Complaints before the Royal Commission of Inquiry of insufficient Government grants to the all-Jewish city of Tel Aviv drew from the commissioners today a hostile reaction.
Mayor Israel Rokach, advancing the city’s claims, said Tel Aviv was being hampered in its development by lack of Government aid although the city paid huge sums into the Palestine treasury.
Prof. Reginald Coupland, a member of the commission, pointing out that Tel Aviv residents were enjoying a good deal, demanded to know: “What more do they want?”
Sir Harold Morris, another member of the six-man body, tartly declared: “Despite your half million (pounds) budget, you are demanding Government grants.”
Further questions were even more antagonistic in tone, another commissioner suggesting that Tel Aviv wanted more money for movies.
Replying to questions on the new port being constructed at Tel Aviv, Mayor Rokach said it could be used for Jaffa as well. He said necessary alterations to make it suitable for common use by both neighboring cities could be financed by a Prudential loan to be repaid by the harbor commission.
The commission adjourned the session to meet in camera, hearing testimony by Edward Keith-Roach, Haifa District Commissioner, and Robert E. H. Crosbie, Southern District Commissioner.
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