Sir Arthur Wauchope, the High Commissioner of Palestine, has officially assured an Arab delegation that a Legislative Council will be established in Palestine in the very near future despite the opposition of the Jews.
Receiving yesterday a delegation of the Arab National Defense Party, of which Ragheb Bey Nashashibi, former Mayor of Jerusalem, is the leader, Sir Arthur denied a report that he has abandoned the idea of establishing a Legislative Council in Palestine.
“I wish to announce that this is not true. We are going to start negotiations very soon for the establishment of the Legislative Council,” the High Commissioner said.
Emphasizing that nothing can change his opinion with regard to the necessity of a Legislative Council in Palestine, the High Commissioner declared that the establishment of such a Council “is in the interests of the country.” He added that the Council will be composed of representatives of Arabs, Jews and government officials.
The statement by the High Commissioner created a tremendous impression, both among the Jews and the Arabs. The Legislative Council, if established, will place the Jews in the status of a national minority.
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