Fears that the British cabinet would immediately halt Jewish immigration into Palestine to placate the Arabs abated today when it was learned that no interference with the present immigration schedule was likely.
Zionist leaders regarded their position as only temporarily more hopeful, however, because it was believed that when the new schedule came for consideration before the High Commissioner in Jerusalem in October, he would not take action on it before the Royal Commission, which is to investigate the current disorders, had concluded its work.
Pressure from Palestine continues to be exerted on the Colonial Office for suspension of immigration, it was reported, on the ground that the three-month-old disturbances might otherwise spread to neighboring British-mandated Transjordan.
Halting of immigration and the sending of the Royal Commission to appease the Arabs are understood as being stressed from the Palestine end particularly on the ground that Great Britain should not antagonize the Arab and Moslem world in view of political uncertainties in the Mediterranean.
Opinion in official circles in London is divided, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency learned.
Apprehension is felt in some Government quarters lest British political prestige suffer irreparable damage in Britain’s appearing to bow to Arab intimidation and disregarding its announced intention not to send a Royal Commission until order has been restored.
It is realized that suspension of immigration, even temporarily, would have undesirable effects since it would be likely to encourage Arabs to launch a new campaign of strikes and guerilla warfare to force Great Britain’s hand into granting further Arab demands.
On the other hand it is pointed out, that suspension of immigration would not create a new precedent, since on two previous occasions of emergency Jewish entry was temporarily halted.
The composition of the Royal Commission has already been determined, it was learned, and a public announcement of its personnel is expected to be made in three or four weeks.
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