Simpson’s Report Praises Jewish Palestine Achievements and Stresses Arab Viewpoint

While giving expression to his admiration for the Jewish achievements in Palestine and lauding the constructive work done in the country through Jewish enterprise and initiative, the report of Sir John Simpson also stresses the Arab point of view, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency learns. Sir John, whose report is to be made public shortly, describes the Arab’s conception of the “growing danger of Jewish predominance.”

Noting that while the Palestine government has done little to bring the Jews and Arabs together and to make them understand one another, Sir John’s report points out that the installation of the Jews in Palestine is being watched with jealousy and suspicion by the Arabs who see in it a menace to their land possessions, their existence and even to their religious freedom, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency understands.

REPORT GUARDED

Although Sir John’s report is being closely guarded to prevent any leaks it is learned that his findings show that the march of Jewish progress in Palestine is considered by the Arabs as the advance of an enemy and a daily growing danger, realizing that lands purchased by the Jewish National Fund can never be restored. In his report Sir John will probably try to hold the balance between Jews and Arabs, it is believed. He will, no doubt, endeavor to find the middle of the road between the Jewish National Home and the second part of the Mandate referring to the non-prejudicing of the rights of the existing non-Jewish population.

Pending the publication of the Simpson report, the return of Dr. Chaim Weizmann to London is expected to lead to an intensification of the negotiations between the Jewish Agency and the Colonial Office. While the Imperial Conference is in session, however, these negotiations are likely to lag somewhat as the various members of the government with whom the Jewish Agency leaders are dealing are preoccupied with the Conference.

Swift developments may, however, be expected after the government’s statement on its future policy in Palestine is issued. The statement is expected to be published even before parliament reconvenes. It is a matter of only a few weeks before the issuance of the long-awaited statement, which will probably be based largely on the findings of Sir John Simpson.

In the meantime the Colonial Office has not yet released the suspended labor schedule immigration certificates. The economic situation in Palestine, which is more and more being affected by the general world depression, might have increased the Colonial Office’s reluctance to reopen immigration, particularly in view of the fact that the number of unemployed in Palestine is rising somewhat.