Opposition to Participation in London Parley Growing Stronger in Palestine

Opposition to Jewish participation in the London conference on Palestine was growing stronger here today as the Small Zionist Actions Committee resumed its deliberations in an attempt to reach a final decision. It is almost certain that the decision will be in the negative.

(A cable cautioning against participation in the conference under the present circumstances was sent today to the Actions Committee in Jerusalem by Dr. Abba Hillel Silver. “Judging by press accounts, which is the only information we have, it would be a disastrous mistake to participate in view of the evidently negative British attitude even towards the minimum Paris program,” the cable said. “I feel I must warn against demoralization of the movement by a continuing retreat and by shifts of policy. American Zionism will give its fullest support to your firm consistent stand.”)

Meanwhile, the central committees of all Jewish political groups in Palestine assembled today to discuss jointly the question of whether or not to attend the parley. Berl Locker, member of the Jewish Agency executive who arrived here to report to the Actions Committee on the negotiations with the British Government, was today received by Palestine High Commissioner Sir Alan Cunningham who permitted him to visit Moshe Shertok, the imprisoned head of the Agency’s political department.

The Hashomer Hatzair, Jewish Radical Socialist party, issued a statement demanding that the Jewish Agency submit a formal complaint to the Security Council of the United Nations against the British Navy’s effort to extend its domination of Mediterranean waters under the pretext of hunting for ships carrying visaless Jewish immigrants to Palestine.