Zionist Leaders Press for Continuance of Palestine Immigration

Zionist leaders made strong efforts today to prevail upon the British cabinet not to halt Jewish immigration into Palestine.

Dr. Chaim Weizmann, chairman of the Jewish Agency for Palestine, left for Paris, where he is expected to consult with Premier Leon Blum, regarded as a friend of the Zionist cause.

The Jewish leaders were spurred by reliable reports that the British cabinet had altered its attitude on current disorders in the Holy Land toward favoring suspension of Jewish immigration.

The cabinet was reported to be preparing to send immediately a Royal Commission to investigate the disturbances in the Holy Land. The personnel of the commission has already been decided upon, it was learned.

Zionist leaders pressed for adherence to the cabinet’s previously announced policy — that it would not yield to Arab intimidation nor appoint a Royal Commission until order was restored.

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency understood that the cabinet had not yet formally voted to suspend Jewish immigration into Palestine, but action on the proposal was expected within a fortnight.

The Zionists’ position, while very serious, was not considered hopeless. Until yesterday, it was held that immediate action would be taken, but it was believed today that Zionist representations had been somewhat successful in securing a delay.

Skepticism as to the good faith of denials that the British Government is planning to halt Jewish immigration to Palestine as a temporary measure for peace is voiced in the Manchester Guardian.

“There are some influential people who would not mind stopping immigration, at least for the time being,” the paper states, “and who deny the step conflicts with the real spirit of the Mandate.”

The Guardian expresses the hope that Colonial Secretary William Ormsby-Gore will not surrender, as did Sir Samuel Hoare and Capt. Anthony Eden, but adds:

“The trouble is, the unthinkable often happens with this Government.”