Britain to Grant the Dead Sea Concession Before the End of May

The concession to exploit the salts of the Dead Sea will be signed before the end of May, declared Major Ormsby-Gore, Under-Secretary for the Colonies, in reply to a question raised in the House of Commons by Lieutenant Howard-Bury, who has consistently opposed the granting of the concession to Engineer Novemejsky.

Lieutenant Howard-Bury urged the conclusion of an arrangement because potash is necessary for Great Britain’s agriculture and also to free the country from the German potash control. The Under-Secretary denied that the concession has already been granted to Engineer Novomejsky, declaring that it was only provisionally offered to Major Tulloch and Engineer Novemjsky in equal shares. They will undoubtedly be able to raise the necessary funds to finance the project, the Secretary declared.

Lieutenant Howard-Bury asked whether it is true that Major Tulloch has transferred power of attorney to Engineer Novomejsky, giving him complete control. The Secretary stated he should reply later to this question. Lieutenant Howard-Bury, supported by H. E. Crawfurd, urged that preference be given to French concessioners who would be more inclined to help break the German potash control. Major Ormsby-Gore replied that fair consideration is given to all tenders for the concession. A request for bids was advertised throughout the world.

Assurance of permanent British control over the Dead Sea concession and avoidance of a monopoly by any group or organization producing the potash when the final agreement is signed, was urged by Captain Cazalet in a question he raised. Replying to Captain Cazalet, Major Oramsby-Gore stated that the mandate makes the inclusion of the indicated provisions impracticable. The operating company, however, will be restricted against entering any arrangement in order to limit its output or to maintain prices without the consent of the Palestine and Transjordanian Governments.