Strong criticism of Palestine immigration restrictions, coupled with the opinion that they were contrary to the mandate, was voiced today by members of the Permanent Mandates Commission in questioning British representatives.
Sir John Shuckburgh, Deputy Undersecretary of the Colonial Office, heading the British delegation, defended the restrictions, declaring they were merely temporary and were in accordance with the mandate under which his Government rules the Holy Land.
Sir John’s reply failed to satisfy the commissioners, some of them expressing disagreement with his views. They also questioned the British delegation on settlement possibilities in uninhabited areas of the Transjordan.
Turning to the Palestine Government’s report on the question of security, the commissioners expressed surprise on the extent to which terrorism was continuing and asked whether the Government could not secure the population against Arab bands. They also raised the question whether the wave of terror would have continued had the authorities taken stronger measures and the courts been more severe with terrorists. The British representatives replied that the Palestine terrain, featured by hills affording hideouts, made it difficult to eradicate terrorism.
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