“Le Temps” publishes an editorial on the situation in Palestine, in the course of which it suggests that the position is one which merits the consideration of the Council of the League of Nations.
The official organ of the Transjordanian Government, it writes, demands that King Hussein should be proclaimed Caliph of Arab Islam. In London they assure us that England does not approve of King Husaein’s ambitions. But either the British themselves encouraged King Hussein to stand as a candidate for the caliphate, or King Hussein has rushed forward because he has heard that the British Government is supporting another candidate. It is quite possible that both these suppositions are correct. But that as it may, King Hussein has extended his rule to the banks of the Jordan.
The King of the Hedjaz declares that Great Britain promised him that she would recognize Arab independence in Palestine. That is how he understands the British engagements of October, 1915. We doubt that Great Britain ever intended making a promise of that kind. Egypt and Palestine are two bases from which the Suez Canal can be defended-or attacked. Egypt already possesses an Arab Government. It is therefore highly improbable that the British would ever think seriously of installing an Arab Government in Palestine as well. Britain is still interested in preserving the Balance of Power. Besides, she has assumed the responsibility of transforming Palestine into a Jewish national home.
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.
