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Fluctuations in British Government’s Policy in Palestine Followed Not Without Uneasiness Mandates Co

August 25, 1931
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The Commission has followed not without some uneasiness the fluctuations in the Mandatory’s policy in Palestine, and it hopes that the new endeavours to solve the problem of the relations between Arabs and Jews will be crowned with success, says the report of the Mandates Commission of the League of Nations which has been presented to the Council of the League of Nations for consideration at its forthcoming meeting next Monday week.

Satisfaction is expressed in the general observations that order has been maintained in Palestine during 1930. The year 1930 has been marked by a series of enquiries, studies, and pourparlers, the report proceeds, from which it will be possible to draw useful lessons which will no doubt be translated into concrete measures.

The Commission has noticed the statement made by Dr. Drummond Shiels, the British Accredited Representative, it continues, that the Government is endeavouring to facilitate Jewish immigration without prejudicing the Arab majority by increasing the capacity of Palestine to absorb immigration. The Commission has noted the preparations for the agricultural development plan, and the Commission has welcomed the recognition by the British Representative of the fact that improvement in the relations between Arabs and Jews depended on a just settlement of questions of an economic nature.

The following special observations are made in the report: The Commission welcomed the statement made by Dr. Shiels that the Mandatory, in accordance with the White Paper, intended to set up a Legislative Council, and it took note of the fact that a departure from the White Paper would be made in regard to various matters.

The Commission hopes that the Mandatory will give effect to its intention to reorganise the Municipal authorities in Palestine, and to confer on them the widest powers.

The Commission considers that the periodical compilation of accurate statistics on unemployment will be made of the greatest value both in determining the annual quotas of labour contingents and in satisfying public opinion as a decision is arrived at.

The Commission hopes that the report of the Wailing Wall Commission, which has finally determined the rights and claims of Jews and Moslems at the Wailing Wall will put an end to the past controversies.

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