‘manchester Guardian’ Voices Objection to Creation of Arab Agency

(J. T. A. Mail Service)

“It is interesting that, just at the time when the Palestine Survey Commission is about to complete its work in the Jewish interest, with the implication of the subsequent formation of an extended Jewish Agency, a move on the part of the Arabs should be reported from Palestine to from an Arab Agency analogous to the Jewish Agency,” the “Manchester Guardian” writes today commenting on the report regarding the intention of the Palestine Arabs to ask for a renewal of the offer of an Arab Agency.

“Apparently,’ it says, “the Arabs are resolved to have some institution which shall represent to the Jerusalem Government their political and economic intentions.

“When Sir Herbert Samuel in 1923 offered to the Arabs, by way of placating their antagonism to the Zionist experiment, such an Arab Agency as is now proposed, they definitely refused it,” the paper continues. “But in the meantime two things have taken place among the Arab population of Palestine: the old, uncompromising ‘Arab Executive’ has lost a good deal in prestige, and the constant emigration of Jews from Palestine has had a reassuring effect upon Moslem and Christian opinion, which no longer fears domination by the Jews.

“It is said that the new Arab party which is advocating an Arab Agency is prepared, while not recognizing the Balfour Declaration, to cooperate with the Government. Whether these hopes which are indeed not new, for such rumors have been spread about in previous years will be realized at the forthcoming Arab Congress in Palestine remains to be seen. It should be noted, however, that alarm is being expressed in certain Jewish quarters at the possible consequences of the formation of an Arab Agency,” the paper declares.