Dr. Chaim Weizmann, president of the Jewish Agency for Palestine, today received written assurances from Colonial Secretary William Ormsby-Gore that suspension of immigration into the Holy Land has not been made the basis of negotiations looking toward peace.
In a letter to Dr. Weizmann, made public at today’s session of the Agency’s administrative committee meeting, Mr. Ormsby-Gore declared the Palestine Government was not negotiating with Nuri Pasha as-Said, Iraq Foreign Minister and peace mediator, along the lines of immigration stoppage.
Reading of the letter considerably eased the tension among Zionist and non-Zionist leaders attending the two-day conference here. Reports have been current for many days that immigration would be suspended temporarily in order to stop the Arab disorders and permit the Royal Commission to proceed with its inquiry.
In his letter to Dr. Weizmann, Mr. Ormsby-Gore denied that the Iraqi Foreign Minister had been authorized to assure Arab leaders on the measures that would be taken after cessation of the disturbances.
He said no promises had been made by High Commissioner Sir Arthur Wauchope or the British Government to Nuri Pasha as-Said with reference to suspension of immigration.
The Colonial Secretary also said there was no foundation to the report in the Palestine Post on Tuesday which listed alleged terms on which the Arab Supreme Committee would abandon the general strike against Jewish immigration.
It was indicated in well informed circles today that the Iraq Foreign Minister’s mediation efforts may be abandoned.
Following is the full text of Mr. Ormsby-Gore’s letter:
“I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of September 1 enclosing a report from the Palestine Post as to certain terms alleged to have been accepted by the Palestine Arab Higher Committee as the basis for terminating the strike and terrorist campaign.
“No such terms have been agreed to either by the High Commissioner or by His Majesty’s Government. Moreover, there’s no foundation for the suggestion referred to in a letter addressed on August 31by the Jewish Agency for Palestine to the High Commissioner that the High Commissioner had authorized Nuri Pasha to give assurance regarding certain measures, including suspension of immigration, to be taken after cessation of disturbances. Not only has Nuri Pasha not been authorized to give any such assurances but Sir Arthur Wauchope states he has not asked for such authority and to the best of the High Commissioner’s belief, Nuri Pasha made clear to the Arab leaders that he was not in a position to give any such assurances.
“No promises have been made to Nuri Pasha by the High Commissioner or by His Majesty’s Government as regards either suspension of immigration or his position as mediator in the affairs of Palestine.”
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