“There is no Zionist tyranny in Palestine. The British administration there is presided over by a British statesman of distinguished record, and is controlled by the British Minister of the Colonies. The policy in regard to Palestine has been affirmed by the three previous
governments, and it is impossible to go back.” This was the reply given today, in the House of Lords, by the Assistant Colonial Secretary Arnold to a question asked by Lord Raglan in regard to the situation in Palestine and Transjordania.
“The description of the tyranny of the administration,” the Assistant Colonial Secretary stated, “is not in accordance with the facts.”
Concerning the alleged tyranny and extravagance of Emir Abdullah, the present ruler of Transjordania, Mr. Arnod stated that these charges were unfounded.
“Transjordania,” he stated, “is within the geographical limits of the territory to which Britain promised independence, during the war. The administration of this territory was, therefore, aided with money and advice, but the British have never attempted to control it. There is some discontent among the population, and for that reason we do not view the situation with unmixed satisfaction. An uprising took place last September, but order was soon restored. Since the Arab Government has been established in Transjordania, Palestine has been immune from Bedouin raids; and this step has also been instrumental in the safeguarding of the desert, which is the air route between London and Bagdad, bringing London within ten days of Bagdad.
“The Transjordanian Government is at present in an experimental stage. The government is now considering the possibility of introducing certain improvements, and it is expected that a friendly discussion with Emir Abdullah on this subject will take place shortly. The British Government is fully alive to its obligations towards the territories under its mandates, and will do its utmost to place matters on a satisfactory footing.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
