News Brief

(Continued from page 2)

“It has been asked whether applications have been received for the concession, and from what quarter. Applications were received in 1925. The offers that were then submitted were not regarded as acceptable and the applicants were informed that they might have to the end of 1926 to revise their applications. These applications were then considered. The applicants included Dr. Norton of the Palestine Salts Corporation, Mr. Maitland Edwards and Major Henry, Messrs. Tottie and Bicknell, Major Tulloch and Mr. Novomeysky. After careful consideration of all the applicants, of their financial position and of their knowledge and connections, the Governmnet have decided in principle to grant a concession to Major Tulloch and to Mr. Novomeysky, based on the offer which they have put before them. May I say that there is nothing signed or sealed yet. The question is in negotiation and therefore I cannot do more than indicate the general lines on which such agreement, if it is come to, will be made. May I say in this connection that in considering to whom this concession should be given, it is of the first importance that the group receiving the concession should be in a position to work it. They must have capital, they must have knowledge, and they must be tied by the concession so that they are certain to carry on this work.”

Lord Islington: “May I intervene to ask if the noble Lord can tell me whether the Government is satisfied that these qualifications are possessed by the two gentlemen whose names he gave as being probably the recipients of the concession.”

“They are satisfied,” Lord Lovat replied, ‘that these gentlemen and the group who are working with them, the financial backing they have, are suitable for carrying out the work. As I have stated, the object of the Government is to get the work done and to get it done independently of any combines which exist at the present time. A feature of the concession, in whatever form it ultimately takes, will be the allocation of a share of profits to the countries concerned, which the Government regard as the most satisfactory way of dealing with a concession of this kind and which to a great extent may eliminate, or at all events lessen, some of those political difficulties to which the noble Lord has referred. I do not think it would be advisable, in fact it is certainly not advisable at this stage, to go any further into the actual conditions surrounding the contract or agreement, but I would assure the noble Lord that the Government have no intention of confining themselves to a single department if they require advice, as they no doubt will require advice, on any portion of the contract. They are anxious that this should be a real live concern which will compete with the existing monopoly. They attach the very greatest importance to it, and they have taken full time to consider who would be the best group to carry on the work and the terms under which they can achieve the objects which they have in view.”

The Community Center of Congregation Beth Israel, Richmond Hill, L. I. will be dedicated today. Justice Mitchell May and Rabbi Simon R. Cohen will be the speakers at the exercises. Dr. Mordecai Soltes will be the speaker at a dinner to be given next Sunday evening, marking the week of exercises in connection with the dedication of the new center. Nathan Tannenbaum is chairman of the committee.