What is purported to be an official resume of the British treaty now being negotiated with King Hussein of the Hedjas, is published by the PALESTINE WEEKLY of Jerusalem.
The treaty recognizes the independence of the Arab states of Mesopotamia, Transjordania and of the Arab peninsula exclusive of Aden. The part of the treaty which has aroused the most discussion, the provisions regarding Palestine, makes no alteration in the status quo except to open the way for Palestine to become associated with the Arab states for customs “or other purposes”, if it chooses.
The text of this provision, Article II, is as follows: “His Britannic Majesty undertakes to recognize and support the independence of the Arab peninsula exclusive of Aden. As regards Palestine. His Britannic Majesty has already undertaken that nothing will be done in that country which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of the Arab community. In the event of the governments of any or all of these territories expressing the desire to enter into an association for customs or other purposes, with a view to eventual confederation. His Britannic Majesty will, if requested to do so by the parties concerned, use his good offices to further their desire.”
“His Hashemite Majesty recognizes the special position of His B ritannic Majesty in Irak, Trans-Jordania and Palestine and undertakes that in such matters as come within the influence of His Hashemite Majesty concerning these countries, he will do his best to cooperate with His Britannic Majesty in the fulfillment of these obligations.”
The JEWISH WORLD commenting recently on the Treaty, pointed to the danger to the Zionist position inherent in the second part of Article II which lumps together Irak, Trans-Jerdan and Palestine. It called upon the Zionist Organization to strain every effort to have the reading of the clause altered.
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