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Learn British Have Taken No Decision on White Paper Since War

December 10, 1939
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It was learned authoritatively today that the British Government has taken no decision affecting the Palestine White Paper policy since outbreak of the war. The official view is that the Government is committed to the White Paper policy and is determined to carry it out, but actual implementation has been delayed because of the war.

It is understood here that any change from this official view could only follow a decision by the Prime Minister or the War Cabinet. On this score, it is reliably understood that the Government has given assurances that it would consult Opposition leaders before taking further steps, particularly in view of the fact that the League of Nations Council has been unable to consider the policy.

This is considered a definitely encouraging development, since the Opposition is strongly sympathetic to the Zionists and would not support the White Paper policy if given an opportunity to press their views. Zionist anxieties, however, are not yet relieved. Zionist circles believe that Colonial Secretary Malcolm MacDonald is anxious to implement the policy further, notably in connection with regulation of land sales.

The Zionists are deeply concerned over the rigorous enforcement of immigration provisions of the White Paper and the unresponsive attitude met in negotiations for the extension of certificates from the previous schedule which had been assigned to Polish emigrants but not used because of the war.

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