The chief reason for the talks in Paris last night between Secretary of State Byrnes and Prime Minister Attlee was to sound out Mr. Byrnes on the United States attitude towards the plan to federalize Palestine, according to reports appearing in the London press.
The Manchester Guardian’s diplomatic correspondent stated today that Truman’s demand for the admittance of 100,000 Jews to Palestine and British insistence on the implementation of any Palestine plan as a whole is still the chief bone of contention between Attlee and Byrnes.
The adverse reaction in Jewish and Arab circles to the federalization proposal is believed also to have been among the subjects discussed last night.
Colonial Secretary George Hall returned here today from Paris to consult with Sir John Shaw, Chief Secretary of the Palestine Government, who arrived this morning by air. Mr. Hall was present yesterday at the Byrues-Attlee meeting.
“I am here on a special mission to the Colonial Office, and shall be returning to Palestine as soon as is possible,” Shaw said on his arrival. “The new roundup of Jews in Palestine was only a precautionary measure as a result of evidence that the Palestine police have obtained,” he added.
Minister of State Philip Noel-Baker told the House of Commons today that Britain is negotiating with the British Government with regard to the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem. Replying to a questioner, he denied that the Mufti was classified as a war criminal, stating that “he is not an enemy national, nor a person who has served in the enemy forces,” Noel-Baker denied vigorously that there was any truth to reports circulating in London that the Palestine Administration was negotiating for the return of the Mufti to the Holy Land.
It was reported tonight that Prime Minister Attlee will not return to London to participate in the Palestine debate on Wednesday and Thursday. Herbert Morrison, Lord President of the Council, will open the debate for the government on Wednesday, while Sir Stafford Cripps will lead off on Thursday, with Mr. Hall winding up.
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