Palestine Government Replies to Demands of Jewish National Assembly

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency Mail Service)

The reply of the Palestine Government to the memorandum containing the resolutions adopted by the second Jewish National Assembly and handed to Colonel Symes, the Chief Secretary to the Palestine Government last week, by Mr. David Yellin, President of the Vaad Leumi, and Dr. J. Thon was received today.

To the question raised in the memorandum of the right of the Jewish population to receive its share from the Government’s budget for public services (education, health, etc.), the Government replies that the Government intends to increase its subvention to the Hebrew schools provided they submit to additional Government supervision. In general the present Government system is to make all possible provision for services intended to benefit the whole population.

In reply to the question of proportional employment of Jewish laborers in public works at wages suited to educated workmen, the Government reply says: When public works, in which taxpayers participate, are carried out there is no distinction of race or creed or unfair payment of labor. Nevertheless, the Government promises facilities.

On the demand for legislation for the protection of working men, women and youths, the Government reply says: The Government realizes the necessity for such legislation, and a draft Ordinance that it has drawn up is being considered by the Colonial Secretary. A Standing Commission has been appointed to collect data and make suggestions for protection of women and children in industry. The Commission will in future consult the General Jewish Labor Federation and other organizations in this matter.

The Government realizes the extent of opposition to the present form of tithe taxation, the statement says in regard to the demand for the repeal of the tithe, reform of taxation and facilitation of the development of industry and agriculture, and is desirous of introducing reforms in the whole taxation system. The arrival of Sir Ernest Dowson is expected. He will aid the Government in the preparation of a plan of reforms, some of which may take years to carry out. The Government also realizes the necessity to aid such industries which can be developed in this country.

With regard to the allocation of waste and State lands for Jewish colonization on the intensive system, in accordance with the Mandate, the Government statement says: The Government is obliged by the Mandate to give such support so far as it corresponds with justice and right. The Government proposes early agricultural reforms and aid to intensive cultivation throughout the country.

Concerning participation by the Jews in adequate proportion in the Civil Service and public security forces, and the creation of conditions enabling such participation, the statement refers the petitioners to the Government’s reply on the question of proportionate employment of Jewish laborers on public works.

With regard to the demand for the removal of restrictions on Jewish immigration, and the transfer of the right of regulating this immigration to the Jewish Agency, the Government says: The Government has no intention to discontinue the present system, but in its control of immigration does not lose sight of Jewish demands in this connection.

To the demands for full rights for the Hebrew language in Government and Municipal offices, facilities for citizenship to Jewish residents as prescribed by the Mandate, and equality of rights for women in all branches of civil, political and economic life of Jewry, such equality to be provided for in the laws of the country, the Government replies respectively: This matter is carried out so far as the financial and other considerations of the country permit; the Palestine Citizenship Order-in-Council has been published, and may be changed if experience of its operation requires; and noted for artention.

Other questions referred to the autonomy of Jewish schools and the rights of Jewish labor in public works, and were covered by the answers to queries I and 2. To the question of railway and customs tariffs, the Government states that transport rates are not excessive as compared with other countries, but promises its attention to the matter.

JEWISH COMMUNAL ACTIVITIES

Dr. Lee K. Frankel addressed a meeting in Los Angeles, Cal., where organization of the city’s drive in the United Jewish campaign was effected, Louis M. Cole was elected temporary chairman of the campaign which will be launched at a mass meeting on March 7.

The Menorah Society of Northwestern University will debate with the University of St. Louis Menorah on March 28. The subject is “Resolved, That American Jewry Should Support Organized Jewish Colonization in Russia.”