Enquiry into Palestine Administration: Colonial Office Statement: Proposals for New Services and New

The Secretary of State for the Colonies has appointed a Commission consisting of Sir Samuel O’Donnell (Chairman), and Mr. H. Brittain, of the Treasury, says an official statement issued to-night by the Colonial Office, to proceed to Palestine with the following terms of reference:

1. To examine and report on the revenue, expenditure and general organisation of the Palestine Administration with particular reference to – (a) the efficient and economical staffing of existing Departments; (b) the proposals for new services and new staff made as a result of recent enquiries or otherwise; (c) the prevention or elimination of any necessity for financial assistance from His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom towards the cost of civil administration.

2. To examine from the point of view of efficiency and economy the need for the grant-in-aid of the administration of Transjordan and to report thereon; provided that the enquiry shall not extend to the size and composition of the forces maintained for the purpose of defence in Palestine and Transjordan.

The Commission will begin its enquiry immediately.

It is understood, the statement adds, that the findings of the Commission shall not prejudice the decisions to be arrived at with regard to the Development Commission.

The arrival of the O’Donnell Commission in Palestine was reported in the J.T.A. Bulletin of January 29th., where the Colonial Office information was quoted that the Commission is instructed to investigate the efficiency of the Palestine Administration and the effect of the introduction of economies.

The Colonial Office was unable to state at the time whether the Commission would also enquire into the possibilities of the proposed Palestine Development Scheme, which it is now stated it will not prejudice.