Renewed efforts to have Palestine proclaimed a crown colony instead of a mandated territory under the League of Nations were started today by Col. Josiah Wedgwood, Laborite member of the British Parliament.
Col. Wedgwood, who has been known for his pro-Zionist sentiments, is the author of an article appearing today in the Near East and India, semi-official organ of the Colonial Office, declaring that Palestine must be converted into a crown colony.
“Either Palestine becomes a crown colony or it will be Germanized,” Col. Wedgwood warns in his article.
PROGRESS HAMPERED
The present status of Palestine as a mandate territory is thwarting the progress of the country, the Laborite member of Parliament believes.
Col. Wedgwood accuses the present British administrators of Palestine of antipathy towards Jewish immigration. He also points out the advantages Palestine would enjoy by receiving imperial preference as a crown colony, particularly in trading with other countries of the British Empire.
“The present agitated political uncertainty in Palestine would terminate if the country were given the status of a crown colony,” Col. Wedgwood predicts.
He emphasizes that through the increased use of Yiddish in Palestine and through the large immigration from Germany, there is a danger that Palestine may become “Germanized.” This danger can be averted only if Palestine becomes a part of the British Empire by being given the status of a crown colony, he says.
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