Britain for Jewish National Homeland, Not Jewish State, Ormsbygore Says; Still Adheres to Balfour De

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In reply to a query by Colonel Bury in the House of Commons, Ormsby-Gore issued a statement of the government’s attitude declaring that “the government certainly intends to safeguard the civil and religious rights of the inhabitants of Palestine.

“As the mandatory power in accordance with the terms of the mandate, the government is charged with facilitating the development of the Jewish national homeland in Palestine but the creation of a Jewish state or government is no part of such policy.

“As the trustees of the Holy Land on behalf of the League of Nations, it is the object of the British Government and of the British administration to promote the harmony and development of all races and creeds in Palestine and prevent the domination of any one over others.”

Replying to a further question by Captain Barkely if the Government still adhered to the Balfour Declaration, Ormby-Gore said “Yes”.

Gore in further speaking of the situation in Palestine declared that the Rutenberg concession had made great progress and that 225 applications for connection with the Rutenberg station had been received, many coming from Arabs.

The report previously published of a special committee appointed to consider the Palestine situation is erroneous. The report probably originated from the proposed meeting of Sir Herbert Samuel with the Irak committee.

The London Post this morning takes a surprising attitude toward the Palestine situation, declaring in an editorial that Palestine is too near the Suez to make it safe for England to withdraw. If England surrenders the mandate, France and Italy will start a keen campaign for its control, it warns.

The Post takes great pleasure in the fact that according to the government the creation of a Jewish state is no part of the government policy.