Britian Rejects U.N. Decision for Early Establishment of Militia in Palestin

The British Government today notified the United Nations that recruitment of an armed militia will not be allowed in Palestine prior to the termination of the Mandate. Preparatory measures for the establishment of the militia would similarly be prohibited, except those compatible with previous statements of policy made by British representatives before the United Nations.

Sir Alexander Cadogan, head of the British delegation of the U.K., also served notice on the members of the Implementation Commission, warning them that they cannot enter Palestine prior to two weeks before the termination of the Mandate.

The attitude of the British Government, as conveyed by Cadogan, provoked heated arguments between members of the Implementation Commission and the British representative at today’s closed session. As a result, it was understood that the door would be left open for further negotiations on the questions of U.N. preparations for the establishment of a militia in Palestine and on the time when members of the Commission should arrive in Palestine to implement the partition decision of the General Assembly.

Cadogan told the Commission that the British Government would order the return of the Arab Legion from Palestine to Transjordan before the termination of the Mandate and the Transjordan Frontier Force would also be disbanded. He declared that only arms in the hands of the police would be left for the regime which will succeed the British Administration in Palestine. The remainder of the military equipment, he said, would be disposed of by the army, but he did not elaborate.

Asked if the British will cooperate with the United Nations in the setting up of Provisional Councils of Government, Sir Alexander replied that his government will not impede the formation of such councils, but will not allow them, to exercise any authority prior to the termination of the Mandate.

In response to the query whether the British propose to supply any arms or equipment to any groups in Palestine, the British representative replied that neither arms or military materiel were being supplied to any groups in the country except for the local police forces in Tel Aviv and Haifa.

To the question whether Britain is ready to accept responsibility for law and order in areas evacuated by British forces prior to the end of the Mandate, Cadogan answered in the affirmative. The British forces, he stated, will defend the whole of Palestine against any armed aggression prior to termination of the Mandate. After May 15th, they will resist attacks made against British forces only, or on their of communication, be said.

Members of the Commission asked Cadogan what the legal status will be of the British forces remaining in areas they continue to occupy after the Mandate’s termination. The British representative replied that a directive on this matter is being issued to commanding officers concerned and copies will be given soon to the commission.