The future of the Jews in Palestine will be fully considered at Washington during the talks between Prime Minister Attlee and President Truman, when Attlee visits the U.S. capital, it was reported here today by the Reuters news agency. (The White House announced today that Attlee is expected to come to Washington around November 10.)
Speaking in the House of Commons today, Attlee said that he was not able to say when he would make a statement on Palestine, but he assured a questioner that the statement will be made as soon as possible. Meanwhile, it was learned that the question of Attlee’s statement was discussed today during a long meeting of the Cabinet.
According to Reuters, there is a growing belief in London that Attlee will propose to Truman the partitioning of Palestine as an ultimate solution of the entire problem. The Reuter report emphasizes that though the broad outline of the British Government’s policy for Palestine seems to be settled, the plan has yet to receive its final shape and the approval of the Cabinet. “This may now be delayed until the Prime Minister has had on opportunity to discuss it with President Truman,” the report added.
Referring to the immediate recommedations which Attlee will make to President Truman, the Reuter report says: “The general expectation is that a quota to allow into Palestine 2,000 Jews monthly has been fixed and it is believed that Azzam Bey, secretary of the Arab League, agreed to this figure during his recent stay in London. In return for this acceptance he is reported to have asked that the British Government publicly state its adherence to the White Paper and continue to consult the Arabs on all matters of Palestine policy.”
A spokesman of the Jewish Agency today said that Palestine Jewry would resist this solution as utterly inadequate and that under these conditions a large stepping up of “unauthorized” immigration would have to be counted on. Jewish circles say that they are fully aware that there are four full British divisions now in Palestine and that the Navy has made Haifa and not Cyprus its base. Nevertheless, they believe that the Jews in Palestine will be able to ensure the safe landing of Jewish refugees from Europe.
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