Hussein Demands Full Independence for Palestine

The “Falastin” writing on the recent declaration made by King Hussein’s representative in Jerusalem says:

“Anyone reading the declaration made by the representative of King Hussein will believe in the King’s devotion to the Arab cause, particularly as far as the Palestine question is concerned.

“This declaration will remove all doubts and will cause much better feeling in all relations with King Hussein, while doing away with the ill feeling caused by the publication of his statement by the Palestine Government.

“It is true that this declaration is not completely satisfactory as long as the British Zionist policy continues, but it gives us new energy and force to defend our rights which have been overriden and prompts us to continue our work until the British, whose policy is robbing us of our land, recognize that Palestine belongs to the Arabs and only to the Arabs.”

The declaration referred to reads:-

“I have been delegated by his majesty to explain to you his intentions. The draft of the Anglo-Arab Treaty as presented to King Hussein has not met with his complete approval. He introduced important modifications, including a stipulation for the complete and absolute independence of Palestine, in order that the inhabitants of Palestine might choose their own Government for the conduct of public affairs as they may desire. This modification leaves the Balfour Declaration ineffective.

King Hussein also demands that the Palestine High Commissioner should announce to you after the conclusion of the Treaty in the presence of the delegate from the Hedjaz, that Palestine is completely independent and unconditionally eligible to join the Arab confederation of the States in fulfillment of British pledges to King Hussein. King Hussein instructs me to assure you that if the British Government does not grant this stipulation, he will flatly refuse to sign the Treaty.

“King Hussein intends to pay a visit here when the negotiations are ended. If they are successful, he will consult you as to what form of Government you desire. If unsuccessful, he will come to consult you as to what steps are to be taken.

I am ordered by King Hussein to say that he regards the Palestinians as his children, be they Moslems or Christians, native Jews or Zionists, who are ready to abandon the Balfour Declaration.”