The projected Royal Commission to inquire into Palestine disorders has been decided upon by the Government, rather than proposed, the House of Commons was told today by Dominions Secretary Malcolm MacDonald for the Colonial Office.
He said that since it was the case of a decision, and not an offer, the question of Arab acceptance did not arise. Jewish and Arab leaders have expressed opposition to the inquiry.
Replying to a question on the floor, Mr. McDonald disclosed the Government’s decision to send a commission to Palestine after order had been restored was communicated to the Arabs on May 14 by High Commissioner Wauchope and to Dr. Chaim Weizmann, president of the Jewish Agency for Palestine, by J.H. Thomas, former Colonial Secretary, on May 18.
He added that it was not yet possible to make a statement about the commission’s personnel.
In a written reply to a question on the Arab Supreme Committee and its use of violence to enforce the general strike against the Jews, Mr. MacDonald said he understood that the committee represented the principal Arab political party and was so regarded by the Palestine Government.
“My information is,” he stated, “that the committee has hitherto endeavored to restrain the more extreme elements of the public and has discountenanced violent measures.” He added that he had no information on Arabs killed and wounded for refusing to obey the committee’s orders.
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