The hope that the Attlee Government’s first step will be abrogation of the Palestine White Paper policy and establishment of an independent Jewish homeland here is voiced in a cable sent the new Prime Minister by the Histadruth.
The Labor Party’s victory, the cable points out, “places upon it a big responsibility for the fate of Britain and the world. It gives the party a decisive influence in the solution of national and international problems.”
The press reaction to the Labor sweep was mixed. The left-wing Hebrew papers were enthusiastic, while right-wing organs were somewhat reserved. There has been no official Arab comment, but the first Arab reaction was disappointment. They are partioularly unhappy about the defeat of Brig. Gen. Sir Edward Spears, former British minister in Syria, who has been one of the staunchest and most articulate supporters of the Arab cause.
The influential Arab newspaper Falastin chose this moment to publish a long memorandum proposing amendments tighteming the White Paper land sale restrictions, which would restrict the establishment of new Jewish settlements and allow Arab officials in the land registry office to have supervision over any new transactions.
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