Palestine Omits Entry Schedule Again; Cites ‘economic and Other Factors’

The Palestine Government announced today it was omitting the immigration schedule for the three months ending June 30, but would issue a limited number of certificates to replace those unused under previous schedules.

The announcement continues in effect a policy inaugurated for the previous six months, which was attributed to “economic and other factors.” A statement published in a special edition of the official Palestine Gazette said:

“The economic and other factors specified in the notice of Dec. 26, 1940, announcing the decision not to prescribe an immigration quota for the six months ending March 31, 1941, while changing circumstances, are still of influence and the High Commissioner, with the Colonial Secretary’s approval, has decided not to prescribe an immigration quota for the three months from April 1 to June 30, 1941.

“The position will be reviewed with respect to the succeeding quarter, July to September, in the light of future circumstances. Replacement immigration certificates in strictly limited numbers will continue to be granted during April to June in special cases.

“The figures on Jewish immigration since April 1, 1939, are as follows: Certificates available subject to economic absorptive capacity under the policy declared in Command Paper No. 6019–50,000. Secondly, supplementary refugee certificates–25,000. Total–75,000.

“The immigration authorities have granted from April 1, 1939, to March 30, 1941, certificates numbering 19,601. Secondly, actual arrivals from April, 1939, to March, 1941–legal immigrants, 14,678; illegals deducted from the quota, 16,100; to be deducted from quotas, 2,090; total, 32,868; balance on account on April 1, 1941, is 42,132.

“It is expected that a number of immigrants will continue to enter Palestine on grants of the immigration authorities during the last 12 months.”