The British Cabinet today agreed on a proposed solution of the Palestine problem and submitted it to Jewish and Arab representatives for observation and comment.
Following the Cabinet meeting, Colonial Secretary Creech-Jones conferred for an hour with leaders of the Jewish Agency. Last night Cresch-Jones and Bevin met with David Ben Gurion and other leaders of the Jewish Agency. No statements were made after the two conferences.
British quarters today indicated that the new proposal provides for the admission of 100,000 Jews to Palestine, even in the face of Arab opposition, should Jewish leaders agree to accept “federalization” instead of partition. The proposal is attributed to Bevin who is pictured as fealing that the Cabinet’s rejection of partition would be a concession to the Arabs. while the admission of 100,000 Jews to Palestine would be a concession to the Jews. Bevin is also reported to believe that such a step would have the support of the United States.
No details of the new proposal will be published before the British Government resumes its talks with the Arab delegations and Jewish leaders. British officials hope that this will be early next week, which would give the Arabs and Jews time to study the plan. If any agreement emerges, it is understood that the Cabinet has pledged itself to accept it. In the event there is no agreement, the Cabinet has made no advance commitment concerning its attitude.
LOCAL ADMINISTRATION UNDER TRUSTEESHIP IS BELIEVED TO BE OFFERED
Local administration for a limited period under trusteeship is believed to form the basis of the new British proposal. This would imply that the plan envisages emergence of an autonomous state at the end of that period. It is understood that when he submitted the scheme to the Jewish and Arab representatives, Bevin declared that he would “at all cost” avoid imposing it against the will of either the Jews or the Arabs. Brithish circles indicated that should both sides reject the proposal, recourse to the United Nations would appear to be the only solution.
The Jewish Agency was taking steps today to convene a meeting with the participation pf representatives of the Anglo-Jewish Association, Agudas Israel and the Board of Deputies of British Jews to discuss the proposal. Leaders of the Anglo Jewish Assocciation today sent a letter to the London Times appealing to the Jewish Agency to assist the British Government. “The Jews throughout the world have deep appreciation of the humanity and justice which Britain so long manifested toward Jews everywhere.” the letter stated, expressing the hope that “a lasting and just solution will soon be found for the tragic situation in Palestine.”
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