The “axe” in Palestine: 45 Arab 22 British and 12 Jewish Government of Ficiais Dismissed Under O’don

45 Arab officials, 22 British and 12 Jewish have been notified by the Government that their services are being dispensed with, in accordance with the recommendations of the Economy Commission, consisting of Sir Samuel O’Donnell and Mr. H. Brittain of the Treasury in London.

The Commission, which was appointed by the then Secretary of State for the Colonies (Lord Passfield), arrived in Palestine a year ago, in January 1931, to investigate the general organisation and efficiency of the Palestine Administration, and the introduction of economies.

It was recently reported unofficially that the Commission had recommended the dismissal of 50 senior and 250 junior Government officials.

The views of the Jewish Agency and the Palestine Jewish National Council (Vaad Leumi) were presented to the Commission on April 17th., when Colonel Kisch, on the joint behalf of both bodies, made representations regarding the general efficiency of the Administration, efficiency in the direction of special Jewish concerns, and economy in the cost of the Administration. The following subjects were specially dealt with: the place of British and Palestinian officials in the Administration with reference to the adoption of a policy for training, employing and increasing the number of Palestinian officials; conditions of service and composition of the Palestine Police; participation of unofficial representatives of the population in the Railway and Road Boards, the Committee for Trade and Industry, and generally on all the deliberative and advisory committees set up by the Government. The delegation also urged the adoption of active administrative measures to stimulate the development of the country, including the development of water resources, the opening of the country by roads, agricultural credits and assistance to the co-operative movement, and special measures to promote industrial development. In this connection stress was laid upon the necessity for a special department to assist trade and industry.

The special problem existing in connection with the different standards of life of Jewish and Arab labour was fully explained, it being emphasised that Jews desire to see Arab standards progressively raised, but feel entitled to resist any attempt to level down the status of Jewish workers below civilised standards. In this connection the claim of Jewish labour for a fair share of public and municipal works was dealt with. The promulgation and enforcement of labour legislation for improvement of the social conditions of all workers was urged.

Attention was drawn to the small proportion of Government expenditure for health and education. Jewish activities in this field were explained, emphasis being laid on the determination of the Jewish Agency to direct an increasing proportion of its own revenues to directly economic activities, while claiming for the social services of the Jewish population adequate Government support.