The British Government today notified the Stated Nations that it would not comply with the U.N. recommendations that the British ?draw from a port in the Jewish area of Palestine by February 1, in order to facili?e Jewish immigration.
Britain does not intend to admit into Palestine more than the present quota 1,500 Jewish immigrants a month until the termination of the Mandate, Sire Alexander Cadogen, British representative at the U.N., told the Implementation Commission ?a closed sessioni this afternoon. He added that the British navy will continue to percept all ships carrying “illegal” Jewish immigrants to Palestine until the ?date is surrendered.
The text of the questions asked by the Implementation Commission and the polices given by Cadogan, on behalf of the British Government, were made public at the ?clusion of today’s Commission session. They read:
“1. What plan has the Mandatory power for the expediting of immigration yond its present quota of 1,500 Jewish immigrants per month?
“Answer: It is my government’s intention to maintain its present policy recording Jewish immigration into Palestine under which 1,500 Jews are admitted monthly until the termination of the Mandatory administration. “2. What plan has the Mandatory power with respect to the recommendations ?de by the General Assembly calling for a port of entry by February 1.
“Answer: His Majesty’s Government has repeatedly made it dear that so long the Mandatory power is maintained they must retain undivided control over the ?ole of Palestine. For this reason, it is not possible for my government to comply ?th the recommendations for the evacuation of a Jewish port or the hinterland so ?ng as the Mandate continues.
“3. Would ships carrying unauthorized Jewish immigrants be prevented from ?ing to Tel Aviv and landing there in the period between February 1 and the termination of the Mandate?
“Answer: Yes, in accordance with the many decisions of my government that the existing immigration policy be maintained until the termination of the Mandate.’
“4. Does the Mandatory power intend to transfer all of the Jewish immigrants ?presently detained on Cyprus to Palestine? If so, when and under what conditions?
“Answer: His Majesty’s Government already announced that it cannot permit Jewish illegal immigrants to remain in British territory after withdrawal of their forces from Palestine. The arrangement for the removal of illegal immigrants held in Cyprus are among the responsibilities which have hitherto fallen on the government of Palestine and form one of the points on which my delegation is instructed to negotiate with the Commission.”
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