Reports of a British Plan for Partitioning Palestine Termed “pure Speculation”

Authoritative sources today told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that all talk of the British Government having prepared a plan or several plans, for the partitioning of Palestine is “pure speculation.” They stated that no dramatic developments should be expected when the conference on Palestine is resumed next Tuesday.

The same sources, however, saw significance in the presence in London of David Ben Gurion, Moshe Shertok and other leading members of the new world Zionist executive when the parley opens. They indicated that Britain would be ready for parallel talks with the Zionist leaders while the London parley goes on, but emphasized that no final arrangements have been made for such talks.

Asked whether the British Government still expects the Jewish Agency to attend the London conference, the same sources declared: “Officially the government is still hopeful; however, it has reconciled itself to realities.”

Separate informal talks between the British Government and representatives of the world Zionist executive are likely to start here next week. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency learns the talks will be conducted by representatives of the world Zionist executive only, without participation of representatives of other Jewish organizations.

The Jewish Agency office here learned that some Jewish organizations offered to participate in the London conference, and brought the matter to the attention of the Agudas Israel in Palestine. Jewish Agency circles expressed the belief that as a result of its protest the Palestine Agudah will not only abstain from participation, but will also oppose participation by certain leaders of the Agudah in London who are willing to attend the parley despite the refusal of the Jewish Agency to join it.