Transjordan, which constitutes part of the British mandate over Palestine, may soon be given full independence and become a member of the United Nations Organization, at the recommendation of the British Government, it was indicated here today.
It was predicted that when Foreign Secretary Bevin delivers his address this week before the General Assembly of the United Nations Organization, he will point out that Transjordan is at present mature and ready for independence. He will also announce that a treaty granting the country independence will be signed when Emir Abdullah, the ruler of Transjordan, arrives in London shortly.
The British Foreign Secretary will express the hope that Transjordan may be able to join the United Nations before the session of the General Assembly is concluded. At present, the treaty between Britain and Emir Abdullah provides for the appointment of a British resident in Amman, capital of Transjordan, who is subordinate to the High Commissioner of Palestine.
MOVE SOON AS ATTEMPT TO EVADE PLACING COUNTRY UNDER TRUSTEESHIP
Bevin’s intention of announcing the independence of Transjordan is looked upon in well-informed circles here as a move to prevent the placing of Transjordan, a mandated territory, under the supervision of the Trusteeship Council of the UNO. Such a move would bring Transjordan into the same category as Syria and Lebanon, mandated territories which were made into independent states by a decision of one or more of the great powers.
The question of mandated territories will come before the General Assembly within a few days, as a result of a resolution presented by the Soviet Government, urging the nations that hold mandated territories to place them under the supervision of the Trusteeship Council as soon as possible. The resolution was adopted by the Preparatory Commission of the United Nations Organization.
Should Transjordan become a member of the United Nations, the Arab countries will have six votes in the General Assembly which will be increased to seven if Yemen, an Arab principality, which is also anxious to join the UNO, is admitted to membership. The Arab bloc will thus become one of the largest regional groups within the United Nations Organization.
Riad El Solh, former Prime Minister of Lebanon, who is a delegate to the General Assembly, today said that “though the question of Palestine is not before the present session of the UNO, the Arab nations would show their agreed point of view if it should come up.” He emphasized that the Arab delegates will press for a representative in the Trusteeship Council, which will decide on matters concerning the mandated territories.
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.
