High Zionist circles here expressed grave concern today over the present attitude of the Administration towards the recommendation of the Anglo-American conferees for “canonization” of Palestine.
The meeting yesterday between President Truman and Senators Robert F. Wagner and James Mead, who were accompanied by James C. MacDonald, a former member of the Anglo-American inquiry committee, was termed “disappointing” by a high Zionist spokesman.
He said that there is no clear indication as to where the President and Secretary of State Byrnes stand with regard to the plan; which the Zionists consider a radical departure from the recommendations of the inquiry committee.
It is felt by these Zionist circles that President Truman, if he is to stand by his demand for the immediate admission of 100,000 Jews to Palestine, and an equitable solution of the entire problem, must indicate clearly his disapproval of the partition proposal, both publicly and to the British Government, before the question in discussed in Parliament on Wednesday.
(Reports from London today said that the British Government has decided to attempt to carry out its Palestine plan even if there are American objections, and despite the already expressed opposition of the Arabs and the Jews.)
Informed circles here today said that British proposals include a suggestion for a U.S. loan or grant to the Arabs in Palestine, which would help to raise their cultural and economic level. The reports of the size of the loan vary, with one source saying $50,000,000 and another $200,000,000.
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