The reorganization of the Transjordan Frontier Force, to be comprised of 50% Jews, is reported by the Arab press today.
The papers assert that this change will be made to provide for the eventuality of Jewish settlement in Transjordan to safeguard both the Jews and Emir Abdullah. Those who oppose the lease of land to Jews will be regarded as opposed to Emir Abdullah as well, they write.
The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, who was scheduled to proceed to India for a stay there suddenly changed his mind today and will remain at home, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency learns.
The representation of Jews on the Transjordan Frontier Force has long been a subject of discussion and disagreement.
The Jews have objected to their small representation, which today consists of two officers and 33 privates of a total force of 1,039.
This dissatisfaction was acknowledged by the Palestine High Commissioner in his report to the Mandates Commission of the League of Nations last November.
According to the minutes of the Mandates Commission, Sir Arthur Grenfell Wauchope admitted that dissatisfaction continues regarding the Jewish share in the Transjordan Frontier Force from which Jews were practically absent. He declared that this Force was open to all but the fact that a knowledge of Arabic was essential in the Transjordan Frontier Force interfered with the recruitment of Jews.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
