Sweeping constitutional changes in Palestine were wholly unacceptable, it was pointed out to the Arab delegation since such changes would render it impossible for His Majesty’s Government to carry out its obligations under the Mandate, declared a statement issued by the Colonial Office.
It was made clear that no proposals could be considered which are incompatible with the requirements of the Mandate. The Colonial Office’s communique points out that the conversations with the Arab delegation are now at an end and that the delegation expressed its views on a number of subjects, particularly land and immigration and the grant of a constitution, the government taking note of these views.
There was no question of the discussions having broken down because there had been no negotiations at all, it was explained. The Arab delegation was not invited to negotiate but was given an opportunity of putting its point of view before the Secretary of State, who is now in complete possession of the Arab point of view which it was announced would be kept in mind for the future.
The Arab delegation is leaving for home, May 23, via Marseilles.
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