Sir John Chancellor, High Commissioner of Palestine, appeared before the Permanent Mandates Commission of the League of Nations to offer oral explanations to the League body in addition to the report of the British government as the Mandatory Power reviewing the administration of Palestine during the year 1928.
On Friday, at noon, the Commission stated the consideration of the reports concerning the mandated territory of Palestine.
Sir John reported that during the past year there were no important changes in the administration of the country. The relations between the Jews and the Arabs have improved, with the exception of differences over the question of the Wailing Wall. The Arabs seem to be willing now to cooperate with the Mandatory Power. Seyeral deputations have expressed this readiness and formulated a demand for a representative regime. The High Commissioner told the League Commission that he explained to the Arabs that there are many reasons hindering Great Britain from agreeing to such a proposal, in particular the obligations imposed upon Great Britain by the League of Nations pact, in regard to Palestine. Another fact hindering Great Britain’s introducing representative government in Palestine is that Palestine is the cradle of three religions. However, the government
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will examine the question and seek the best solution.
The economic depression which prevailed in the country has disappeared, the High Commissioner stated, expressing his belief that the critical point has been passed. Conditions in agriculture and industry have considerably improved. The construction of the Haifa harbor will undoubtedly further commerce. The future will bring better conditions, he said. The economic welfare of the country depends on safety and order, which absolutely exist in the country.
Concerning the Jewish National Home, Sir John stated that its development depends on further immigration and on the further aid of the Jewish communities abroad. At present the immigration of Jews to Palestine again exceeds their emigration. The Hebrew University is making progress and is rapidly becoming a considerable, intellectual Hebrew center.
The High Commissioner described the campaign carried on by the government against epidemics and particularly its anti-malaria work. In the field of education it was impossible for the government to create a unified type of schools, since Christian missionaries as well as the Jews desire to have and to administer their own schools. The government is now preparing legislation which would take into consideration all points of view.
The High Commissioner concluded with information concerning conditions in Transjordania.
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