The round-table conference on Palestine, scheduled to open Sept. 9, will probably be postponed until Sept. 16 or 23 to give Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin time to discuss with representatives of the Arab states the reported willingness on their part to consider the partition of Palestine.
The belief was expressed here today that there is now a strong likelihood that the Jewish Agency will participate in the London conference, as a result of a meeting which took place in Paris this afternoon between Bevin and Dr. Nahum Goldmann.
It is understood that Bevin wants some measure of agreement with the Arab States before opening the talks with the Jewish Agency, recognizing the hopelessness of the conference unless such a preliminary agreement along lines favorable to the Jews, is obtained.
During earlier talks with Dr. Goldmann, Bevin promised that British representatives in Cairo would raise the question of partition based on an independent, self-sufficient Jewish state with Arab statesmen there. Whether such discussions have already been initiated has not yet been determined, but information available here indicates that Arab leaders representing the Arab states have reversed their former stand on partition for internal political reasons, and are willing to support such a policy provided the British approve.
For the first time in many weeks Jewish quarters have appeared optimistic and considerably heartened by the sudden change of events. They point to Bevin’s willingness to engage in talks with Dr. Goldmann as one of the most hopeful signs. They are also pleased by Bevin’s request to Goldmann to help in framing the replies to Arab arguments opposing partition, such as fears of the future development of Jewish irredentism in the Arab part of Palestine.
It is felt here that the swing toward partition as a solution opposed to the “federalization” scheme has now become marked. Jewish circles believe Bevin has been won over to at least a serious conference discussion of such a solution for four compelling reasons. They are:
1. Partition is favored by many Conservatives in addition to Labor M.P.’s, therefore it is most likely to win support in Commons; 2. It is supported by the dominions including Canada, South Africa and Australia; 3. It is backed by the United States; 4. Even the Arab states are now ready to support it.
Only one other interested party–the Palestine Arabs–are still opposed to partition. But it is pointed out that they have heavily compromised their position by “festooning it with the Mufti,” whom British public opinion can never accept because of his collaborationist record.
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