The long heralded Government statement on Palestine will probably not be made before Prime Minister Attlee leaves for Washington on Nov.9, Herbert Morrison, leader of the House of Commons, indicated today.
Replying to a questioner who asked whether in view of the serious situation in Palestine, the Government would not be willing to debate the subject next week, lorrison said that, firstly, he was not sure that the Government statement would be ready by then, and, secondly, that when the statement is made the Government desires a full dress debate, which could not fit into next week’s scheduled business.
He declared that he could not assure the House that the statement would be made before the Prime Minister’s departure. The delay was approved by former Prime Minister Churchill, who said that the question requires careful consideration.
Meanwhile, the British press continues to be full of lengthy, and frequently conflicting, “reliable” reports on what the Government’s statement will contain, when it is finally issued.
The Times diplomatic correspondent this morning writes that there is reason to believe that the reported Anglo-American plan for a joint commission to investigate the Jewish problem in Europe and Palestine was broached to secretary of State Byrnes by Foreign Minister Bevin, when Byrnes was here last month for the meeting of the Foreign Ministers Council. It is presumed, the Times says, that Byrnes brought to Washington proposals for joint action in a wide field.
The Daily Telegraph’s political correspondent asserts that Britain and America have agreed on a policy for world trusteeship for Palestine, but many details remain for discussion, some of which will be settled when Attlee sees Truman.
The News Chronicle, also commenting on the projected Anglo-American survey, says that it is believed in some quarters that many cultured European Jews could make a much greater contribution to society if they remain in Europe, and that these Jews would prefer this to “the more rudimentary life in Palestine,” if they were given guarantees against future persecution.
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